Rapid cultural and social change have thrown Shanghai squarely into the rigours of modern life and the city is a bewildering, ever-changing mix of opulent buildings, chic drinking holes and trendy restaurants.

Once a quaint fishing village and now a booming, liberal, super-city, Shanghai is a rewarding, if exhausting destination.

Aesthetically, Shanghai is a treat. Its mixture of foreign and Chinese architecture is astounding and pays tribute to its tumultuous past. Less than 100 years ago this now well-developed city was little more than a place for junks to drop their anchor near its muddy banks.

Now, as the principal gateway to China and with a population of more than 200,000,000, many believe it is on its way to becoming the largest city in the world. For now however, it is arguably one of the most cosmopolitan and is home to over 48 different nationalities.

The city itself is a mish-mash of architecture and culture as displayed by its impressive architecture. To learn more about how Shanghai's different enclaves merged to make it the mesmerising city it is today, visit the Shanghai History Museum. Here you can learn about the old French quarters and the city's ancient areas.

The Bund, Shanghai's impressive monument to early 20th-century Western colonialism, is quite breathtaking, while the old French quarter also warrants a stroll.

For all its glamorous nightlife, expensive hotels and bijou boutiques, one of the most fabulous things about the city is its opportunity for people watching.

Shanghai, for all its soaring grey skyscrapers and jam-packed roads, is actually quite green and has several parks – ideal for a spot of people-watching.

The aptly named People's Park and Zhongshan Park are full of people every morning doing Tai Ch'i, aerobics and ballroom dancing.

Food is another highlight of a trip to Shanghai. Even though the city is relatively new by Chinese standards and does not have its own special cuisine, its food is still likely to tickle the taste buds of hungry travellers.

Specialities include Xiao Long Bao (little dragon bun), Chou Dou Fu (smelly tofu), Da Zha Xie (hairy crab) and Pi Dan (preserved eggs). The latter traditionally had to be 1,000 years old before they could be eaten (or so the story goes) but nowadays they are little more than 100 days old.

Shanghai has eateries to suit every budget, but whether you eat in the finest restaurant or buy some smelly tofu from a roadside seller, good food is guaranteed.

Its nightlife is similarly impressive. As one of China's most liberal cities, Shanghai is a clubber's dream and has a plethora of slick and sexy clubs. The city also has a blooming gay scene, something which is generally frowned upon in China.

Those looking for a more culturally rewarding sojourn will not be disappointed by the city's glut of museums, which have successfully managed to preserve and proliferate the country's rich ancient culture.

Often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient' Shanghai is a city which definitely lives up to its nickname. A relatively 'new' Chinese city, Shanghai is like a boisterous, over-exuberant child which demands the traveller's full attention. Fast-paced, frenetic and undeniably beautiful, Shanghai offers travellers a rare slice of modern Chinese life.