Illustrations by South Korean artist Kim Jae-suk tell the story of Michael Kors' development from New York to Beijing.[Photo/China Daily]

"Shanghai seems more old world to me: When you're on the Bund, it could be any country of Europe. Shanghai is maybe more like Manhattan, smaller and higher," says the designer, who visited Shanghai last year.

"Beijing is more spread out, like LA that way. In three days, we see different lands. The Temple of Heaven is a great place to admire the brilliant simplicity of ancient Chinese architecture. Climb the Drum and Bell towers, you have an amazing view of the narrow hutong alleyways. On the top of Jingshan mountain, you can look out over the entire Forbidden City complex, while at the Caochangdi district, there are plenty of galleries and exhibitions to explore the avant-garde art.

"It's a city that has so many layers of different things happening－the entertainment industry, the art world, the business world.

"Just watching people in the streets, young people feel curious about what's new," he says.

"They dream big, and they are inspiring other young people to follow their passions. They are the future. And what's more exciting than that?"