Shanghai Essentials
The Globe-Trotters Collective
WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT
Old
Shanghai
Teahouse
Located in the heart of historic
Shanghai
, across the entrance to the Yu Gardens, the teahouse is a bit touristy but has a nice ambiance.
I recommend the jasmine tea, served with a real jasmine flowers; as hot water is poured into your cup, the flower petals open up!
After having a cup of tea, take a quick tour of the gardens.
Address:
Yuyuan, 385 Fangbang Zhong Lu
Dongtai Lu Antiques Market
A few blocks west of the Old City, antiques dealers' stalls line the street. You'll find porcelain, jade, and anything else worth hawking or buying. The same bowls and vases pop up in multiple stalls, so if your first bargaining attempt isn't successful, you'll likely have another opportunity a few stores down. Prices have shot up over the years, and fakes abound, so be careful what you buy!
Address:
Dongtai Lu, off Xizang Lu
(Huangpu District)
Hours:
Daily 9-dusk
Art Neighborhoods
50 Moganshan Lu (near Aomen Lu) constitutes the heart of
Shanghai
's contemporary art scene. Many artists studios and art galleries are located there.
Lane 210 Taikang Lu (near Sinan Lu) is another neighborhood (though more commercial) where artists have settled. I remember the
Deke Erh Art Center,
which - back in 2004 - had cool photography exhibitions.
Address:
No. 2 Lane 210 Taikang Lu
Old China Hand Reading Room
The owner of the
Deke Erh Art Center
also owns a great tea/reading room, which I used to love going to when I lived in Shanghai.
Address:
Han-Yuan, 27, Shaoxing Lu
WHERE TO STAY
Taste a bit of Shanghai's colonial history by booking a room at the hotel that claims to be China's oldest. The original structure was completed in 1846 and it has played host to the likes of Charlie Chaplin, former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, and Albert Einstein on their tours through Shanghai. It's the site of China's first telephone and electric light. More recently, it was a hideout for Chinese Communist Party luminary Zhou Enlai when he hid from Nationalist forces before the Communists managed to overthrow the government. Zhou, as the right hand man of Mao Zedong, rose to become Premier. The hotel offers a base on Shanghai's Bund overlooking the Huangpu River and near the top restaurants and nightlife spots in the city. Room rates are very reasonable and can be booked online in English. At US$76 for a double room (+10% service charge) including buffet breakfast for two, they are worth it. Especially compared with the cost of the more expensive standard hotels in the city.
Address:
15 Huangpu Road, Shanghai 200080
Tel:
+86 (0)21 63246388
Website:
BARS/RESTAURANT
Great for happy hour.
The view from up there is amazing (see photo below). Just make sure you go on a clear day, otherwise you'll be above the clouds and won't see a thing!
Address:
Grand Hyatt
Jin Mao Tower, 87th floor
88 Century Boulevard, Pudong
Tel:
+86 (0)21 5049 1234
Metro:
Lujiazui
Hours:
Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun noon-midnight
View from Cloud Nine - Photo Courtesy of Emily Valentine
People 7
Great fusion restaurant in the French Concession. The decor is superb and it's a fun place to have a drink and/or dinner. You need a "secret passcode" to get in so you MUST call to make a reservation.
Address:
805 Julu Road, near Fumin Road
Shanghai
, 200031
Tel:
+86 (0)21 5404 0707
Beautiful ancient colonial house turned into a bar/restaurant. Don't know what it's worth these days but it used to be very hip when I was there. Great for happy hour!
Address:
Ruijin Guest House Gardens
118 Ruijin Er Lu,
Building 4
Shanghai
Tel:
+86 (0)21 646 64328
Hours:
2pm-2am
I went there for drinks and for the incredible view of the Bund. I
think the restaurant is pricey but it's worth going there for a drink
before dinner.
Address:
7F, 5 The Bund
Shanghai
, 200002
Tel:
+86 (0)21 6350 9988
Hours:
lunch:
11:30a-2:30p Tue-Fri; brunch: noonam-3p Sat-Sun;
dinner: 6:15p-10:30p daily
SHOPPING
Very cute store located in Xintiandi. A bit more upscale (hence slightly more expensive) than what you'll find on street markets but definitely worth it! Their designs are super nice. Great place to buy presents for family and friends.
Address:
Lane 181 Taicang Lu (Close to Huangpi Nan Lu)
Xintiandi
, Shanghai
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Early Morning Tai Chi
Get up early one morning and go to The Bund (between 6 and 7am). If you're up for it, join the locals for an early morning stretch, tai chi or dancing. A must see!
Early Morning Taichi - Photo Courtesy of Emily Valentine
Globe-Trotting Contributors: Marie-Adélaïde Mol, Rick Carew, Emily Valentine