Shanghai Holidays

To witness the rapid birth and constant morphing of modern China into a global power is to have a holiday in Shanghai, where you’ll discover the future in the symphonies of glass and steel architecture that swarm across the skyline.  Simply turning into a street corner will provide you with glimpses of the past as you explore Shanghai’s ancient temples, small streets and markets that burst with stories of her notorious historical reputation as ‘the whore of the orient.’

Luxury holidays in Shanghai

Experience Shanghai holidays from some of the most theatrically stunning hotels and glamorous restaurants to the dark smoky and exclusive bars scattered through its narrow streets. Shanghai’s infamous ‘Paris of the east’ grandeur grabs you from the moment you enter the city.

Wander through Old City into Yu Yuan, the finest traditional garden in the city, or venture to the French Concession area where you’re most likely to encounter the classic art deco architecture of the city’s past.

You won’t be leaving without a trip to the infamous Plaza 66 – a fashionista’s haven – to devour a plethora of antique boutiques and markets. Visit Zhenchalin Tea for your own tailor-made blend of herbal tea to ensure health and vitality. You could even take a private tour of The Shanghai Museum with an art history expert. There’s so much to see here!

10 great reasons to holiday in Shanghai

• The history! From her infamous opium trading past with the British, Shanghai embodies China's transformation from the evolution of communist China to the capitalist trading Queen of the world. Visit the former residence of Mao Zedong and The Shanghai Museum for a journey through the history of the city
• The architecture! Spend a day or two exploring The Bund, with the skyscrapers of Pudong dominating the skyline. Walk your way through the beautiful colonial waterfront Shanghai is so famous for. Visit the Shanghai World Financial Centre, Tomorrow Square and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for a glimpse of the future!
• Take a few lessons and experience the eastern martial arts at the Longwu Kung Fu Centre
• Don’t just taste it but experience making Chinese food and attend one the many popular cooking workshops
• The Jade Buddha temple – one of Shanghai’s few Buddhist temples, built between 1911-1918 – houses as its centrepiece a pale green jade stone statue of Buddha
• Taikang Road Art Centre and Xintiandi are recreations of the typical Chinese style alleyways called longtang homes that have been newly built to cater for the desire to keep historically quaint surroundings with a modern sense of efficiency. Taikang Road is also an arts community made up of design studios, cafes and small boutique shops; a relaxing place to wander around in sharp contrast to the super sized modern Shanghai
• M50 is the most famous contemporary art gallery in China and the East. China’s art scene and market is now one of the most collectable and profitable in the world and there is no better place to go for an introduction than M50
• The oldest temple in Shanghai is the Longhua Temple & Pagoda. Built in the 10^th century it is renowned for its 6500kg bell.
• The China Sex Culture Museum, an interesting exhibition that explores varying aspects of traditional Chinese cultural views and stories regarding creation
• Check out Metersbonwe Costume Museum, home to some of the most exquisite Han Chinese costumes

Things to do whilst on holiday

Shanghai itself is brimming full of entertaining and historical sights, but to experience the vast transformation of this region take one of the many day tours from the city to the surrounding areas. The realties of the country’s rapid growth can be seen travelling through the waterways of Zhouzhuang, one of the few old towns that escaped the ravages of Mao’s cultural revolution.

The Hangzhou ‘heaven on earth’ day trip highlights the famous west lake, while Liuhe Pagoda – also known as the six harmonies pagado – offers a truly stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture. Zhujiajiao and the Seven-Treasure Town Day Tour from Shanghai takes you to the outskirts of the city where you can delve into the ancient world of the Ming and Quing dynasty. Known for their unchanged architecture and silk trade you’ll also experience the authentic daily life of the locals.

Interesting facts about Shanghai

• Area – 2,448.1 sq miles
• Population – 23,019,148
• Country – People’s Republic of China

Shanghai Holidays 2014

More than 30 years of experience in the business makes us at Kenwood Travel your ideal partner if you fancy a holiday in China. Give us a call and we’d be delighted to arrange for you a customised bespoke holiday, whether it’s a family trip or a vacation for one, we make sure that you’ll have the holiday you deserve.