Bursting with energy and commerce, strikingly modern Shanghai is moving faster than any other Chinese city. Or any other city in the world for that matter.

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 the symbol of modern-day, affluent 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.

Shanghai's Top Sites for Families

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 Fairmont Peace Hotel (86-21/6321 6888), built in 1929, is one of Shanghai’s oldest. Its marble floors, copper roofing and Lalique glasswork were radical introductions to Western luxury at its opening, and the Fairmont chain has totally refurbished the hotel in a three-year renovation. Admire one of the most opulent facades of pre-war Shanghai, and walk through the lobby, at least.

Take a Huanpu River cruise to fully enjoy all the sites, new and old, day or night. On the waterfront across the Bund from the hotel there are many sightseeing cruises, all pretty similar, which I recommend.

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.

Cultural & Pop Cultural Chinese Museums

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 Chinese art is on display at the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art, fondly known as Doland, with frequently changing exhibits. MOCA Shanghai is another glass and steel monument to contemporary art with a focus on modern works from around the world.

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

Another hotspot is the 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.

Exploring Futuristic Pu Dong & Fun Kids' Attractions

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 the new heart of the city, 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.”

Shanghai Family-Friendly Lodging & Dining

For an alternative bird’s-eye view of the city, head to the Jin Mao Tower in Pu Dong, the tallest skyscraper on the mainland, where the lobby of the Grand Hyatt (86-21/5049 1234) is on the 53^rd floor!

The rooms themselves are even higher up, and offer everything you would expect from a five-star luxury hotel. For travelers with a smaller budget, the Sofitel Shanghai Hyland (86-21/6351 5888) is still quite fancy at about half the price – and it is located on Nanjing Pedestrian Street, which makes for an easy walk to the Bund.

On the other end of the scale in terms of mod-cons, is the Astor House Hotel, a class pre-war building just off the Bund at 15 Huangpu Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai 200080. Both a bargain older hotel with very large family rooms sleeping three, four and even six, the same building contains dorm rooms for the Shanghai Youth Hostel, for even cheaper accommodations.  It's charming and funky, old and worn, but clean and very evocative of the city's Colonial era. The staff and fellow travelers are very helpful so your family will feel right at home.

In the evening head for Three on the Bund (86-21-6321-9922), which houses several of Shanghai’s titans of fine dining. After a long day of sightseeing, some might have the urge to drop the kids off and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

If that’s the case, leave them in the Kids’ Club at the Whampoa Club (86-21/6329 1003), where a supervised kids' club is only open during weekend lunches and Saturday dinners. Here, the kids will have games and responsible sitters, while you enjoy the world-class cuisine of founding chef Jereme Leung. On the weekends, try the dim sum luncheon together as a family.

Alternatively, you two can share a moment of peace at Laris or Jean Georges, both internationally-acclaimed (and very expensive). Or, if putting the kids up puts you off, take them with you to the top floor and the more family-friendly environs of New Heights (86-21/6321 0909).The menu includes a list of children’s entrees and the staff will provide coloring books as well.

“We feed the kids first so the parents don’t have to listen to them fidgeting,” says Executive Chef Brad Turley. “Then when the adults are eating, the kids can run around the restaurant and leave them alone.” Sitting on the rooftop patio looking out over the Bund, you’ll hardly notice their screams of delight.