On five acres in the heart of Old Town, the garden includes the impressive 50-foot-tall Great Rockery, decorative and furnished historic pavilions, an artificial lake with the city’s oldest teahouse, authentic small steam buns (a famous local snack of Shanghai) and a host of natural features. This scenic park has served as a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city for more than 400 years.

Visitors can experience what the city was like decades ago as they peruse the antique stores, purchase gorgeous silks sold by the meter, or enjoy a shopping break for a cup of tea. The western side is lined with century-old stores that reflect the Ming- and Qing-style architecture with swinging doors, upward curving eaves and decorative balustrades in vivid red.

The picturesque Bund is a stretch of superb buildings originally built for the British along the Huangpu River. Once the main artery for trade in Shanghai, today it has become a promenade that offers some of the best views of Shanghai. Visit the Cool Docks, said to become the “next Xintiandi" of Shanghai for its combination of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.

This market offers vast reams of fabric and trimmings at bargain prices. Bring your favorite pieces and have the on-site tailors sew made-to-measure replicas. Expect to pay approximately RMB800 for a suit, including material and workmanship.