Late last month, I traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, for hotel and sightseeing inspections. On my return, I made a three-day stopover in Shanghai. Although I had toured China extensively, for some reason I'd never set foot in China's largest city.

Shanghai is, without question, one of the most sophisticated cities not only in Asia but the world. What is it that you usually hear about China? Mystical ... steeped in history ... Communist domination. But sophisticated, probably not.

This city of 16 million people has been chosen to be the spearhead of the new China. The central government and the city fathers of Shanghai have engaged in a massive renovation of the city. The city already is the business and financial center of China, but now it is expanding its sightseeing and touring activities.

Although Shanghai is massive in size, it's relatively easy to become oriented if you check into one of the five-star hotels on the banks of the Huangpu River. This Mississippi-size waterway flows through the heart of downtown Shanghai and creates a dramatic backdrop for the city's Bund district.

As the sun goes down, the Bund comes alive with a vibrant nightlife. You can find American jazz houses, numerous restaurants, noisy night markets and street entertainment, all on this crescent-shaped street. From my room at the Shangri-La Hotel, I counted as many as 20 ships and boats plying the river, transporting people and goods throughout the city. Day or night, one can ramble about completely unscathed; there is incredible social order and safety.

Sightseeing attractions include the impressive Shanghai Museum, displaying hundreds of ancient jade ware, Ming porcelain and bronze ware. The Yuyuan Garden is a collection of 400-year-old grand mansions and gardens with a central teahouse pillared over a small lake. Two garden cities outside Shanghai provide full-day excursions for the curious traveler.

Shanghai is a city on the move. With the incredible expansion in new buildings, shopping and sightseeing, this No. 1 city of China should be rated high on your list of exotic Orient adventures.