Shanghai is awesome! It's like a treasure trove of cool stuff, from amazing restaurants to funky neighborhoods. Seriously, it's right up there as one of my favorite cities in China. And guess what? I've been there three times already this year, so I'm basically a pro at finding all the best things to do. (;
Forget outdated articles and blog posts from before COVID-19. I've got the scoop on what's hot right now. So buckle up because I'm about to guide you through the ultimate three-day adventure in Shanghai!
What to do?
Shanghai is one of the biggest cities in the world and offers a diverse range of activities. Choosing from all the options can be stressful. So, I'll write down my favorite things:
SELF-GUIDED WALK AROUND THE FRENCH CONFESSION
Picture this: the French Concession in Shanghai is like stepping into a time machine back to the colonial era, but with a twist! You've got these excellent tree-lined streets, classy mansions, and a vibe buzzing with energy. It's like Europe and China had a party, and this neighborhood is the funky result!
Starting point of the self-guided walk: Fluffy pancakes for breakfast! When I'm in Shanghai, my go-to for starting the day right is diving into the fluffiest pancakes at 'Wokka by Genshang'. Seriously, they're like little clouds of happiness on a plate! But heads up, if you're planning to swing by on the weekend, be ready to join the pancake-loving crowd – no reservations allowed. Before we dive into our awesome self-guided walk around the French Concession, here's a crucial tip: forget about Google Maps, it's not used in China. But fear not, my friends! If you're rocking an iPhone, Apple Maps has got your back. And for the rest of us, there's Baidu Maps, the Chinese version of Google Maps. So get those apps fired up and let's hit the streets of Shanghai in style! These apps will also help you figure out the metro, so you're totally covered! Walk 100 meters: The Roof
Alrighty, your next pit stop is just a hop, skip, and jump away, only 100 meters more to go until you hit 'The Roof'! This beauty of a building rocks a cool vibe with red on the inside and a chill beige on the outside. Stay here for about 20 minutes, soak in those awesome architectural vibes, and snap some Insta-worthy pics while you're at it! (; Walk 800 meters: Tiangzifang
This spot we're hitting is all about those narrow alleyways packed with creativity, think art galleries, crafty shops, chic boutiques, and cute cafes galore! Tucked away in the former French Concession, Tianzifang keeps it real with that classic Shikumen architecture, you know, the perfect fusion of Western and Chinese styles. Walk 1 km: Fuxing park
This place is all about a relaxed atmosphere and greenery, great for taking a slow walk, relaxing, and finding some peace and quiet. And hey, if you're up for it, you can join in on some tai chi action, fly a kite, or groove to some traditional Chinese tunes. It's basically a little slice of zen in the midst of all the city chaos! Oh, and I visited on a rainy day, so none of those fun activities were happening, unfortunately. But you'll definitely see the most activity here during the weekends. Walk 500 meters: Xintiandi
It's like stepping into a magical mix of old and new right in the heart of Shanghai! Imagine a place where fancy shops, yummy food, fun stuff to do, and cool history all come together. It's like going on a super fun adventure where you can explore cool things from the past while enjoying all the excitement of today. Drink an afternoon cocktail and have a light lunch in one of these cozy restaurants. Walk 2,2 kilometers: Yu Garden
The grand finale of your self-guided walking adventure: Yu Garden. This place is like a picture-perfect Chinese garden with cool buildings, pretty ponds, and old-school style. If you take your time and walk slow, you'll get here right as the sun goes down. And let me tell you, seeing it all lit up at night? Super awesome! Yeah, there might be lots of people, but believe me, it's totally worth. If your stomach starts growling, you're in luck, there are tons of street food vendors here ready to satisfy your cravings! If you're not tired yet, walk another 1,8 km: Rooftop drinks at The Edition
In Shanghai, there are loads of rooftop bars, but the best view is from the Bund at night when all the lights are twinkling. Imagine chilling on a comfy sofa, sipping a cocktail, and taking in the stunning sights. It's not just cool, it's like something out of a movie! Make sure to make reservation in advance, because this definitely is a busy spot. If you're into fine dining, make reservations at 'Hiya'. It offers a Japanese-inspired menu and is conveniently located in The Edition. If you're craving dumplings, Din Tai Fung is the place to be! They've got spots all over the city, and trust me, locals and tourists alike can't get enough of their delicious bites. My personal favorites? You gotta try the shrimp and pork wontons with spicy sauce, they're a flavor explosion! And don't miss out on the special steamed pork xiaolongbao either. For something fresh, the okras hit the spot. And to top it all off, treat yourself to the sago coconut milk with Taro for dessert. It's a feast you won't forget!
THE BUND
Welcome to the Bund, the crown jewel of Shanghai! This iconic waterfront area isn't just famous – it's downright legendary! Start your day with having breakfast at the street food road: Huanghe Road, situated two kilometers away from the bund. Where you can go for a cheap street food breakfast or lunch. My absolute favorite is the pork dumplings (see picture). These are probably the best dumplings I have eaten (so far) in China. Besides dumplings, you can get the famous jianbing (only available at breakfast time), buns, noodles, scallion pancakes, etc., all for a meager price.
After breakfast: Stroll along this iconic waterfront promenade, offering stunning views of Shanghai's skyline and historic architecture. You have plenty of options for enjoying this fantastic view: book a boat ride on the river with dinner (let the hotel arrange this for you because it isn't easy to do it yourself unless you're a Chinese person). A cheaper option is to go to the other side of the river by ferry; this will only cost you 2 yuan. For more information, click here. The other choice is to make a reservation at a rooftop bar. I recommend The Roof at the Edition Hotel, but book in advance because this place gets pretty crowded. Be prepared to pay € 25 per cocktail, view included.
MUSEUM OF ART PUDONG
Looking for something to do on a rainy day or craving some art? Head over to the Pudong Art Museum! An extra bonus is the view on top of the museum. For directions, just fire up your Apple Maps and type in "Pudong Art Gallery"! Easy peasy!Once you've ventured to the Museum of Art in Pudong, you've already crossed the river – and trust me, there's a ton to explore around there! Take a stroll down Binjiang Avenue, relax at Binjiang Park, and cap off your day with cocktails by the riverside. And if you're up for more adventure, don't miss the Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower.Another awesome option is checking out TeamLab. And if you're up for an underwater 'adventure', don't miss the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium!
BLACK MARKETS
If you love shopping, you're going to enjoy this. Shanghai is famous for its black markets. You have one market with fake goods like shoes, electronics, and souvenirs, .. and you have one market with clothes. The fake goods market is at the 'AP PLAZA.' Take the metro to the 'Shanghai Science and Technology Museum,' and you will find yourself in the underground market. Always negotiate the price and look for the best quality. If you're more into clothes, go to the Qipu Lu clothing market, where you can find four significant buildings with six floors full of cheap clothing. You can find poor and excellent quality in this market, but that's up to you. (; By the way, I always use 'maps' from my iPhone. Don't use Google Maps; it doesn't work in China.
JING'AN TEMPLE
Also known as the Jade Buddha Temple, it is renowned for housing two stunning jade Buddha statues from Burma in the late 19th century. Apart from the exquisite jade Buddhas, the temple grounds feature traditional Chinese architecture, serene gardens, prayer halls, and Buddhist artifacts and scriptures. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the temple in the noisy city. Skyscrapers surround this temple, making it pretty extraordinary. If you're here, make a reservation at Yaya's. My favorite restaurant in Shanghai. It's a blend of Italian & Chinese cuisine, mind-blowing & affordable!
If you want more spots for food, here are more of my favorites:
Dinner at Colca: If you're craving some Peruvian flavors, head straight to 'Colca' for mouthwatering ceviche and refreshing pisco sours!
Dinner at Terrakota: is an upscale bistro with a creative twist on classic European dishes, using local, seasonal ingredients. The real showstopper? The stunning glasshouse dining area surrounded by lush greenery.
Cocktail time: If you're still up for it, head over to 'La Mezcaleria'. It's a fantastic cocktail bar with authentic Mexican ambiance
Go for breakfast: One of my go-to breakfast places is 'RAC'. It's got this super French vibe going on, and let me tell you, their coffee is top-notch! Not only do I adore the restaurant, but I'm also smitten with the neighborhood it's nestled in. It's incredibly cozy, and if you're keen on European architecture, you're in for a treat! Just hop off at Jiao Tong University metro station, and you'll stumble upon the charming Wukang Building. Keep strolling along Wukang Road, and you'll soon find yourself at 'RAC', soaking in the delightful vibe of this neighborhood.
Thank you for reading my blog post about Shanghai. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Love,
Mimi