Shanghai. Where Communism meets Capitalism, the old survives amongst the futuristic new, and dumplings are a legitimate meal choice at any time of day. China’s most populous city is also one of the best places in Asia to let your hair down, so don’t overthink it – prepare to eat, drink and have a damn good time.
EAT & DRINK
1. For breakfast, try You Tiao (a savoury Chinese dough stick) washed down with sweetened soy milk.
2. You can’t miss Jia Jia Tang Bao, Shanghai’s Xiao Long Bao institution.
3. Our favourite place for speciality coffee is the tiny Cafe Del Volcan.
4. For non-coffee drinkers, try out the Tumeric or Charcoal lattes along with your brunch at EGG.
5. Try Shanghai’s famous Hong Shao Rou at Jian Guo 328 – delicious braised pork bites with quail eggs and chestnuts.
6. Hit up one of Asia’s best bars, Speak Low for a night of hidden doorways and delicious cocktails.
7. Finish your night with fresh Sheng Jian Bao at 24-hour hotspot Dong Tai Xiang.
8. Sample Hong Kong-style food with a twist at 1970s-inspired Daimon Gastrolounge on the Bund.
9. Try more experimental Xiao Long Bao flavours (think salted egg and pork) at Lin Long Fang.
10. Drop into one of the most famous spots on the Bund, Bar Rouge.
11. For a splash-out, post-modern dining experience, make a reservation at Ultraviolet, one of Asia’s best restaurants.
12. Pick up scallion pancakes from a street vendor. For more famous Shanghai Snacks.
13. For something a little sweeter try Hai Tang Gao, a red-bean filled rice cake.
14. For some of the most creative bars & drinks in Shanghai, try out People 7.
SEE
15. Check out some historical Mao-era propaganda inspired art at the Propaganda Art Museum.
16. Experience old-school Tinder at the People’s Square Marriage Market every weekend.
17. Enjoy the sunset over Puxi with a killer view from Flair, atop the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pudong.
18. Head to Fuxing park to watch (or join!) the ballroom dancing locals.
19. Watch a movie at Extra Time Cafe and Lounge, a cafe with its own cinema!
20. Go glam and soak in the gorgeous Pudong skyline from a jacuzzi at VUE Bar.
21. If you’re a jazz fan, enjoy the old-timer’s jazz band at Jazz Bar at The Fairmont Peace Hotel.
DO
22. Wake up early for Tai Chi with the locals on the Bund.
23. Explore the small alleyways and funky boutiques of Tianzifang.
24. Visit Shanghai’s Muslim Food Market, held every Friday.
25. Join one of the many bike-sharing companies and cycle around the French Concession.
26. Be dwarfed by skyscrapers with a walk around Shanghai’s financial district in Pudong.
27. Grab some friends and sing karaoke at one of the many KTV spots around town.
28. If singing isn’t your thing, Grumpy Pig provides a good cup of coffee along with…arcade games.
29. Take a day trip to Xitang to explore this unique water village.
30. Have an intimate tea tasting experience at one of the best teahouses in the city, Yi She.
Have a great time living it up in Shanghai and be sure to tag us in any of your pictures – @anydoko and #ExploreAnywhere!
CREDITS
Writer: Dean Vowles
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