Shanghai Named #2 Best Asian Travel Destination

Lonely Planet's 'Best in Asia' rankings are out, and Shanghai clinched a second place spot this year, just behind Hokkaido, Japan.

Citing the opening of Shanghai Disneyland and the Shanghai Tower, the popular travel guide had this to say about the city:

Looking for the centre of the universe right now? It’s surely Shànghǎi, where it often seems as if all 24 million-odd residents are hell-bent on having a good time. So why not join them? Ballroom dancing in parks, sipping delicate brews in old teahouses, or bolting platefuls of vinegar-soaked dumplings. The booming cocktail and craft beer scenes amid the forest of neon-lit skyscrapers show how international the city has become, yet Old Shànghǎi is never far away: shikumen lanes bustle with life, while grand art deco buildings still line the Bund. This year’s a big one, with the first Disney resort in Chinese mainland opening here, as well as the completion of the long-awaited Shànghǎi Tower, the world’s second tallest building.

Around Greater China, Hong Kong came in at #5, while Taitung in Taiwan bottomed out the list at #10.

The full rankings:

1. Hokkaido, Japan
2. Shanghai, China
3. Jeonju, South Korea
4. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
5. Hong Kong, China
6. Ipoh, Malaysia
7. Pemuteran, Indonesia
8. Trang Islands, Thailand
9. Meghalaya, India
10. Taitung, Taiwan

See the full list here. 

[Image via Flickr]