STAYING IN SHANGHAI

There's big city life, and then there's Shanghai big city life. Shanghai is a bustling and dynamic place that never stops changing and reinventing itself. The energy Shanghai puts out can be found on every street corner; glittering skyscrapers host some of China and the world's top companies while on the same block a local noodle shop serves up an old family recipe for less than USD $1.50. Artists, entrepreneurs, dreamers and up-and-comers flock to Shanghai for work and play - a 24/7 neon-lit lifestyle along the banks of the Huangpu River.

Visitors to Shanghai will love the thousands of food, shopping and entertainment options available almost everywhere in the city, and culture vultures will revel in Shanghai's museums, theatres, galleries and concert halls. The city's extensive subway, bus and taxi networks make getting round surprisingly easy given Shanghai's size. No matter which of Frasers Hospitality's serviced apartment properties you choose, you'll be close to some of Shanghai's top things to see and do.

WALKING XINTIANDI

The upscale, car-free pedestrian neighbourhood of Xintiandi is comprised of a stylish precinct of bookstores, cafes, restaurants and boutique shops inhabiting traditional Shikumen (stone gate houses). Narrow laneways weave between the Shikumen, and many of the cafes and restaurants have outdoor seating; it's a great place to indulge in some urban exploration, boutique shopping and people watching. The Shikumen Museum provides a fascinating insight into the area's history, with much of the collection coming from the surrounding buildings before their rejuvenation.

The area also has some beautiful boutique malls, including Xintiandi Style and K11 Art Mall - which is as much an art gallery as a shopping destination. What makes Xintiandi truly special though is the laneways - wander around and discover everything the area has to offer.

SKY-HIGH SHANGHAI

The eastern bank of the Huangpu River is given over to Shanghai's futuristic skyline. Located just behind our luxury serviced apartments in Lujiazui, Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. Standing at 632 metres, the structure dominates Shanghai's skyline. Accordingly, it also offers the most spectacular view of Shanghai you'll see during your stay. Visitors can take an impressively lengthy elevator trip up to the 118th and 119th floors and Shanghai Tower's observation deck, which sits at 555 metres above street level. It's best to book your tickets ahead of time as the lines can be lengthy.

CULTURE CAPITAL

Shanghai's arts and culture scene is as varied and spectacular as you'd expect for a truly global city. From top-rated galleries and museums to artfully cool neighbourhoods, Shanghai offers lovers of the arts, culture and history plenty to see and do. Most of Shanghai's top cultural sights are located within central Shanghai and conveniently close to your hotel. Start at the China Art Museum in Pudong - an impressive contemporary art museum hosting works from Chinese arts across the ages. Later, make your way to Tianzifang, an offbeat neighbourhood of old Shikumen that's been converted into boutique shops, galleries and cafes. Wander the narrow lanes and soak up the atmosphere. Then, head north to People's Square and the Shanghai Museum. The museum holds an astounding collection of ancient Chinese art from across the ages, including ancient sculptures, brasswork, pottery and jade carvings.