Hollywood actress, model and martial arts expert Celina Jade stars alongside Formula One double World Champion Sebastian Vettel in an upcoming martial arts short film. Here she tells us what she loves most about Shanghai, home of the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix.

Hi, Celina. Shanghai is a bustling, buzzing city full of energy and inspiration, and styles and influences from East and West. What does Shanghai mean to you?

When I think of Shanghai, I definitely think of 'cosmopolitan China', where East meets West in a beautiful fusion of culture, traditionalism and modernism. One minute, you're in a modern city like New York or Hong Kong, and the next minute, you're in old China and you could swear you're on a movie set, being filmed in black and white.

How do you like to spend any free time you have in the city?

I haven't really had much free time in Shanghai so I haven't been able to really explore the city as much as I'd like. The last few times I was there, I was either busy filming a movie or promoting one. If I had free time, however, I would definitely just roam around the city streets and soak up the culture, appreciate the architecture and experience old and new Shanghai altogether.

You'll be in Shanghai with Infiniti during the Grand Prix – have you been to a race before and what are you expecting / most excited about?

No, this is my first race so I'm super excited! To be honest, I don't really know what to anticipate... Although I'm pretty sure it'll be a big adrenaline rush and I do expect to see Sebastian kick everyone's butt on the race track!

Your lifestyle must see you at some of the world's most luxurious places. What are your top three luxury Shanghai hotspots?

The Bund is definitely a must go. The colonial riverside has some of the most beautiful architecture I've seen in Asia. There are so many hip bars and places with live music and jazz.

I love Tian Zi Fang as well! It's so hip and artsy and I love the old Shanghai architecture & art.

Yu Garden is also a good escape if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience old poetic Shanghai.

What's the one thing you never travel to Shanghai without or always want at hand whilst you're there?

An open mind…

Have you ever driven in Shanghai? What's the best / worst city you've driven in?

Haha no, I haven't. The traffic jams in Shanghai can be quite frustrating and I don't think I'd have the patience to manoeuvre around all the traffic.  Maybe Sebastian can teach me a thing or two! 

Where do you find the most peaceful places to escape from the people and buildings? Do you have a bolt-holt you like to escape to?

Tian Zi Fang - for coffee. Great place to chill, bring a notepad, write and relax. 

How does it compare to Hong Kong, your home town?

Somehow I always feel Shanghai is more romantic.

What's your best memory from your time in Shanghai?

I remember going to a bar with my co-star Peter Ho on The Bund last year. We were filming there and it was the last day of our shoot for this series. The buildings had just finished renovation and I remember standing at the top on the roof and thinking that it felt like I was in Paris or Prague, except only a step away from home. It was a breathtaking view and a great way to end a great shoot.  

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