Xintiandi, an upscale car-free district in Shanghai, emerged in the late 1990s as a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. Originally a neighbourhood of traditional Shikumen houses, many were replaced with modern apartments to improve living conditions, sparking concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage. In response, the government preserved some Shikumen structures, blending history with contemporary flair. Today, Xintiandi stands as a dazzling landmark, boasting fine restaurants, chic clubs and luxury boutiques, seamlessly integrating Shanghai's past with its cosmopolitan present.

One of the finest on Naxos, Plaka is a long, attractive sandy beach which really comes alive in summer. Numerous taverns and cafes line the waterfront (most operate May to October), and holidaymakers swim in the turquoise waters and play beach games and water sports from dusk till dawn.

Another one of Luxembourg's historic castles, the now decrepit one in Esch-sur-Sûre was originally built in the Romanesque style as early as the 10th century, with later Gothic additions two centuries later. Inhabited by commoners for a time, it is now but a relic of Medieval Europe open to the public.

The Shanghai Museum on People's Square holds one of China's most significant collections of ancient art. Its five floors showcase a remarkable trove of over 120,000 cultural relics, with standout displays of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings. Among its many treasures is an object of national importance: one of only three known Han-dynasty 'transparent' bronze mirrors in existence.