Shanghai-Nanjing-Beijing, en route through China's megacities

Journey into the past on this walk around the former French Concession established in the mid 19th century. With its pavement cafés, trendy bars and nightclubs, the former 'Paris of the Orient' still has a unique atmosphere. Now lined with luxury stores, the district has retained the old-fashioned charm of the art deco buildings and traditional houses known as Shikumen.

Located on the site of the oldest museum in the city (Royal Asiatic Society), in a stunning art deco building, the Rockbund Art Museum offers a window on contemporary Chinese and international art. Its design presents some amazing juxtapositions. The museum presents many temporary exhibitions throughout the year, inviting visitors to explore the changing world.

The Bund is Shanghai's answer to the Champs-Elysées or 5th Avenue. This part of the city shows the mix of old and modern influences best. It comprises historic buildings in Romanesque, Gothic and many other styles which nowadays have been converted into banks, hotels and financial institutions. The entire city seems to gather along this artery that runs the length of the riverbanks. Depending on the time of day, you run into old ladies performing their very slow T'ai Chi moves, businessmen, groups of dancers or tourists. Come here for a stroll or to sit facing the city skyline. At night, the lights in the glass buildings are a show all of their own...

Founder of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398) is the only emperor not to be buried in Peking. Six centuries after his death, his mausoleum lies on the Zijin hill (Purple Mountain) and remains one of the most beautiful in China: a path lined with statues of lions, elephants, camels, horses and fantasy animals lead you to the tomb. The stone bestiary of this “Sacred Way” is supposed to fend off bad spirits.

style='line-height: 20.7999992370605px;'>Located near to Qinhuai River, the Memorial was created in 1985 to commemorate the atrocities committed by the Japanese soldiers against the Nanjing population at the time of its fall in December 1937. For several weeks, the inhabitants of the town were beaten, raped and killed. According to historians, there were several tens of thousands of victims. Photos, assorted items and human remains recall this very somber period for the city. Nevertheless, the Memorial offers a heartrending testimony deemed necessary to better understand the history of Nanjing. Every document has been translated into English.