Canter Bridge

Shanghai is not what one expects.

Miles upon miles of gleaming office towers and hotels overwhelm the visitor who has not been paying adequate attention. In fact, they serve as a metaphor for a China that is hurtling itself into the modern world at something like the 440 kilometer-per-hour pace of its famous magnetic levitation train (Maglev).

You can hardly do better in Shanghai than staying at the Hua Ting Towers and Guest House. Actually two separate buildings, either the Towers or the Guest House will more than meet your need for spacious rooms, fine staff attention, and a very reasonable room rate. (2525 Zhong Shan Road (W); [021]6439-1818)

A foot massage at the Guest House’s oddly named Lie Sure Massage Center may just change your life.