Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui

Most of Shanghai's city center can be explored on foot. This small, intimate city makes it relatively easy to find your way around, but those who come to Shanghai looking for traditional China encounter considerable disappointment. Beijing proves a better city for exploring ancient Chinese buildings and artifacts, but Shanghai's charm comes from its unique colonial past. A sense of nostalgic romanticism and faded glamour lingers in the city, especially in the Old French Concession area where remnants of European architecture face the tree-lined streets. To get a sense of Shanghai, old and new, try the following walking tours.

Tour One: Nan Jing Road and Jing An District

Most of Nan Jing Road stretching east to west offers worthy prospects for exploration. Just walk along this commercial stretch and witness the daily hustle of Shanghai life. A portion of the road on the east side has been transformed into a pedestrian-only street. Flanked by shop fronts, a trolley car and vendors, the pedestrian-only street presents a festive air and attracts many people. Also within walking distance from Nan Jing West Road lies People's Square ( Ren Min Guang Chang ) and the Shanghai Museum. People's Square, a popular public square, resides in the center of downtown Shanghai. Often full of people and vendors, People's Square provides an ideal place for people watching. Underground, a shopping mall sells mostly fashion and cosmetics for the young and trendy crowd. At night, when Nan Jing East Road lights up in full neon glory, it very much resembles Hong Kong. Visitors searching for quiet and more spiritual attractions should check a few active Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Two are situated in the area. Located on Jiang Ning Road, the Jade Buddha Temple ( Yi Fo Si ) gained fame for its large jade Buddha brought from Myanmar ( Burma ) by a disciple. This temple attracts a fair share of tourists and locals who come for worship. The other Buddhist temple, Jing'An, lies on Nan Jing West Road. Open to visitors, this traditional temple poses a stark contrast to the modern buildings on Nan Jing Road.

Tour Two: Old French Concession

For shopping, you cannot beat Huai Hai Middle Road for selection. Various shopping centers, including the Japanese MZL Isetan Department Store, and stylish boutiques, such as La Maison Mode, line this prosperous and very busy street. The always-bustling, open-air market on Xiang Yang Road is a great place to get that fake Rolex watch for only CNY50. Farther west along Huai Hai lies the impressive and modern Shanghai Library. Other sights to see include Fu Xing Park, a lovely European park, Long Hua Temple and the beautifully restored home of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, known as the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Former Residence & Memorial Hall.

Tour Three: Yu Yuan

Known as the Old City or the Chinese section, Yu Yuan offers a more traditional area of Shanghai with its rock gardens, walkways and Chinese teahouses. Yu Yuan's traditional Chinese garden, Yu Gardens, is certainly worth visiting. Visitors shopping at the rather touristy shopping bazaar often buy everything from a qi pao ( traditional Chinese dress ) to traditional Chinese medicine.

Tour Four: Pu Dong

In terms of scenic attractions, Pu Dong offers little as it is known mostly as Shanghai's financial district and for its modern high-rise office buildings. But viewing Pu Xi ( old town ) and the Bund from the perspective of Pu Dong often fascinates visitors. You can also ascend the supposedly tallest structure in Asia, the imposing Oriental Pearl TV Tower, for an aerial view of Shanghai. Travelers should also consider visiting the architecturally striking, 88-floor Jin Mao Building. Recently constructed, this building exhibits a modern showcase of Shanghai's sleek new urban style and prosperity. The Jin Mao also holds the Grand Hyatt Shanghai, as well as offices, businesses and restaurants. For an overall view of the city, the Huang Pu River Tour comes highly recommended.

Tour Five: The Bund

Probably one of the most photographed areas in Shanghai, the Bund gives visitors a sense of grandeur and space. Overlooking the Huang Pu River and the neighboring Pu Dong area, this waterfront area is perfect for strolling. It also provides a stark contrast between Shanghai, old ( Pu Xi ) and new ( Pu Dong ).