Shanghai International Flower Festival – an assortment of colour and beauty

Celebrated once in every two years, the Shanghai International Flower Festival is one event that must be marked down on your itinerary should you be thinking of heading over to the city in the future. Therefore selecting a serviced apartment in Shanghai to come home to after the event is advisable. With its serviced apartments Shanghai has to offer, Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai would be one of the facilities that can be considered.

Regarded as one of the most important celebrations of Chinese culture, the festival is held at the Changfen Park which sees both locals and tourists in attendance. Showcasing a range of colourful, beautiful and sweet smelling flowers, Shanghai International Flower Festival is one such event that is looked forward to with much enthusiasm. Scheduled to be held between the 01st – 30th of April 2014, the flower festival is sure to attract an even larger gathering than previous times and is a definite must-do if you are holidaying in the area during this time.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Shanghai Longhua Temple Fair – a period of festivity

Shanghai’s largest Buddhist Temple, the Longhua Temple, bursts into a bright flurry of festivity, joy, and colour during the third lunar month (April) of each year. If you are visiting the country or the city, witness this air of festivity permeate everything from your flight to stylish serviced apartments Shanghai has to offer all visitors, such as those at the Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai which makes for some excellent accommodation Shanghai. Accompanying the vibrant peach blossoms which burst into life during the spring season, the Longhua Temple emerges with its festival best witness by the colourful lights that decorate the temple interior and exterior, lending the site an enchanting air. Coupled with the enthralling tinkling of the bells, the whole site blooms into a sacred spectacle that lures visitors both local and international. Framing the temple proper are jam-packed stalls that sell all manner of treat, from sizzling snack foods to the most intricately crafted jewellery and trinkets that make ideal souvenirs to take home. Visitors will enjoy strolling through the scenic Longhua Park, which assumes a gentle pink glow on account of the peach blossoms sprinkled across its lawns. You will also be treated to fun events in the form of traditional Chinese choirs, enthralling dance shows, hilarious puppet theatres and more. So pick April as the ideal time to visit Shanghai and join the millions of Chinese citizens as they revel in the beginning of a brand new year.

Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival: An Unparalleled Event in the Fashion World!

The city of Shanghai in the Republic of China hosts a series of Festivals, fondly known by those associated with it, as the ‘Four Festivals’. These festivals include the Shanghai Art Festival, the Shanghai Tour Festival, the Shanghai Movie and Television Festival as well as the Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival.

The latter has been conducted for 18 years and was founded in 1995. This festival is organised with the primary focus of promoting the fashion and textile industry of the Republic of China in order to facilitate the influence of Chinese traditions and styles to contemporary art and textiles as well as promote these finished products as serious contenders in the world market. The Festival is well-known worldwide and attracts buyers and enthusiasts from around the globe. One of the most prominent highlights of the entire Festival is the forum conducted by Donghua University which is believed to reach a stunning one hundred million viewers via the press and the internet.

Other attendees who exhibit at the festival include world renowned brands, designers, textile companies and a number of commercial purchasers hailing from over a dozen overseas countries. A multitude of designers also seize the opportunity to display their latest styles and designs for the Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival provides them with the exposure they need to launch their label onto a global platform.

The Fashion show itself is transmitted to a large audience, often live and reaches millions of viewers from all corners of the world. As the Festival attracts a significant number of foreign participants, a quality service apartment Shanghai during this period is scarcely available. Thus it is advisable that bookings of a fitting hotel apartment Shanghai be made as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment. When searching for suitable accommodation in this city, a marvellous recommendation can be made of the Citadines Biyun Shanghai, which is home to180 apart’hotels (as they term it). These dwellings comfortably merge the conveniences of both hotels and apartments. Furnished with impeccable taste, the apart’hotel is equipped with wi-fi zones so as to ensure any designer or purchase visiting the Festival have access to the internet at all times.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Shanghai TV Festival – A celebration of cinematic excellence

A traveller rarely gets the opportunity to get an insight to the media industry of a destination, which is why Shanghai TV Festival is one event not to b missed when in the city. Shanghai executive apartments at a reputed Shanghai serviced residence such as Somerset Xu Hui Shanghai make for a ideal accommodation choice which will provide ease in experiencing various local events including Shanghai TV Festival itself. Having become Asia’s most prestigious and influential international TV festival, STVF strengthens the communication and cooperation between the world and Chinese media industry. The event presents due recognition and awards to the best television series, television film, best director and various other categories. Dating back to 1986, STVF is a celebration of Chinese media.

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. Google+

Shanghai Film Festival – A Celebration of Chinese Cinema

Much like the country itself, Chinese cinema is ever evolving and today offers viewers a unique insight into a variety of themes. A celebration of film, the Shanghai Film Festival is one of the largest of such events in Asia and provides movie buffs a chance to see some of the latest cinematic creations. When in the city for this festival make sure you find centrally located accommodation Shanghai has to offer such as Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai. These serviced apartments Shanghai can be found in the Huangpu District and lets you enjoy the best in business, entertainment and shopping.

Attracting filmmakers the world over, the Shanghai Film Festival or SIFF also showcases the best in Chinese films. The film competitions held here include the handing out of the Golden Goblet Awards for best film, best actor and actress and best director. The judging panel for these awards are made up of well known personalities connected to cinema from the world over. There is also a Film Forum where filmmakers can share ideas, while the International Film Panorama gives you a chance to see cutting edge world cinema.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
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Enjoying a Traditional Tea Ceremony in Shanghai

Those looking to experience traditional elements of Shanghai’s cultural heritage should definitely try to take part in a tea ceremony. If you want to truly explore the city while at the same time indulge in some luxury pampering, then staying at a  Boutique hotel Shanghai such as 88 Xintiandi, Shanghai is a good option. Fearing luxurious residences in Shanghai, this stylish business hotel in Shanghai can be found in the lively Xintiandi entertainment district. A tea ceremony in Shanghai lets you enjoy watching traditional rituals and customs that go into preparing tea as in days of old. This includes smelling the tea before it is prepared, steeping methods and even how to properly ‘taste’ the tea. There are a variety of teas that can be used including oolong tea, green tea and black tea each with their own aroma and taste that is sure to soothe your soul!

Enjoying Indoor Skiing in Shanghai!

While Shanghai offers plenty of fun outdoor activities for the entire family, those in search of something truly unique can indulge in some indoor skiing! Before heading out onto the slopes it is best to find a hotel in Shanghai that offers easy access to the city such as The Langham Yangtze Boutique Shanghai. Letting you enjoy the finer things in life, this 5 star hotel Shanghai is set amidst the lively central business district area. Once you have settled in and want to get some skiing action under your belt, make your way to the Minhang district where you will find the Yinqixing indoor ski centre with its 45m ski slope. Offering fun skiing for young and old alike, this indoor slope is not that steep making it ideal for young skiers as well. Apart from skis, snowboards are also available for hire and provide a relaxing day out for all.

Cruising on Huangpu River – Sightseeing Adventures in Shanghai

Those in search of a truly unique sightseeing experience when in Shanghai should definitely look to take a cruise along the Huangpu River. These cruises depart from the famous Bund and those in search of a luxurious hotel in Shanghai that is within easy reach of this area can stay at The Langham Yangtze Boutique Shanghai. This 5 star hotel Shanghai is only around 3kms from The Bund giving you the ideal opportunity to embark on a Huangpu River cruise. As you sail along the river you will come across the changing faces of the city from its colonial buildings to towering skyscrapers. You can enjoy riverside views of well known Shanghai landmarks including the Oriental Pearl Tower, the World Financial Centre, Yangshupu Water Plant and Customs House set amidst the cityscape of this dynamic Chinese metropolis.

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Lyceum Theatre Shanghai

Built back in 1866, the Lyceum Theatre in Shanghai is of European style and is the longest among all theatres in the city.  It has served as a meeting venue for noted public figures including consulates in the 1930’s and 1940’s, standing as a witness to a long history. Reputed for offering theatre productions of high standard, the theatre excellently reflects the international cultural exchanges.  Equipped with a selection of modern facilities, the theatre is a must visit for tourists in the city. Those in search of accommodation Shanghai, should consider selecting one of the serviced apartments Shanghai offered by Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai.

Shanghai Nightlife – Let’s Get This Party Started!


Rich in history, Shanghai gives visitors a chance to experience the rich and diverse culture of this vibrant Chinese city. While daylight offers plenty of opportunities for culture vultures to take in historical sites, when night falls a whole new face of the city is revealed, one that promises a night of wild parties, chic cocktails and energetic live music including the sultry smooth sounds of jazz.

Much of the Shanghai nightlife can be found within specific areas of the city that have a concentration of clubs and bars. Considered the most famous of the city’s nightlife areas, the Bund is home to exclusive clubs that draw an eclectic mix of locals and international visitors alike. This fashionable part of Shanghai is where one will find such upscale venues as M1NT which offers VIP membership, the stylishly sophisticated Glamour Bar, the trendy Martini Bar and Bar Rouge which has seductive red decor to match.

Other parts of the city where one will find a happening club scene as well as swanky dining and drinking venues include Surpass Court, French Concession and Sinan Mansion. Many of the big name clubs in the city have also hosted well known international DJs such as turntable maestros of the likes of Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Carl Cox and the duo known as Deep Dish.

Those after a more refined night out can head to one of the city’s many chic lounges where one can sip cocktails and hobnob with Shanghai’s trendy jet set crowd. Fashionable lounges worth visiting include the European style Lola club, The Apartment which resembles a New York loft and The Alchemist.

Offering a wide range of wine bars, pubs and karaoke clubs as well, Shanghai nightlife has also embraced the live music scene which gives visitors a chance to enjoy performances by both local and international artists. Yuyintang, Mao Livehouse and Live Bar are great venues to hear rock, metal, punk and indie music. Not to be forgotten is the city’s burgeoning jazz scene which can be enjoyed in such venues as JZ Club, the House of Jazz and Blues and the Cotton Club.

Situated in various parts of the city, Shanghai serviced apartments offer modern living spaces that come with self catering facilities. Providing a centrally located service apartment Shanghai, Citadines Jinqiao Shanghai offers a great base from which to explore the city and experience its nightlife.