Arguably the most cosmopolitan city in China, Shanghai has burst onto the creative scene with its rich cultural calendar of events for all tastes. From jazz aficionados to foodies, Shanghai offers something for everyone.

From luxurious 1920s Art Deco buildings to sleek modern skyscrapers, Shanghai is teeming with an array of architectural styles. Here we focus on just ten to admire on your next visit to China's largest city.

For the 5th time since 2005, China brings a contingent of artists to Venice to partake in the most anticipated international arts exhibition in the world, building around the theme of 'Transfiguration'.

Lin Tianmiao's use of traditionally 'female' crafts in her art has led to her being seen as a 'feminist' artist. Luise Guest interviews the artist on her views on being labelled as 'feminist', womanhood, motherhood and developing her own artistic identity.

In 2012, London's Young Vic theatre put on the first-ever stage production of Jung Chang’s Wild Swans.

From Ginza to Times Square, Han Bing and his cabbage have travelled the world. Through his photographic series, Han Bing asks viewers to stop and consider: What do we hurtle towards?

Begun in early 1994 by Chinese photojournalist Liu Zheng, The Chinese photographic series could well be described as Liu's biography of modern China. Travelling extensively throughout China over eight years, Liu captures portraits of individuals from all walks of life.

In spite of winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2000, Chinese émigré Gao Xingjian receives little praise in his native country, in sharp contrast to the reception given to his countryman Mo Yan.

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (2011) relates how the famous Chinese artist and dissident has used art and technology to formulate a fierce critic of the Chinese regime.

Zhang Yimou is one of China's most celebrated film directors who has garnered praise both in China and abroad for films such as To Live, Raise the Red Lantern and House of Flying Daggers.

ShanghART gallery was initiated in 1996 in Shanghai. It has since grown to become one of China’s most influential art institutions and a vital resource to the development of contemporary art in China.

Located in Guangzhou, far from the main arts hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, Vitamin Creative Space is driven by the view that ‘contemporary art is the vitamin that keeps life and society open’. The gallery focuses on promoting contemporary art in a Chinese context.

Founded in 1991, Red Gate Gallery in Beijing is amongst the first private contemporary art gallery to be established in China. Located in a 600-year old Ming dynasty watchtower, Red Gate continue to be a key player in the contemporary art scene of China.

Faurschou Foundation is a privately funded art foundation in Copenhagen and Beijing established by Luise and Jens Faurschou. For 25 years they have mounted exhibitions of works by internationally recognized artists both from Denmark and abroad.

Pace is a leading contemporary art gallery with galleries in New York, London, and Beijing. Its Beijing gallery, located in 798 Art District, has showcased works by renowned artists including Zhang Xiaogang, Zhang Huan, Jeff Koons and Jean Michel Basquiat.

Beijing Art Now Gallery was founded in 2004 in the Caochangdi Art District in Beijing, which is the centre of a burgeoning arts scene. Art Now provides a space for experimental and international art exhibitions, and actively promotes new artists and emerging artists.

Founded in 2005, Art Labor is located in Shanghai. Based in a city that is at the center of artistic creation and financial power in Asia, Art Labor encourages artists whose works actively explore the question of Shanghai’s evolving identity and the changing face of China.

Located in Dashanzi Art District (original 798 Factory), the heart of a growing art and culture community in Beijing, 798 Space is one of the most established and largest of the many art galleries in the area. 798 Space also has an eating space and contemporary art book shop.

Established in 2007. Showcasing established and emerging contemporary artists, in the past few years, Art+Shanghai has quickly established itself as a key figure within the sprawling Chinese contemporary art scene.

The PuLi, located in the heart of Shanghai near Nanjing Road, is a quiet retreat from the city with a garden, reflection pond, terrace and library, which holds over 2,500 books. Book now on Tripadvisor, Expedia, or Lastminute.com.

The Waldorf Astoria is located at Shanghai Bund, a waterfront boulevard which runs alongside the Huangpu River. Housed in what was once the legendary Shanghai Club, this elegant heritage structure blends history with modern sophistication. Book it.

Located in the centre of Beijing, DuGe is the first designer courtyard boutique hotel in China. From its distinctive red-and-blue doors to its curved roofs and lacquered furniture, DuGe harmonises traditional architecture with contemporary design. Book it.

Just steps from the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Aman resort is housed in traditional pavilions, some of which date back over a century. Its courtyards and architecture make this a serene spot in a fast-paced city. Book it.

With a unique contemporary look inspired by Ming Dynasty décor, Grace Beijing is located at the heart of the city’s famous 798 Art District, a thriving, hip cultural centre that is fast becoming a focal point for the international arts community. Book it.

Every June, Shanghai International Film Festival is a must-see event for filmmakers and has established its reputation for its influence to present a multi-cultural film fair.

Founded in 2005 Beijing Dance is a platform for contemporary creations. Book it at TripAdvisor.

The Biennial aims to expand Shanghai’s importance as the ‘gateway to the west’ through the arts. Book it at Expedia.

The festival's diverse programme includes writers from around the world. Book it at Ticketmaster.

Every September, Shanghai becomes a key destination for the Asian and international art world. Book it at lastminute.com.