From riding one of the world’s fastest trains to sampling steamed soup dumplings, Shanghai offers a dynamic mix of modern innovation and traditional culture, making it an unforgettable destination on the Formula 1 calendar.

As the BWT Alpine Formula One Team descends on the Chinese city for the second round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, here are our picks of five must-try experiences in Shanghai…

Climb the dizzying heights of the Oriental Pearl Tower

Standing 468 metres tall, this curious globe-on-a-tripod tower is one of the most recognisable buildings in Shanghai. It is also one of the best ways to see the sprawling city laid out below. The super-fast double-decker elevators will whisk you to one of the observation decks in less than a minute. For the thrill-seekers among you, dare yourself to peer down 259 metres through the glass-bottomed walkway in the Transparent Observatory. There is also a revolving restaurant offering a 360-degree panorama of the city.

Sample the steamed soup dumplings

While browsing the menu, one speciality you have to try is the bite-sized snack pots of steamed soup dumplings known as [i]xiaolongbao. Different options include leek, pork, lamb, and crabmeat, all wrapped in an envelope of dough. Alternatively, another delicacy of Shanghai is hairy crabs. Eaten with soy, ginger, and vinegar, and often paired with warm Shaoxing wine, whether you’re dining at a restaurant in town or sampling from one of the many food vendors at the Shanghai International Circuit, there’s plenty of choice to whet your appetite.

Go shopping on Nanjing Road

In need of a BWT Alpine Formula One Team shirt or cap, or any other F1 merchandise? Then head to the mile-long stretch of shops on Nanjing Road. Starting at the Zhongshan Lu intersection, you’ll find a mix of high-end fashion outlets and traditional merchants selling silk goods and jade.

On nearby West Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s oldest Buddhist temples nestles amongst the skyscrapers and shopping malls. The golden Jing’an Temple, which has undergone many reconstructions, traces its original form back to 1216. Escape the bustling city for a moment and enjoy the tinkle of wind chimes and the scent of burning incense.

Walk along the riverside on the Bund

Shanghai is not only a neon-lit beacon of modernity but also a city rich in antiquity. The iconic riverfront area known as the Bund features many beautiful colonial buildings dating back to the 1800s. On this waterfront promenade, you’ll find locals practicing tai chi in the open space, with the impressive modern skyline facing you on the other side of the Huangpu River.

Ride one of the world’s fastest trains

If you land at the ultra-modern Pudong Airport, be sure to travel to the city via one of the world’s fastest commercial trains. The Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT) operates on the principle of magnetic levitation, where the lack of friction allows you to travel faster than an F1 driver. Covering the 30km (19mile) journey to Longyang Road Station in just eight minutes, the train reaches a top speed of 431km/h (268mph). From there, change to Metro Line 11 towards North Jiading for the Shanghai International Circuit.