Paris Hilton, the millionaire heiress to the Hilton hotel chain who has turned her heavy partying ways and scintilla of talent into countless tabloid headlines, is in town for the first time to attend Friday's 2007 MTV Awards and Style Gala at the Shanghai Grand Stage.

The heiress skipped the hotel chain named after her family, opting instead to check into the newly opened Hyatt on the Bund for her first trip to the city.

"The panoramic Bund view from the hotel room seemed the major reason to attract her there,'' said an employee of MTV China, who asked not to be named. " Hilton hopes to gain a better understanding of the city's landmark charm within a limited time.''

Hilton has already booked three sets of evening dresses from Xintiandi's Shanghai Tang for the gala, including a traditional qipao.

It is still not certain what role Hilton will play during the awards show. But officials from MTV China suggested she might put on a mini fashion show.

During her short stay, which will end this weekend, Hilton will also visit the Shanghai Museum and Oriental Pearl TV Tower and attend a charity event about AIDS prevention. MTV China will follow her trip for a documentary titled "Paris in Shanghai."
 
(Shanghai Daily November 20, 2007)