Traditional fan dancers spin against the backdrop of Shanghai's futuristic skyline

As mainland China's most Westernized city and one of Asia's leading business cities, Shanghai is not really a place for tourists to beeline to.

Thankfully, the predictable downtown skycrapers are surrounded by pockets of old Shanghai. Here, some of the city's somewhat incongruous colonial past shines through, with all the mansions, leafy boulevards, cafe society and gentlemen's clubs that went with it.

Tracking down the well-preserved examples of 1940s art deco architecture is one of the city's main delights, so too is the exploration of its booming restaurant and nightlife scene.

Shanghai is also the main departure point for tours and excursions up the Yangzi River.

Pudong International Airport is Shanghai's main international gateway.