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Bursting with energy and commerce, strikingly modern Shanghai may be moving at a faster pace than any other Chinese city. Go today.

Standing at the mouth of the famous Chang Jiang (literally “Long River;” the Yangtze), downstream from more historic cities like Chongqing and Wuhan, Shanghai is a symbol of modern, rising China.

Its history may read like an encyclopedia of foreign imperialism, but these transgressions have led to the fusion of Chinese, Asian, and Western cultures that typify today’s Shanghai. It is evident in the architecture, in the food, and in the faces of its inhabitants. Shanghai is China’s most diverse and vibrant city.

Certain sites are required viewing, most famously The Bund – the western waterfront along the Huangpu River – where strollers can take in many of Shanghai’s historic buildings. The Peace Hotel (86-21/6321 6888) is one of Shanghai’s oldest, and worth a walk through the lobby at least. Take a cruise on the river to fully enjoy all the sites, day or night.

Yu Yuan, the 400-year-old garden in the middle of the Old City, is another must-see, with pavilions, rockeries, pools, and fountains to delight the eye and relax the mind. Outside Yu Yuan, among the teahouses and shops, there are two antique markets.

Museums are standard tourist fare in any city, but Shanghai has several that are worth a look. The Shanghai Museum, in People’s Square, is full of ancient Chinese art -- bronze and ceramic pieces dating from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties (1700-221 BC), and many pieces of classical antique Chinese furniture from later imperial dynasties of the Ming (AD 1368-1644) and Qing (AD 1644-1911) -- which, while fascinating, can be a bit somber for guests of any age. Contemporary art is on display at the Duolun Museum, with frequently changing exhibits.

And be sure to visit the Propaganda Poster Art Center to remember the bright colors and smiling, red-cheeked faces of Communist campaigns past.

Not so well-known is that any trip to Shanghai, especially with the kids, will not be complete without a visit to the underwater world of the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Located conveniently at the Lu Jia Zui metro station in Pu Dong, it is a mere two-minute walk from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower – the futuristic centerpiece of the city skyline. Hit both these spots on a weekend afternoon and you’ll likely run across groups of local schoolchildren, some of whom may be eager to practice their English.

The aquarium starts off with an exhibition on the Yangtze River, with glass tanks that start at the ground and measure three feet up, perfect for the little ones to look a Chinese Giant Salamander – the world’s largest amphibian – straight in the eye. Further along, there are a number of underwater tunnels, where you and the kids can walk directly underneath the belly of a Tiger Shovelnose Catfish. There is even a roomful of penguins! But perhaps the most fascinating creature of the entire aquarium is the Japanese Spider Crab, whose clawspan reaches an incredible twelve feet.

After you finish the tour and hit the gift shop, head over to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, but make sure it’s a clear day. For RMB 100 per person you can go all the way to the top level at 350 meters (1,148 feet), but it’s just as nice a view from the larger, second-tier “Sightseeing Floor,” at about 260 meters, and only RMB 70 (children discounted). They also have a restaurant up there, though anecdotal evidence says it’s probably best to just take in the views, and head elsewhere for lunch. If cuisine isn't your primary motive, the comfortable banquettes, refreshing air-conditioning, gently rotating views and sprawling Asian buffet may seem like a bargain, with Observation Deck tickets bundled into the fee.

While in Pu Dong, take the metro out to Century Park for an enjoyable time in the sun. The vast lawns and forested areas, free for romping, offer a welcome respite from the concrete jungle. There is a children’s playground, though its slides and mazes may be appropriate only for the very young, and a large lake. “Birds Island” is home to ten different aviary species, and a posted sign informs us that “native and migrating birds regard it as their paradise.”

Another hotspot in Shanghai is the all-new House of Barbie, which opened in March 2009. This 35,000 square foot facility offers shopping and dining in addition to a Design Center where visitors can design their own Barbie, and a Fashion Stage that invites guests to display high-quality fashion with clothes directly from Barbie's closet. This flagship store is the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of dolls and accessories, highlighting the contributions of Barbie and how she has inspired generations of young girls.