Top 10 things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai offers a thrilling blend of future-focused architecture, glamorous Art Deco heritage and cosmopolitan, East-meets-West culture. With mild weather and a multitude of festivals and cultural events, autumn is a great time to visit Shanghai. 

Marvel at Shanghai’s largest fireworks show

China’s National Day on 1 October and Shanghai celebrates with a bang. The Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival is held over three evenings: 30 September, 3 and 6 October. Spectacular pyrotechnic displays by competing teams from China, UK, Austria, Canada, Germany and Spain light up the evening sky above Shanghai’s Century Park.

Be inspired at Shanghai Fashion Week

Shanghai dresses to impress each October when Shanghai Fashion Week sashays into town. From 13-30 October, China’s most fashionable city will again attract the attention of the world’s en vogue brands, designers, buyers, models and fashion lovers. Look out for their catwalk-chic outfits around the Xintiandi venue and in the city’s sleekest nightspots.

Get into the swing at this jazz festival

Asia’s largest jazz event, JZ Festival, will celebrate its 11^th anniversary at Shanghai Expo Park from 16-18 October. Feel the beat with a stellar line-up of jazz, soul and blues performers, including Joss Stone, Victor Wooten, Lord Echo, Shunza, The Red Groove Project, and The Earth Wind and Fire Experience featuring the Al Mckay All Stars.

Watch World Tennis Champions on Centre Court

The 7^thShanghai Rolex Masters returns to the Qizhong Forest Tennis Center from 10-18 October. The only ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament staged outside of North America and Europe brings together the world’s top men’s players. Will Roger Federer retain his 2014 Shanghai crown, or can three-time Shanghai champion and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic resume his winning streak?

Savour a hairy crab feast

As Shanghai’s favourite culinary delicacy returns to restaurant menus, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai’s Chinese celebrity chef, Tony Lu will prepare a sumptuous Hairy Crab Feast menu at Yong Yi Ting from 20 October to 30November. The mouthwatering array of appetisers, soups, mains and dim sum dishes are enhanced by the rich flavours of the finest hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake, located close to Shanghai. These famous crustaceans, loved for their succulent meat and creamy roe, are enjoyed for a short season during autumn.

Run for fun at the Shanghai Marathon

It’s time to pound the city streets, as the 2015 Shanghai International Marathon takes place on 8 November. Professionals and fun runners will test their stamina on a marathon route that winds through the urban landscape and along the Huangpu riverbank before finishing at the Shanghai Stadium.

Discover contemporary art

Art connoisseurs descend on Shanghai for the renowned Shanghai Art Fair. One of Asia’s most celebrated art exchanges, the 19^th Shanghai Art Fair will be unveiled at Shanghai MART between 12 and 15 November. On display will be the latest cutting-edge Chinese contemporary art, with a vast collection of works showcased by the region’s leading galleries, top artists and emerging creative talents. From 10 – 20 November, eight globally renowned artists will bring their latest paintings, sculptures, photos and other creations to OFF at MO, a10 day art exhibition at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, curated by VBL Fine Arts Lounge. 

Delight in Michelin-Star Dining

Fifty 8° Grill will host epicurean French Wine dinner events presented by Michelin-starred chef Richard Ekkebuson27 and 28 November. The four-course lunch and eight-course dinner menus with wine pairing will feature ‘Best of Amber’ signature dishes from Chef Ekkebus’s two Michelin-starred restaurant at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, which was named the Best Restaurant in China at the S. Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014awards, and has been voted among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for seven consecutive years. Amber’s head sommelier, John Chan, will join Tansy Zhao, champion of China National Sommelier Competition 2014, in selecting wine pairing vintages.

Indulge in a ‘Dragon Phoenix’ spa treatment

For holistic healing inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, the Forbes Five-Star The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai is recommending Dragon Phoenix, a signature wellness ritual for couples. The indulgent, detoxifying treatment features Chinese ‘guasha’ therapy and seasonal ingredients, gold osmanthus and red hawthorn.

Set sail on a luxury yacht cruise

Shanghai’s autumn weather is perfect for cruising along the Huangpu River, which flows through the middle of the city. Guests booking the ‘Shanghai Dream’ package at Mandarin Oriental Pudong will be treated to a sunset cruise aboard a luxury yacht. Also included in the package is a visit to the Aurora Museum, Executive Club privileges and suite accommodation.