City roundup

Treaty of Nanking

Prudence Lui

Published: 12:00am, 31 Mar 2008

Why you can trust SCMP

A look at key business travel destinations and where to relax between meetings

Kaohsiung Taiwan's second largest city and maritime capital is home to 1.5million people. With the launch of Taiwan High Speed Rail last year, it now takes about 90 minutes to travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung. Where to eat Night markets Liouhe Tourist Night Market should not be missed if you want authentic Taiwanese food. Other options include Singjhong and Jhongsiao, and Guanghua Tourist Night Market. Granny's Ice Shop Since 1934 traditional recipes have blended ice and fresh fruits. 75 Lounge and 75 Grill The 75th floor of Kaohsiung Sky Tower is one of the best spots to view the night skyline. This relaxed and elegant restaurant features an international cuisine and live bands. Between meetings Dream Mall Taiwan's newest and biggest shopping mall encompasses a cinema complex, theme park, restaurants and rooftop ferris wheel with 36 carts (www.dream-mall.com.tw). Kaohsiung Sky Tower Panoramic views over Longevity Mountain (Shoushan), Love River and Kaohsiung Harbour.

Taipei The tourism campaign in Taiwan sees events organised to encourage visitors to learn more about local culture and attractions. Where to eat Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road, Section 2) It's not uncommon for long queues to form outside branches of this local dumpling house. Signature dishes include chicken soup and xiaolongbao (small steamed soup dumplings). Lian Siang Jhai Su Tsai All-you-can-eat veggie buffet (Chang Chun Road). It offers diverse vegetarian dishes from noodles, soups and ice-cream to hotpot, herbal medicine and sushi. Yangtze River (Howard Plaza Hotel, Ren'ai Road Section 3) Traditional Jiangsu cuisine and spectacular snacks and dim sum. Shihlin Night Market (end of Wenlin Road, Jihe Road. and Zhongshan North Road) A favourite with locals, with stalls serving tea, noodles, desserts and dumplings. Taipei 101 (Shifu Road) The grand market at basement 1 features a food court serving Taiwanese dishes and western cuisine. There are also more upmarket restaurants upstairs to take business clients. Between meetings

Eslite Books (Chengpin Shujyu) Open around the clock with a full range of books, magazines, stationery and CDs. (www.eslitebooks.com). Taipei Maokong Gondola The 20-minute ride connects Taipei Zoo and the Mucha tea-growing district (http://gondola.trtc.com.tw/).

Shanghai With Pudong International Airport's third runway now operating, peak-hour traffic has been eased. Where to eat Le Platane (Huangpi Nan Lu, Luwan, near Xingye Lu). Occupying a restored stone-gate house in Xintiandi enclave, renowned Singaporean chef Justin Quek exclusively offers his luxury degustation menus (www.justinquek.com). Hamilton House At the corner of Fuzhou and Jiangxi Roads, it is a 1930s art deco building with high ceilings serving French cuisine. Issimo by Salvatore Cuomo (JIA Shanghai, 931West Nanjing Road) Ideal for those seeking great Italian cuisine served with passion, a selection of premium wines and champagnes, and a unique cocktail menu. Slice, Pudong A retail, delicatessen and gourmet cafe with style in Bi Yun Road on the corner of Lan An Road. It's a masterpiece of international chef-proprietor David Laris and a superb place to enjoy all day and night gourmet meals. Reservations recommended. South Beauty 881 This outlet of the Sichuan-style restaurant chain is set in a tastefully renovated traditional house in Yan An Zhong Lu. Between meetings Zhu Jia Jiao An hour's journey west of downtown Shanghai and on the south of the Yangtze. It's worth spending a half day seeing some well-preserved examples of Ming and Qing architecture, old stone bridges and streets of this 1,700-year-old water town. Jin Mao Tower One of the best scenic spots in China at a height of 421 metres. Two express elevators each carry 33 passengers from the basement to the 88th floor in 45 seconds. Museum of Contemporary Art (Nanjing West Road) The first non-profit, independently operated contemporary art institution in Shanghai is co-operating with Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo in an exhibition of his work until May 7.

Seoul The capital's 600-year history creates a lovely mix of old and new with the government stepping up efforts to attract visitors and make the city more convenient to travel around. Where to eat Tasty BLVD Steaks are a speciality in this upmarket western eatery on Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu (www.tastyblvd.com). Gramercy Kitchen A favourite spot for entertaining clients on Shiz Avenue Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu (www.gramercykitchen.com). Between meetings Seoul City Tour A bus leaves every 30 minutes covering major points of interest in the capital. (http://english.tour2korea.com)

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