Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008

8. The Bund

Yes, this riverfront boardwalk is touristy, a particular magnet for Chinese farmers in polyester suits who come to gawp at all the fashionable Shanghainese. But part of the fun of an amble down the Bund (it rhymes with fund) is checking out the Chinese checking out other Chinese. Recover from the crowds with a classic martini at the roof terrace of M on the Bund, located in one of the 1920s-era buildings that still line the riverfront. The M is for Michelle Garnaut, an Australian restaurateur who in the spring oversees Shanghai's very own International Literary Festival, which has in the past lured everyone from John Banville to Amy Tan.