Do not miss top attractions in Shanghai

Shanghai, a vigorous and energetic international metropolis, welcomes people from all over the world to enjoy its special atmosphere. This modern metropolis with its rich heritage of ancient Chinese culture has much to see and do.

The Bund

The Bund may be a common sight for people who live in Shanghai, but for visitors, it is one of the first things you must do when entering the city. On the left bank of the waterfront promenade are the old European buildings from Shanghai’s colonial days, and on the right are the skyscrapers that have come to represent Shanghai on postcards and stamps around the world. For a peak Bund experience visit at sunrise, when pensioners practise tai chi and fly kites in front of the skyline.

Yu Garden

To the northeast of the old town and laid out in 1559, the splendid Yu Garden (Yù Yuán), also known as the Garden of Happiness, covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters and consists of an outer and an inner garden. The oldest section is the Outer Garden, with further changes being made in the 18th century when Sansui Tang, the park's main hall, was added (the building is notable for its lovely roof ornaments, figurative representations in bas-reliefs, and window openings, as well as its dragon-adorned walls).

The best-known building is the Hall of Spring where the Company of the Little Swords (Xiaodao Hui) had its headquarters between 1853 and 1855 when it ruled Shanghai. Of great historical importance are the artificial rocks in this part of the garden, the only work of the master garden designer Zhang Nanyang that has been preserved. The newer and much smaller Inner Garden dates from 1709 and includes features typical of a classical Chinese writer's garden: attractive little pavilions, decorative stones and miniature mountain ranges, dividing walls and small ponds, and even a richly decorated theatrical stage.

Jade Buddha Temple

It is one of the most famous Buddhist shrines in the city. The White Jade Buddhas were brought here from Burma in the nineteenth century. One is seated while the other is in the recumbent position of Sakyamuni symbolizing the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment or nirvana. The temple also has some impressive images of the Heavenly Kings. Although many people come to worship each day and burn incense at this very holy and active shrine, visitors are welcome.

Qibao

Surrounding Shanghai are eight ancient water towns, which make for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. If you don’t have time to visit them all, Qibao is the perfect place to stop. Located within the city limits, Qibao is known for its delicious street food and its beautiful canal views. Just a few streets long, Qibao is like a mini-town. It is best enjoyed during the week, as it can get packed with tourists at the weekend. Highlights include the cheap shopping and the Qibao Winery.

People's Square

Built on what was once the city's racecourse, the People's Square (Rénmín Guangchang) has been transformed over the years into Shanghai's premier public space. Home to the new Shanghai City Hall, the Shanghai Museum, and the state-of-the-art Grand Theatre, it is a perfect spot from which to begin touring the city. Be sure to spend time visiting the excellent Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, where you will find superb displays and models - even a 360-degree movie theater - showing both existing and planned-for buildings (be sure to view this massive scale-model from the upper galleries for a fascinating bird's-eye perspective of this modern metropolis).

M50

Short for Moganshan 50, M50 is an ultra-hip contemporary art district on Moganshan Road that is home to some of the city’s best art galleries and museums. Located in an industrial area along Suzhou creek, M50 is often compared to Beijing’s 798 Art District or New York’s SoHo. The district embraces its grittiness and sports some very photogenic graffiti.

Xujiahui Cathedral and the Sheshan Basilica

Built in 1911 in Neo-Romanesque style, Xujiahui Cathedral - also known as St. Ignatius Cathedral - is another splendid reminder of Shanghai's rich multi-national heritage. In the southern city district of Xujiahui, it's the largest place of Roman Catholic worship in Shanghai, and in addition to its splendid park-like setting is worth visiting for its twin 50-meter-high bell-towers and restored interior with fine stained glass windows. Another important religious site is the Sheshan Basilica (the National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan).

This fine old Roman Catholic church stands on the western peak of the hill after which it is named. Like so many other religious sites, it was heavily damaged during the Chinese Cultural Revolution but in recent years has undergone extensive renovations and remains an important pilgrimage site. A highlight of a visit is following the 14 Stations of the Cross, which zigzag up the hill to the church, along with the many splendid views along the way.

Read more: Visit 7 local markets in Shanghai, China

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Top 5 best beaches in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s lengthy and winding natural coastline is home to the best beaches in East Asia. With some accessible within a few minutes, others are completely secluded from the clamoring noise of the city. Whatever you’re looking for, check out our handy guide to find the best spot for your trip.

Shek O Beach

Although most popular on weekends and holidays with local families, Shek O Beach will win the hearts of beach fanatics on any day with its golden sand and rustic charm. Just a bus-ride away from Shau Kei Wan Station, it is one of the most accessible beaches on Hong Kong Island. There are plenty of stores and local barbecue restaurants for amazing food and an authentic laid-back experience.

Big Wave Bay Beach

Kiosks of lockers and surfboard rentals line the street towards Big Wave Bay. As the name suggests, the beach is celebrated for its towering waves and excellent wind conditions; it is also Hong Kong’s only officially recognized surfing beach. It’s nestled in the lush hills of Shek O Country Park and the bay’s fine white sand is perfect for lounging under the warm sun. It makes a great alternative to Shek O Beach, which is only a one-kilometer walk away.

Stanley Main Beach

Although it’s not the longest stretch of white sand in Hong Kong, it is still quite famous for its relaxed vibe and the numerous water sports activities available. The town is a one-stop tourist destination; you can learn about Hong Kong’s history by wandering around the colonial buildings, or get lost in the myriad of handmade souvenirs in Stanley Market. Stanley Main Street is home to brightly colored buildings, international restaurants and pubs, all of which enjoy a view of the southern waters of Hong Kong.

Repulse Bay

Although recognized for its prestigous residential dwellings, Repulse Bay is a 300-meter stretch of golden sand – the main attraction for all beach goers. Repulse Bay is located on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, amidst Violet Hill and The Twins Hill, and holds one of the most amazing sea views. With boutique shops and fine dining on offer, Repulse Bay provides a whole new level of seashore experience with a touch of luxury. Plus, you’re not too far from Stanley if you fancy checking out the local market stalls to find a bargain.

Tai Long Wan Beach

Only accessible by boat from the Sai Kung Pier, Tai Long Wan is a three-kilometer bay located on the east coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula in Hong Kong and is complete with four beaches – Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Tung Wan – all of which are separated by headlands and short trails. This location is perfect for those that want to embrace the untainted wilderness and pure tranquility that surrounds the area. Although toilets are accessible and there are a handful of cafés and restaurants, there are no lifeguards, waste bins or shark nets compared to other gazetted beaches in Hong Kong. Surfboard rental shops can be found by those brave enough to explore the stronger current of Tai Long Wan.

See more: The best beaches to visit in Oman

Top 7 biggest shopping malls in Asia

If you like to shop when you travel, the world’s biggest shopping capitals are probably top of your travel bucket list. New York, Paris, Milan, London and Hong Kong are all world-renowned for their shopping facilities and huge numbers of tourists flock to each city year-on-year, credit cards at the ready.

Whether it is shoes, bags, clothes or jewellery, everyone has their weakness, the thing they make a beeline for when spending. These record-breaking shopping malls cater to all of them. Here is a look at some of the largest, most famous shopping centres around Asia.

Central World, Thailand

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Opened in 1990, the eight-story Central World in Bangkok is the largest shopping mall in Thailand. It marketed itself as a middle class shopping center, opposed to the upper class-marketed Siam Paragon. Central World was one of the many properties set on fire by anti-government protestors. The fire raged for two days and the Zen department store collapsed in the fire.

Mid Valley Megamall, Malaysia

The Mid Valley Mall is one of Malaysia’s largest shopping centre, with 5 floors of shops and a parking area that can house up to 11,000 vehicles. The complex comprises of the shopping mall, an office tower and two hotels. This mall is also the first to house the four major anchor tenants- Carrefour, Golden Screen Cinemas, AEON and Metrojaya. With all the fashion houses and luxury brands the mall is a treat for whoever visits it.

Istanbul Cevahir, Turkey

Located on the European side of Istanbul in Turkey, the Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre opened its doors in 2005. It is the largest shopping mall in Europe. There are 343 shops, 34 fast food restaurants and 14 exclusive restaurants in the shopping centre. Other facilities include a large stage for events, 12 cinemas, a bowling hall, a small roller coaster and several other entertainment facilities.

Berjaya Times Square, Malaysia

Covering 7.5 million square feet of floor area, Berjaya Times Square is the fifth largest building in the world. The Kuala Lumpur mall has over 1,000 shops, 65 eateries and a huge offering of entertainment attractions, including Asia’s largest indoor theme park, Cosmo’s World, and Malaysia’s first-ever IMAX 2D & 3D theatre.

SM Mall of Asia, Philippines

The SM Mall of Asia in Metro Manila, the Philippines, opened in 2006, consists of four buildings interconnected by walkways. It features a 20-seater tram which takes shoppers around the mall grounds. One of the mall’s main attractions is an IMAX theater with one of the world’s biggest 3D screens. The mall also features an Olympic-sized ice skating rink. It can accommodate both recreational and competitive figure skating, as well as ice hockey.

Read more: Top best shopping malls in Manila, Philippines

Golden Resources Mall, China

Nicknamed the “Great Mall of China,” the Golden Resources Mall covers an area of 6 million square feet. It is located near Fourth Ring Road in Beijing, China. The mall is 1.5 times bigger than the famous Mall of America which is the second largest in North America. In spite of the large size of the Golden Resources Mall, its major drawback is its location. It is inaccessible to most foreign visitors. Furthermore, the goods sold at the shopping centers are too expensive for the Chinese to buy.

Dubai Mall, UAE

This sprawling mall in the glamour capital of the world is easy to get lost in. At over 12 million square feet (equivalent to more than 50 soccer fields), the Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world based on total area. The mall contains more than 1,200 shops, an ice rink, a SEGA game centre, a five-star hotel, 22 cinema screens and 120 restaurants and cafes. It also boasts the largest indoor aquarium in the world and it is the gateway to the Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world. Yeah, Dubai likes to break records!

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