Shanghai Looks for Luxury Seekers

Filed in archive Luxury Travel on July 31, 2009

© Sam Ose / Olai Skjaervoy

Shanghai is betting that the wealthy don't actually worry much about the global recession, according to USA Today.

Global travel may be ailing, but China's biggest city of Shanghai is pursuing luxury travelers with a vengeance, bent on restoring a reputation for opulence and elegance that once made it the Paris of the Orient.

Shopping and gourmet dining are among the activities being marketed to the world from Shanghai. You can throw in fashion shows and Formula One racing.

Hotels (like the world famous Peace Hotel in Shanghai's Bund) are renovating and adding bling.

And to cater to the upscale crowds, a coffee war has broken out in Shanghai. You how more choices than just Starbucks now...