Weekender: Shanghai in 48 hours
27th Feb 2012 5:02pm | By Editor
Only got a weekend to spend in the world's biggest city? Here's how to make the best of it.
DAY 1
08:30 Start your day early to avoid the masses who flock to Yuyuan Garden (yuyuantm.com/cn/yuyuan/en; admission £4) every weekend. This 400-year-old sanctuary is considered one of the world’s prettiest Chinese gardens, with hidden alcoves, carp-filled pools, bamboo-covered rockeries, bridges laden with tile dragons and some splendid pagodas and pavilions. There is an extremely tacky adjoining bazaar selling all manner of tourist paraphernalia.
10:00 Yuyuan is situated in Shanghai’s Old City, a world away from the modern metropolis outside the old perimeter. Today it gives a glimpse into genuine Chinese culture, with stunning temples hidden down small, twisting alleys and scores of street markets selling clothes, fish and vegetables.