This was published 5 years ago
China Eastern Airlines return economy flights Australia to Paris with a stopover in Shanghai
See the highlights of Shanghai on a stopover with China Eastern Airlines.
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Want to spice up your travels in 2019? China Eastern Airlines has just announced a truly sensational spring deal - a return economy flight to Paris from Australia's east coast capitals, with a stopover of up to 144 hours in Shanghai, from just $A979. That's up to six days to experience one of the most exciting and exhilarating cities on the planet – and more than enough time to get made-to-measure garments tailored just for you in the South Bund Fabric Market. One of the most amazing cities in Asia plus springtime in Paris – and from there, you've got all of Europe at your feet.
China Eastern Airlines now flies non-stop from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Shanghai, and Australian passport holders can obtain visa-free entry to the city for 144 hours when you have a valid onward ticket to another country. That gives you plenty of time to explore at will and experience some of the sensational scenic, historic, culinary and cultural wonders that China has to offer.
Dazzling and dynamic, Shanghai will leave you breathless. From the moment the world's fastest train whisks you from Pudong International Airport into this futuristic city you'll be captivated. Shanghai also has sophisticated tastes, with a dynamic arts scene, an architectural treasury, some of China's best shopping and a distinctive cuisine you won't find anywhere else.
Standout among the city's highlights is The Bund. Stretched out along the Shanghai riverfront, this is where foreign traders built Western-style banks and trading houses, a treasure trove of architecture and now home to some of Shanghai's most exclusive boutiques, restaurants and hotels. Go in the evening for amazing views of the futuristic Pudong cityscape.
Over many centuries China's refined and sophisticated culture has been reflected in its sculpture, metalwork, ceramics, painting and the art of calligraphy and some of its most accomplished works can be seen in the vast and impressive Shanghai Museum, an open book of Chinese history and culture.
This is a city that knows how to eat well, from street-food favourites such as xiaolongbao, tiny dumplings that explode with flavour, to M on the Bund, one of the city's ultimate dining experiences. On a warm evening this is rooftop dining at its very best.
Repurposed from disused factories and cotton mills, the galleries within the amazing M50 art complex are at the forefront of China's artistic renaissance, a hotbed of avant-garde art and ideas.
The leafy, villa-lined streets of the French Concession is Shanghai's style quarter, home to high-end boutiques, cafes, restaurants and entertainment. Some of the historic houses in this area have recently opened as museums, bringing fresh impetus to the district's café culture
This is also a great time to venture beyond Shanghai to sample the delights of spring.
The Gardens of Suzhou
Practically a suburb of sprawling Shanghai, Suzhou was made rich by its strategic position on the Grand Canal. Between the 11th and 19th centuries, wealthy families seeking a retreat from the world created gardens here, and it was these gardens with their strategically placed rocks, hillocks and waterscapes that laid down the template for the Chinese garden. In the Humble Administrator's Garden, a circular moon door frames a pine tree, symbol of longevity, while the Hall of Distant Fragrance is placed to catch the scent of lotus blossoms when they flower in the pond at its feet. Suzhou itself is a city of canals and ponds and cascading streams are an essential element in Suzhou's gardens.
The Sweet Delights of Changshu
On the delta of the Yangtze River just to the north-west of Shanghai, the canals and lakes of Changshu deliver a supersize helping of serenity. The place to go is the Shanghu Scenic Area, from where a Chinese-style gondolier will pole you through bamboo-lined waterways and into a crane sanctuary. Head back to the city for lunch at the swanky Kingrace Hotel on Shanghu Lake, and afterwards, take a bus ride to the temple on top of Yushan Mountain overlooking the lake and explore the adjacent tea plantations.
Green Hills of Moganshan
A 2½-hour drive south-west of Shanghai in the rippling hills around Mount Mogan, this forested mountain enclave is a welcome breath of fresh air, now making the most of its history. Carved out in the 1800s by foreign missionaries looking for an escape from Shanghai's sticky summer heat, they were followed by foreign merchants who built stone manor houses kitted out with tennis courts, swimming pools and rose gardens. Hike or bike through bamboo forests on the mountain trails, visit the historic homes, some of which have become museums, stop for afternoon tea at Moganshan Lodge and enjoy the cool air. Foreign know-how has arrived in the form of a handful of mountain retreats created by savvy expats. Straight out of top drawer, the dishy Le Passage Mohkan Shan sits in a tea plantation, with style and décor straight from the 1920s and smart, bistro-style food.
Obtaining visa-free entry at Shanghai is easy. At the China Eastern Airlines check-in desk in Australia, present a valid onward ticket to another country as proof you intend to exit China within the 144-hour period. Once on board the aircraft, complete the "Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners" and when you arrive in Shanghai, go through the 144 hour visa-free counter and pass the immigration desk with your hotel confirmation letter. It's that simple.
Add some polish to your visit with a two-night stay in a Superior Room at the refined and sumptuous Sofitel Shanghai Hyland. Located on Nanjing Road within easy walking distance of the city's historic Bund, the Sofitel Shanghai Hyland is an effortless blend of French hospitality with Chinese elegance. Facilities include a full fitness centre, a spa, a smart Cantonese specialty restaurant and a chic Shanghai lounge bar – all yours including breakfast daily and return private car transfers between Shanghai Airport starting from just $399 per person on a twin share basis. This package is available from Helloworld.
Valid from 16 April to 19 June from Sydney, 26 April to 15 June from Melbourne and 7 January to 19 June from Brisbane, the return fare to Paris with China Eastern Airlines, including a stopover in Shanghai, is just $A979. For these great deal visit your local Helloworld Travel store, see www.helloworld.com.au or call 13 14 15.
This article is produced in association with China Eastern Airlines.
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