24 hours in Shanghai

GO FOR A RIDE

The most fun way to see the city is to hop in the sidecar of a vintage motorbike. Drivers tailor the journey to your interests and available time. If it’s limited, we suggest a whirlwind tour of the beautiful canopied streets of the French Concession.

GET FITTED

Ask your hotel concierge to get you a taxi to the South Bund Fabric Market, a chaotic mall of tailors, fabric stalls and souvenirs. Your best bet is to bring a garment to be copied, as Shanghai tailors don’t always have contemporary taste. But they’ll do it speedily, cheaply and nattily — and deliver to your hotel. 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu Qu

SHOP

In the French Concession, you’ll find the best fashions and design, especially along the tree-lined parts of Huaihai Road. Head for Ferguson Lane on Wukang Road, a complex of restaurants, boutiques and galleries, or Tianzifang, a network of streets bristling with specialty shops and fashion boutiques. Afterwards, wander Xiangyang Lu for a taste of Shanghai’s superb street food.

ALL THAT JAZZ

It’s corny but essential — once, at least. The Old Jazz Band has been playing at the Fairmont Peace Hotel since 1947. The six sprightly band members average 82 years old, and two of the originals still play. Drop in to the jazz bar from 6.30pm. fairmont.com/peace-hotelshanghai

DINE

Few would argue that French chef Paul Pairet’s avant-garde Ultraviolet is a mindblowing experience, a theatrical event that uses multisensory technology to create an immersive dining experience. It seats only 10 and is hidden away in an obscure carpark. The restaurant has three Michelin stars, and you can expect to pay more than $1000 a head. uvbypp.cc

PRE-CRUISE HOTEL

Immerse yourself in 1930s Shanghai at the new Capella Shanghai, an immaculate reimagining of 55 shikumen, or alley houses, in the French Concession. Each residence has five levels, including a private courtyard and rooftop terrace. capellahotels.com/ shanghai