2016 Bucket List: Shanghai

Go east... Far East! EDGE's 2016 bucket list continues with our fifth installment: Shanghai, China.

For urban adventurers seeking international flair in one of the world's most sprawling and dynamic cities, look no further than Shanghai. Bustling with more than 24 million people, Shanghai is divided into two major parts: Puxi (west of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (east) -- that recognizable skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and the soon-to-open Shanghai Tower (which when complete will be the second-tallest building in the world).

You'll discover brightly lit luxury department stores, the Bund (a mile-long esplanade where you'll see an endless parade of Shanghainese couples posing for wedding portraits), historical art deco architecture and reimagined areas like the French Concession that pay homage to the past while creating new shopping, dining and entertainment districts for locals and tourists alike.

Walk or Ride

Leave your inhibitions behind in Shanghai -- where the bustling pace leaves little room for dawdlers. To grasp the city's history as well as its mind-boggling urban planning initiatives, start your visit with a trip to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which houses an impressive scale model of the city, other permanent exhibits and an ever-changing roster of contemporary artists. The exhibit hall will whet your appetite for what's on the streets of Shanghai, and there's no better man to show you around than architect and local historian Spencer Dodington.

Part of the Ritz-Carlton's Shanghai Architecture Experience package, Dodignton will steer you clear of oncoming traffic as your eyes gaze upward at wonders from the last century, including buildings designed by Chinese-American architect Poy Gum Lee, the Bank of China on the Bund and the newly reimagined 19th century Xintiandi district, featuring Shikumen houses and narrow alleyways dotted with high-end retailers.

For a high-gear tour of Shanghai, hop in a sidecar with Insider Authentic Experiences, where your driver will whisk you around some of the city's most notable and undiscovered areas. Don't be shy about going renegade to see where and how the locals really live.

Live It Up

Settle into five-star luxury at the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. (Be sure to request a room with a Bund view.) Head to the 58th floor for a picture-perfect nightcap at the city's highest al fresco dining and drinking venue, Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar. Or if you want to really indulge, unwind with a Jade Qi Yun treatment at the spa, which features indigenous jade rollers for a soothing facial treatment along with an invigorating back exfoliation and massage.

Expert Advice
For most people, China is a bucket list -- and one that requires some serious planning. Audley Travel was founded as Asian Journey in 1996 (the company was renamed in 2001 with its expansion to South America) and is one of the preeminent tour operators with a focus on fully independent travel. Be sure to let your travel specialist know that you seek LGBT-friendly accommodations and guides.

Getting There
Your China in-flight adventure is a long haul, so travel in style. Delta Air Lines recently launched direct service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG). "Everyone will enjoy the investments we've made to upgrade our airport facilities, our onboard service, full flat-bed seats, and industry-leading complimentary in-flight entertainment," said Ranjan Goswami, Delta's vice president of sales -- west. For those traveling from the East Coast and with an abundance of Sky Miles, Delta recently bought a stake of Eastern China, allowing you to use miles on that carrier for a direct flight from JFK.