In just a few short decades, Shanghai has traveled at light speed from a gritty industrial city to one of the world's most sophisticated and dazzling cities. There's a reason Away.com calls it an international "It" city. If you're traveling to Shanghai, be prepared to be swept up by its cosmopolitan architecture, fashion, food, and culture, along with hints of its colonial past. Here are a few of our favorite things to do and see:

If you're traveling to Shanghai, be prepared to be swept up by its cosmopolitan architecture, fashion, food, and culture, along with hints of its colonial past. Here are a few of our favorite things to do and see:

The Bund

A quintessential tourist destination, the Bund is a one-mile boardwalk that runs along the bank of the Huangpu River. The fronts of old colonial buildings are in jarring contrast to the futuristic skyline Pudong, the business district. Don't miss the opportunity to take in the view while sipping a cocktail of M on the Bund a glamorous and popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Fuxing Park

This beautiful, bucolic park is located within the borders of the former "French Concession". Its European roots are evident in its wide, tree-lined walks, flower beds, and fountains. The park not only features restaurants, nightclubs, and a children's playground but also gives you a prime opportunity for people-watching. Shanghai residents flock to the Fuxing Park to play mah jong, practice tai chi, and take strolls. If you visit the statue of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel near the north entrance, you're even likely to see Chinese couples practicing ballroom dancing.

XinTianDi

Past meets future in this bustling restaurant and bar district, whose name literally translates to "New Heaven and Earth." One of the most popular entertainment districts in China, XinTianDi is divided into a North Block and a South Block. The North Block consists of traditional shikumen or "stone gate" houses (a building style unique to Shanghai) that have been redeveloped into boutiques, clubs, and restaurants. The South Block reveals the stylish, modern face of present-day Shanghai, and houses a major shopping center. In between, there's non-stop action day and night.

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is to China what the Hermitage is to Russia or the Louvre is to France; in other words, the country's most outstanding and overwhelming museum. With 11 galleries and over 120,000 historic artifacts, the museum allows you to experience firsthand the treasures of Chines culture. While you could easily spend weeks exploring the vast galleries, you should be sure to make time to visit the Bronze Gallery, with pieces dating back to the 18th century BC. Before your visit, check the Shanghai Museum's website for information on upcoming exhibitions.

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