"Side Street in Old Shanghai After getting your bearings from atop the world's highest observation deck at Shanghai World Financial Center, visit the other side of The Bund. Meander through the side streets and alleys of Old Shanghai, where you can find city life as it's been going on for centuries. China was once known as the "Kingdom of Bicycles." Bikes, banned on the main streets, are a disappearing icon. (I'm fond of scenes with bikes, so I'm glad to have captured this in Old Shanghai.)"

"Xiangyang Park: A Grassy Snapshot of Shanghai Life “I used to sit in this small park with a cup of coffee before I went to work. It’s an interesting experience to be in the park and see modern shopping malls on one side of you and tall green trees on the other. At night, older couples gather in the park for group dancing." — Bartender Tree Mao on the French Concession."

"Fly a Kite in Shanghai On Century Avenue in Pudong near the Shanghai World Financial Center (currently the tallest building in China), kite vendors fly and sell kites. The kites soar to the height of the super high skyscrapers. There's a Chinese saying, "Those who fly a kite can have a long life." It's an ancient art still practiced in the modern heart of Shanghai."

"Architecture lovers flock to the Huangpu River's western side to stroll the Bund, a waterfront tourist magnet in central Shanghai. There's a glorious mishmash of late-19th- and early-20th-century styles here, from Gothic revival to art deco. Walk by the Fairmont Peace Hotel—first opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel—to behold its copper pyramid roof turned aqua with age. (Talk about aging gracefully.) Then hit the marble-floored HSBC Building (No. 12) to admire thedomed ceiling's eight mosaic murals, with frescoes depicting the 12 zodiac signs."

"Blooming Cartfuls Shanghai's streetside carts are often filled with things you never knew you needed: ceramic bowls, DVDs, notebooks, even small pets like rabbits and hamsters. But flowers, however - everyone needs flowers! Shanghai 's flower carts are the indicators of the best blooms in season. Keep and eye out for beautiful, bulbous lotus flowers that open up the eye-catching layers of petals. Carnations, daisies, ranunculus, and tulips, when in season, also encourage a spontaneous purchase. Prices here, of course, are the best you'll find in town. But the more you buy, the better position you'll be in to bargain for an even better price."