From the moment you set foot in Shanghai, you’ll be introduced to an ancient city that has rapidly transformed over the last decade. “The gateway to China” has become one of the fastest-changing cities in the world.

Although your hotel may provide airport transfers, there will be plenty of opportunities to see Shanghai from a car stuck in eternal peak-hour traffic. Instead, cruise from the airport to the district of Pudong on the world’s fastest train – the Maglev. This eco-friendly magnetic levitation train reaches 431 kilometres per hour, so you’ll travel the 30 kilometres to Longyang Road Metro Station in about eight minutes.

The Huangpu River divides the two Shanghai’s – Pudong, the modern Shanghai to the east, and Puxi, the old Shanghai to the west. A great way to witness the stark contrast between the two areas is by a river cruise, during the day or night. On the river’s western shore, the colonial buildings of The Bund serve as a reminder of its history of British settlement, and the steel and glass skyscrapers of Pudong point to a financial empire of the future.

Disembark the boat in Pudong and stroll along the river through Pudong Park, which is the setting of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The vision of the tower is described as ‘twin dragons playing with pearls’. The tower’s peak, at 468 metres high, is one of the best spots from which to view the city, during the day or night. You may need to queue to enter the tower, but the wait is well worth it as the complex also houses the Shanghai Municipal HistoryMuseum, amusement facilities, restaurants and shops.

From the park you’re also sure to see Jin Mao Tower, the “Golden Prosperity Building”, which, at 88 storeys, is China’s tallest building. Take the Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Shiji Park station to see a mix of Chinese, British and Japanese landscape styles in Century Park. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is located nearby here, so check out some of the 12 exhibits, which include World of Robots and Earth’s Crust Exploration.