Recently in Shanghai Category

China is always looking to the future, and that's exactly what's reflected in the work on display at the Zendai Museum of Modern Art in Shanghai. Located in the Pudong New Area's futuristic Thumb Plaza (pictured), this thought-provoking museum features Chinese and international multimedia artists whose work pushes boundaries while reflecting the current state of the world. With an exhibition space of over 1,500 square meters, there's plenty of room for some innovative and outrageous works of art. American artist Robert Indiana's giant LOVE sculpture is on display, showing how placing an idea in an artistic context can give it a whole new meaning. Danish artist Per Kirkeby, meanwhile, uses depth and color to explore emotion in Figure 1983. And among its most thoughtful and engaging works is Le Pouce (Thumb), by the Marseilles artist Cesar. An oversized, detailed replica of, yes, a thumb, its novelty fades to reveal a mix of human strength and weakness, and a struggle to move forward at all times. Kind of like this fascinating museum. Starwood has hotels throughout Shanghai, including the luxurious St. Regis Shanghai.

[image via zendaiart.com]

If you find yourself in need of some reading material while you're in Shanghai, make a beeline for the Shanghai Library, the largest public library in China and one of the ten largest libraries in the world. Located in the Xuhui district of central Shanghai, the state-of-the-art facility (opened in 1996) has more than two million books in both Chinese and western languages, along with rare materials such as historic manuscripts, ancient scrolls, newspapers, journals, and even a few stone tablets. You can't check out the stone tablets - which would probably be a hassle anyway - but visitors can apply for a temporary library card to access all kinds of materials and services to help you get to the bottom of just about any question you could possibly come up with. In addition to its permanent collection, the library also hosts temporary exhibitions of art, literature, and history. Tracing Oil Painting in Shanghai, a show chronicling the rise of western style oil painting in the city during the 20th century, runs through the end of February, and is a perfect way to cap off an afternoon poring through the books in this magnificent temple to the written word. Starwood has eight properties in Shanghai, including Le Méridien She Shan Shanghai.

[image via curvebank.calstatela.edu]

There's no question that Shanghai is a 21st century city, with glimmering new skyscrapers sprouting up like weeds almost overnight, but those who seek the China of yesteryear can still find it just minutes from the city center. Qibao Ancient Town is only about two square kilometers in size, but it contains an absolute treasure trove of history. Built more than a thousand years ago during the Five Dynasties period, Qibao has houses, temples, gardens, and shops that look much as they did so many generations ago. The action centers around two canals that run through town, as well as its main street, where visitors will find art galleries, antique shops, a calligraphy shop, and even a traditional Chinese shadow puppet theater. As far as the name is concerned, Qibao means "seven treasures" in Chinese, referring to a fable that describes a gold lotus scripture, a magic tree, a large bell, a golden rooster, a Buddha, a jade chopstick, and a jade axe. And while only two of these items can still be found today (the scripture and the bell), most visitors will find that the town holds treasures more numerous to count. Starwood has eight hotels in Shanghai, including the luxurious St. Regis Shanghai.

When it comes to ancient gardens, it's hard to top China. The country is dotted with painstakingly-manicured gardens and green spaces, some of which date back several centuries. One of the most striking gardens in China can be found in Shanghai, where the Yuyuan Garden has been lovingly tended to for over 400 years. The compact (20,000 square meter) garden was established during the Ming Dynasty by a government officer who hoped to create a tranquil space for his aging parents. Over the years it passed through several owners, and suffered greatly under the Opium War of the 19th century, before being restored to its original grandeur and opened to the public in 1961. Today, visitors to this urban paradise can meander along scenic paths lined with gorgeous native plants and flowers at every turn, pausing to reflect at the various pavilions, halls, ponds, and cloisters located throughout the park. Perhaps most impressive is the park's rock garden, which features a 14-meter rock wall that affords sweeping views of the garden and the magical city beyond. Guests at Le Royal Méridien Shanghai or any of Starwood's Shanghai properties might appreciate a few relaxing hours spent in this serene natural retreat in the middle of the city.