As a gift to foster political bonds, Kew Gardens London sent one of four highly sought-after Japanese Camellia sprouts (brought to London by a Swedish botanist after a Japan excursion) to Pillnitz, Germany. But, the sprout had a hard time adjusting to the cold central European winters. Today, it is housed in a glass house built on railways that can be moved back and forth to shade the sensitive plant as needed.

It’s the view you’re going for: on a clear day, Jin Mao Tower offers incredible 360-degree panoramas across the city. It’s 88 storeys high and located at number 88 — have you guessed that eight is a lucky number for the Chinese? There are offices up to the 50th floor, then the Grand Hyatt hotel from floors 53 to 87. A public observation deck is located on the top floor. Otherwise, forget the lucky numbers and go for a drink at the Grand Hyatt’s Cloud 9 bar, just one storey below.

Xintiandi, an upscale car-free district in Shanghai, emerged in the late 1990s as a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. Originally a neighbourhood of traditional Shikumen houses, many were replaced with modern apartments to improve living conditions, sparking concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage. In response, the government preserved some Shikumen structures, blending history with contemporary flair. Today, Xintiandi stands as a dazzling landmark, boasting fine restaurants, chic clubs, and luxury boutiques, seamlessly integrating Shanghai's past with its cosmopolitan present.

Reconsecrated 60 years after being destroyed by the Allied bombings, the Baroque sandstone 'Church of our Lady' is a must for any visitor to Dresden. Acting as a reminder of the city’s painful past, its recent transformation and where it is heading in the future. The charred remains of the church were left untouched by East Germany’s communist authorities to serve as a reminder of World War II, but is today yet again the most famous part of Dresden’s skyline.