> > by Christine Pfeiffer
In the 1930s, Shanghai was known as the “Paris of the Orient” for its grand European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe. But in recent times, Shanghai’s rising city skyline, new entertainment precincts and proliferation of hip bars has earned it the nickname “Berlin of the East”.
There’s no doubt Shanghai is China’s hippest city. It’s a place where European culture and architecture has been entwined in the fabric of the city for centuries. The British built their settlement in 1843 and were followed by the Americans and the French. A visit to the French Concession is a stroll down memory lane and a reminder of Shanghai’s 1930s heyday.In Shanghai, east meets west and old meets new. The US$45 billion spent on preparing the city for the Shanghai Expo in 2010 brought new parks, roads, bridges, airport terminals and subway lines. Streets were repaved and entire neighbourhoods razed to make way for dazzling entertainment precincts.
Adding to the skyline of modern, Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance architecture on The Bund last year, were brand new luxury hotels such as Peninsula Shanghai, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai and the reconstructed Fairmont Peace Hotel, which was the hotspot for Shanghai’s elite in the 1930s.
Wander around Xintiandi in the Luwan district for its charming traditional Shikumen (stone gate) houses and narrow alleys with cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. Tianzifang is a new art zone in Taikang Road with hip art galleries, design studios, craft shops and fashion shops.
City’s sexiest bar: 789 Nanjing Lu Bar + Lounge on the 66th floor of Le Royal Meridien Hotel for martinis and 360-degree views of the skyline.
Best Romantic Dining: Book The Cupola at Three on the Bund for a private dinner with amazing views and VIP treatment. The elite private dining venue was once a bell tower for the historic building and has hosted celebrities like Michael Shumacher, Beyonce and Tom Cruise.
Sensational Shopping: On Nanjing Road head to Plaza 66 for top international designers and Taobao City Market for handbags.
Don’t miss: Gosney & Kallman’s Chinatown. The racy three-storey burlesque club, located in a 1930s Buddhist temple, dazzles with music, dancing girls and floor shows.
Couples will love: Wandering hand in hand past charming European architecture, gazing at the glittering skyline and being swept up by Shanghai’s glamour.