Shanghai has changed immensely over the past 10 years … actually, it’s probably changed immensely over the past 10 days. Here’s our insider guide so you can stay up caught up.
By Michael Clements
Shanghai's "Bund" as viewed from the Pudong side of the Huang Po atop the 88th floor of China's tallest building, Jin Mao Tower. Pudong,a former sleep yplot of farm land, is a fast-developoing modern city-within-a-city.
1. SPA by day
Recharge at Banyan Tree Spa (The Westin Shanghai, www.banyantreespa.com) considered one of the best in the city. Try the “Feng” 2-hour session tailored to the season you travel (US$145). The Evian Spa (No.5 The Bund. 2/F, www.threeonthebund.com) is a ladies-only contemporary spa with French beauty treatments, Eastern holistic therapies and advanced color and water therapies. The signature Evian Royal Synchronized therapy involves three therapists (60min. US$210). With its spectacular roof top pool, the Four Seasons Spa (500 Weihai Rd., www.fourseasons.com/shanghai) provides an urban oasis (60min. massage US$130.) Dragon Fly Massage (12 different locations, www.dragonfly.net.cn) is a local luxury spa chain preferred by Shanghai’s burgeoning nuevo rich, who tend to shy away from higher-priced hotel spas (1-hour head and shoulder massage, US$7; full-body lavender oil massage, US$25.)
