Taking the world by storm since the 1990' s, Chinese art is now a major presence on the international scene. Often influenced by and also reacting against the Cultural Revolution, artists are moving on to more universal themes such as the search for individualism amidst mass urbanisation. Artists also experiment with incorporating traditional styles and media into their work.

Shanghai is one of China 's art hotspots with many of the most colourful artists and broad-spectrum galleries. Visit areas such as M50, a cultural centre that is home to many artists' studios and galleries and plays a pivotal role in the scene, showcasing the work of emerging and well-known artists in small and intimate workshops, as well as other galleries and art centres scattered across the city.

(Available as a full-day, half-day or bespoke experience)

The Bund

The Bund is where modern Shanghai began, and this walk reveals the colourful architectural history of the last 150 years. With the dramatic backdrop of modern Pudong contrasting sharply with the mellow sandstone of the colonial waterfront, hear the tales behind these spectacular structures. Step inside
some of the buildings and get a closer appreciation for the magnificence of these UNESCO-listed treasures.

(Available as a full-day, half-day or bespoke experience)

The Old City was once the site of the original Chinese town and now resembles modern Chinatowns all over the world, bustling with people, food and things to buy. Visit the Yu Yuan, Shanghai 's best-kept traditional garden, a Daoist temple and pick up any combination of Chinese souvenir goods. Sample some of the best dumplings in town, and rest awhile at a traditional teahouse.

The Former French Concession

Featuring gangsters, opium, taxi dancers and leading political figures in a heady mix, the Former French Concession is also the site of much of Shanghai 's outstanding residential architecture. Take in Classical and Art Deco homes while wandering leafy streets and explore Shanghai 's laneways, the very essence of the city. A walk through some of this area will show how many Shanghai residents live now, and how little this has changed over the years.

(Available as a full-day, half-day or bespoke experience)

The city of Shanghai plans to house over 45 million people by the year 2025. Expanding at a huge rate since economic redevelopment began in 1992, Shanghai proudly touts its urban success story. An interim achievement in the city's plan is the successful hosting of the 2010 World Expo. In preparation for this half-year-long event, vast areas of the old city have been raised to make way for a ‘better city, better life' – the theme of this world's fair. Defining new urbanism, this is Shanghai today.