THE FACTS ABOUT SHANGHAI, CHINA

China Shanghai

Race date: October 19 2008 A futuristic skyline characterises this ever-growing, ram-packed metropolis. While it's a long way to travel for F1 action for European race fans, the track, located near the banks of the Huangpu River, is one of a kind. Defined by enormous curves and hairpin corners, it makes for nail-biting racing. Shanghai also offers fine shopping along the Nanjing Road with both traditional Chinese and European-style designer boutiques, and the Jade Buddha Temple is a must if you want to take in some of the city's traditional culture. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a major landmark, has an incredible rotating restaurant at its peak from where you can unwind with a Tsingtao beer and enjoy unbeatable, sweeping views across the city. WHERE TO STAY Mansion Hotel, 82 Xin Le Road, Shanghai (00 86 21 5403 9888; www.chinamansionhotel.com). A five-star, five-storey luxury hotel that draws inspiration from Shanghai's pre-war glamorous era, the Mansion Hotel was built in 1932 and gracefully fuses French and Asian styles. WHERE TO EAT Jean-Georges, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu 1, Shanghai (00 86 21 6321 7733; www.jean-georges.com). The Shanghai outlet of the namesake in New York, Jean-Georges is the place to go if you're looking for French Asian fusion cooking, stylish interiors and a cool crowd. WHERE TO DRINK Bar Rouge, Level 7, 18 Zhong Shan Dong Yi, Shanghai (00 86 21 6339 1199). Located in Shanghai's cool Bund district, Bar Rouge's staff make excellent cocktails. The interior is a mix of traditional Chinese and modern European, and the terrace's views over the city are incredible. FIND OUT MORE IN OUR GUIDE TO SHANGHAI