The People’s Republic of China is home to the largest city in the world in terms of population; Shanghai. The city’s economy is a thriving one and has the distinction of being the financial centre of the country. In addition, the city’s history and culture has influenced local architecture and landmarks and sites such as the Yu Garden, Xingshengjiao Temple Pagoda, Longhua Pagoda and the Moller Villa are protected for their historical and cultural value.

A definite landmark of the city is the Shanghai Xintiandi Plaza filled with a number of eateries such as restaurants and bars, entertainment spots such as cinemas, shops and exclusive clubs. The Plaza begins from the Huangpi South Road and extends to Madang Road and was initially a tenement with Shikumen style houses and streets. The Chinese administration, acting on the advice of an American architect by the name of Benjamin Wood, opted to convert the area into a plaza and a tourist attraction rather than preserving it and therefore the shops of the Plaza still retain their ancient walls whilst the interior has been redesigned utilizing contemporary styles.

As a result the area, now converted into what is known as the Shanghai Xintiandi Plaza, is a destination that tourists can frequent to enjoy the legacies of Shanghai while indulging in modern comforts. It is definitely a novel method of exploring the 19th century architecture. Once on the location, one can find the everyday Starbucks to the more selective wine bars as well as French bakeries, Chinese cafes and Italian and fusion restaurants.

An ideal way to soak in this unique atmosphere and bask in an environment where history meets the future is to stay at The Langham Hotel located near the Plaza itself. This Shanghai luxury hotel allows you to experience the irresistible fusion of the old and the new combined with five star service and mouthwatering meals. The hotel rooms in Shanghai Langham are equipped with all the modern amenities and designed in a unique blend of traditional and contemporary architecture. Therefore, your experience of the unique fusion of the old and the new begins with your arrival at the Langham Xintiandi Shanghai.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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