Artsy Shanghai

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Our Local Expert Says:

Located in Old Town, the Yu Gardens are a must see tourist shopping destination.

Description:

You can find almost anything you want in the Yu Gardens bazaar. With renovated old Chinese buildings, and winding streets full of shops and salespeople, you are sure to spend all day seeing everything. There is an antique mall that sells little trinkets, statues, jewelry, and paintings. Many restaurants can be found; among them are places for foreigners. There are also the many street food vendors for the curious. One of the most interesting shops is the 2RMB stores; the equivalent to an American dollar store.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best xiaolongbao in Shanghai!

Description:

Locally known as Ding Tai Feng, this eatery is actually a branch of a Taiwanese dumpling house, and sets to rest any doubts about the ability of Taiwanese to prepare Xiaolongbao. The sweet aroma of the Xiaolongbaos has spread internationally, and crossed the Atlantic in 1993, when an outlet opened in New York. Drop by to feast on juicy dumplings, wontons and the like. If you're by yourself and bored, you can pass the time watching chefs at work in the open kitchen.

Description:

Considered the forerunner of the revolution, the home of Doctor Sun Yat-sen and his wife, Soong Qing Ling, has been lovingly preserved. Open to the public, the beautiful, 1920s home is still furnished and decorated the way it used to be. Visitors enter through the kitchen, where they are required to wear slippers over their shoes to protect the old flooring. An extensive photo exhibition is set up in the first room with information available in English and Chinese. A little bookstall offers literature and postcards featuring the famous couple. A larger gift shop sells more souvenirs.

Description:

Much like the entryway to any international government office, buy your ticket and scale the stairs to a wide array of pictures and artifacts of the early days of the Shanghai Communist movement. One of the most impressive life size models of Chairman Mao and the original founders of the CCP is immortalized on the second floor. You can also learn the history of every early founder along with detailed biographies, images and wax heads. Again, if you will be in Shanghai for an extended period there is no excuse not to swing by the museum. Though the building has been completely refurbished and renewed, it gives one an interesting feeling of being in an important location, as well as a plethora of valuable historical information.

Description:

This stylish wine bar and shop has big glass windows to watch the world pass by. The décor is smart and along masculine lines with a palette of grays, reds, and dark woods. The focus is on great wines at decent prices, and although light tapas are available, don't go if you are starving. A Croque Monsieur was the most substantial dish available. It's buzzing even early in the week, so reservation may be necessary. Comfy chairs and a candlelit ambiance make it ideal for a first date.

Our Local Expert Says:

An expat secret and a great place to take a date.

Description:

Live jazz nightly is the hallmark of this local institution, Shanghai's longest running and still the best venue for live jazz and blues. The bands are skilled, the tunes are tight, and the informal, darkly atmospheric club often attracts standing-room-only crowds on weekends. 7pm to 2am. Live music plays from 9:30pm to midnight during the week and from 10:15pm to 1:30am on Friday and Saturday.

Description:

It is hard to believe the tiny Bund Signal Tower, housing the Bund Museum, was once the tallest building in Asia. Almost 150 years ago, it was an observatory and gave out regular time signals for people around the Bund (Wai Tan) to set their clocks and watches. An all-year-round photo exhibition depicting the Bund's history is on the first floor. The second floor contains a bar showing films of early Shanghai. The third floor observation deck is the best place for a good view of the Huang Pu River.

Description:

When renowned architect Michael Graves designed the Shanghai Gallery of Art, he had its aesthetic nature in mind. Visually appealing, the gallery has a devoted 1000 square meter exhibition space, a VIP lounge, a gift shop and a collection area. The gallery housed at Three on the Bund, lives by its objective to promote and facilitate the buying and selling of local and international modern art. So besides, painting and sculpture one also gets to see new-age media like installations, photography and video art. For an enlightening dekko into the world of contemporary art, head to Shanghai Gallery of Art.

Our Local Expert Says:

The iconic trademark tower of Shanghai has long been not only a tourist attraction, but a pillar of Chinese progress and modernization.

Description:

Though an iconic and beautiful structure in Pudong, the tower is much to look at from afar but little to see up close. Designed by Jia Huan Cheng, a Chinese national, the tower was opened to the public in 1995. It is the third tallest tower in the world, and reigned supreme from 1995-2007 as the tallest structure in China (surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center). One can be admitted to various spheres of the tower, including and observation sphere and a pricy revolving restaurant, an exhibition on the history of shanghai, or one can spend a small fortune to stay in the tiny hotel located in the middle sphere. Be prepares for long lines and a certain amount of shoving in order to gaze out the observation windows. If you have a longer stay in Shanghai, the Pearl Tower is worth the wait, but if your stay is minimal skip this attraction and head up to the top of Jin Mao Tower or the newer Shanghai World Financial Center.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most amazing and memorable experiences of any stay in Shanghai, the Huangpu River cruise is a must-see.

Description:

The best time for a river cruise along the Huangpu is of course at night. Some boats will offer dinner and drinks while others will simply sail east or west for a half hour and then turn around. Be sure to learn the details of each cruise before buying your tickets as many have had bad experiences on boats that simply circle the peer. The dinner cruises can run a bit pricy, but will take you on a very scenic tour of the Pudong and Puxi cityscapes, both of which are beautiful at night and stung up in neon lights. Shorter cruises with drinks are fun, but will not take more than an hour to two hours, so plan your evening accordingly.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best place to be seen in Shanghai

Description:

With superb Continental cuisine, an excellent wine selection and royalty service, the fashionable M on the Bund sets the standard for other haute cuisine restaurants in Shanghai. As the place to see and be seen, the much-touted eatery attracts its fair share of Shanghai's movers and shakers. Contemporary, airy and stylish decor complements sweeping views of the Bund. The food reaches equally high heights. Diners are recommended to try the Salt Crusted Leg of Lamb and the Crispy Suckling Pig. They should also leave room for dessert-the sinfully delicious Pavlova is rightfully legendary.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best happy hour deals in the city!

Description:

Dressed in cool white and marble, the warmly lit interior of this elegant Bund view dining room also houses a seafood bar and lounge. Sip slick martinis as you chill out to the tunes of DJ Teng Boon, every Thursday night.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Description:

The two-story building was once home to Chiang Kai Shek and his wife, Soong Mei Ling and later became a music school. Today, the compound is home to a restaurant and bar and stylish outdoor patio. Prime, the upscale restaurant on the second floor, is one of the classier places to enjoy a western style steak or romantic dinner for two. Sasha's famous patio attracts diners on sunny afternoons and is ideal for Sunday brunches, large events and after work gatherings. With affordable pub grub downstairs and high brow cuisine above, this spot has something for everyone- at every budget.

Description:

Hai Hai Road is not only covered in flashing lights and blinking signs, but has bars, clubs, boutiques, bookstores and some of the finest food in Shanghai. It is worth checking out if your stay in Shanghai will be longer than a few days or if you are craving food and sights from your homeland. Additionally, Huai Hai Road remains one of the best places in Shanghai to take a date, stroll arm in arm under the bright lights as you window shop, stop for coffee or drinks at a nearby bar and even entice your romantic other to dinner with the aroma of international cuisine drifting across the boulevard.

Description:

In the center of Shanghai's busy bar street, this charmingly tiny cafe/pub gives the visitor a feeling of having traveled back in time to colonial Shanghai, circa 1930s--a decadent time when Shanghai was known as Paris of the East. The walls are covered with nostalgic advertisements and photographs. A beautiful gramophone and other 1930s memorabilia of old Shanghai are scattered around. While quiet and empty in the afternoons, the place gets crowded in the evenings. Alcoholic beverages, coffees, and tea are professionally made or mixed for your pleasure.

Description:

Stanney is a gallery at the far western end of Changle Road, right in the old French Concession area. Though quite small, the place suits exhibiting art due to its large and sunny window front. Most of the pieces shown are oil paintings by artists from Shanghai and surrounding areas. Modern abstract works are mixed with others that are more traditional western style, as well as Chinese. The exhibitions change on a monthly basis. So, there is always something new to discover, and the staff is friendly and willing to explain the background of the exhibits.

Description:

Located in what is called Shanghai's art district, the Tangram Art Center is a bustling art hub, with always an art show, exhibition or promotion going on. This gallery showcases the works of local as well as international artists. This chic space, styled aesthetically, is also used for product launches, for instance it has seen the product launch of the Lenovo Think Pad. From paintings and sculptures to even fashion exhibitions, the Tangram Art Gallery is a great place of interest for anyone who is fond of modern art and its various aspects. Please see the website for further details on exhibitions and other information.

Description:

This small gallery at the eastern end of bar street, Ju Lu Road, in the French Quarter features young and middle-aged painters from Shanghai. The exhibits are mainly modern oil paintings, but sculptures are also sometimes shown. The staff is friendly and artsy, though not especially keen on business. (They do little promote their gallery in this fine location). Adjacent to the gallery is a very professional print design shop; an excellent venue to make name cards. This shop is open only on weekdays.

Description:

Housed in the beautifully restored three-story building of the Ruijin Hotel, with the posh Face (bar) and Hazara (Indian restaurant), Lan Na Thai certainly holds its own. The Thai restaurant transports diners to the lush and romantically tropical ambience of Thailand. Incense, wall hangings and statues adorn the room. The decor is backed by an English-speaking staff that is polite and efficient. The chefs prepare some of the most authentic Thai food in town.

Description:

Located on the ground floor of Building 4 of the Ruijin Guest House, the posh and opulent Face Bar attracts Shanghai's beautiful people. The huge wooden faces lining the walls of this atmospheric establishment give the bar its name. Take a seat at the antique Chinese tables, or recline on the opium beds and sample the numerous, decadent alcoholic creations. For the teetotaler, the non-alcoholic lemonades are homemade and delicious. The wine list changes every few months. Happy hour is from 5:30pm until 7:30pm.

Description:

Furnished in a bright contemporary style, this cafe is resplendent in turquoise and red quilted silk bar stools and banquettes. Drop in Friday to kick-start your weekend with free jazz. Perfect for a laid-back night.

Description:

If you were to judge a book by its cover, you would never go into the JZ club. Ugly exterior aside, inside is an intimate space where the performers and the audience get up close and personal. A basic décor - dark wood, dim lights with touches of red and some lounges on the mezzanine floor, this club is all about the music. Regular acts, such as the ever popular Coco on Sundays, featured throughout the week mixed in with special performers. This place is so serious about jazz that they have even opened a jazz school for aspiring artists and enthusiasts.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Our Local Expert Says:

Renmin Park is a central green space in close proximity to Shanghai's museums and Nanjing lu.

Description:

What was once a racetrack is now the beautiful Renmin Park. Renovated in keeping with Chinese design traditions, visitors can jog or work-out in the mornings, and stroll through in the evenings. A small pond with lotuses, rental boats, and a children's play area are some of the other reasons to venture here.

Description:

People's square is a large open area composed of the Shanghai Museum, The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, The Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the municipal government buildings. It has many shops and attractions, one of them being Raffles city, a mall-like shopping center with a subway station underground. People's Square is a beautiful walk with trees and amazing photography spots of tall unique buildings and the many people always filling it. It is right next to People's Park.

Description:

Located in "expatriate central," Kathleen's buzzes with foreigners homesick for Western food. Diners enjoy contemporary American fare and fine brunches. The casual and cheerful interior is trendy with a bar flanking one side of the room. The menu and staff are English-friendly. Come and dine on dishes such as pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes, burgers, burritos, Greek salad, milkshakes and desserts. Two course lunch for 100RMB, dinner for two 800-900RMB.

Description:

The Museum occupies a heritage building, that once overlooked a racecourse. This landmark of old Shanghai is People's Square (Ren Min Guang Chang). There are twelve exhibition halls on five floors showing modern and traditional fine art. Temporary art shows are also organized regularly. Visitors can take part in sketching and painting lessons and art lectures. The lecture hall can also be hired for functions. A gift shop is on the first floor. Admission: charges are higher for special exhibitions.

Description:

The Shanghai Museum, located in the Renmin Square, has a massive assortment of Chinese art, from the bronze gallery to calligraphy and paintings. The 4 floored airy building has room after room of ancient artifacts and a wonderful Tea Room to sit and have lunch. In each of the exhibits, there is a pamphlet of information that sums up the room. The museum is set up with easy to follow signs in a tour-like fashion and has little gift shops of souvenirs. From the top floor, looking down you can see the large circular design in the middle of the lobby. The top of the museum is a beautiful glass dome skylight.

Description:

This crazy street is full of eateries blazing with bright lights, emitting smells of the heavenly seafood sizzling on the burners. A trip down Huanghe Lu is essential to experience Shanghai's colorful cuisine and friendly hospitality. Looking at the chattering foodies, gobbling down the fresh catch of the day and downing bottles of local liquor, you are tempted to join in. So don't let anything stop you!

Our Local Expert Says:

This museum, nestled in the very hip People’s Square area, is home to the government’s detailed history and future hopes for the Shanghai area.

Description:

If your stay in Shanghai will be long, then the museum is worth a short daytrip, however, if you only have a few days then this propaganda and modeling center can be skipped in favor of something more up to date or lively. The first floor holds a small model of the city, covered in dust and looking dejected and lonely. The second floor is a pictorial history of the area which is worth a look-see. Some images show a side by side view of the city 30 years ago and today, which is quite amusing only if you know the city well. The third floor is where the magic happens. A model of the city stretching across some 50 yards shows every street, building and alley in fine, dusty detail. The fourth floor holds some interesting models and literature on China's first green city, to be completed outside Shanghai sometime in the future.

Description:

One of the city's more unique lounges, this oasis in People's Park features vaulted Moroccan tents and offers style and comfort in the middle of the city. Attach yourself to a hookah, look out over the lush greenery and marvel at the brightly lit cityscape rising up in the distance.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Description:

Arguably the best and most internationally renowned gallery for contemporary Chinese art, ShanghART took some time to build its reputation. The Swiss owner, Lorenz Helbling, claims he is probably the first contact for local and overseas admirers of modern Chinese art in China. The contracted artists at this gallery have shown at international exhibitions and are emancipating themselves from the stigma of being recognized as Chinese artists to being known as artists in their own right. Single and group exhibitions are featured frequently. ShanghART's website also offers regularly changing exhibitions online. Admission is free.

Description:

This outlet of the long established J. Gallery tends to show more modern artists than the main shop on Changle Road. It deals mainly in oil paintings, but has also some other art objects to offer. The location is modern with good lighting, appropriate to its address in the Shanghai Center. They have a comfortable seating area so you can sit down and talk with the well-informed employees.

Description:

Sitting pretty atop the Pu Dong Shangri-La Hotel, this bar and hotel offers breath-taking views of the city's skyline and the Bund. The interiors are just as spectacular, with Oriental artistry dominating the ambience. With Australian, American and European cuisine on the menu, the restaurant ensures there's something to please everyone, while allowing adventurous palates to experiment. Check out the bar, done up in jade green, as you sip on some of the international spirits lining the frosty shelves. Needless to say, quality comes at a rather hefty price!

Description:

This bar is a big favorite among expatriates and travelers alike. The Sky Lounge is perched on almost the top floor of the Jin Mao Building on top of Cloud nine as they say. Only the sightseeing platform is higher. It is cozy, warm and dimly lit, but with a modern and trendy décor. It has an extensive drinks list. Thai and other Asian snacks are also available. Sweet peanuts scented with lemongrass are usually served with drinks. Excellent wines can be selected by the glass.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Our Local Expert Says:

In addition the Shanghai Literary Festival, Glamour Bar also hosts cultural lectures and events on weekend afternoons. A swanky place to enjoy Bund views day or night.

Description:

Now a Bund classic, the Glamour Bar is an elegant space for an evening cocktail or to take a date or a visitor. Wooden floors, leather chairs, velour ottomans and sparkling deco lamps combine for a feminine, chic interior, while huge, arched and paned windows provide a view over the Huangpu River and the futuristic Pudong area. Service is mixed as is the quality of the drinks. However, besides the view, the other draw card is the selection of random live acts and events from cabaret to book launches that take place on a semi-regular basis. The Glamour Bar is also home to the annual Shanghai Literary Festival.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best dumplings in Shanghai

Description:

With a dozen or more locations, this Cantonese delight is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Famous for its dim sum, xiaolong bao, and la mian, you're sure to find something you enjoy. Nestled in the trendy Xin Tian Di area, Crystal Jade has friendly staff who are well versed in English. Make reservations in advance if you want to avoid a long wait, but if you find yourself waiting for a table, stay patient as the food is worth it. After your meal, stroll the fashionable xintiandi district under soft romantic lighting.

Description:

A justifiably popular Japanese restaurant that buzzes of an evening; by contrast the décor is calm and muted in shades of navy, grey and mustard. Attention to detail such as towels in nifty little lacquered boxes and beautifully laid out plates are let down a little by disposable chopsticks and napkins. Dishes and drinks have cutesy names such as Sake-2-me and Moto-roll-ah or Pink Kimono. The service is tentative and a little slow, also dishes may not arrive at the same time as one's dining partner. However, the quality of the food more than balances this out. The lunch deals are particularly good value.

Description:

Perfect for an intimate, romantic dinner, this place is worth seeking out, despite its hard-to-find location. Built in a quaint, old French house, the whimsical decor definitely charms visitors. The cuisine is wide-ranging: sandwiches, pizzas and casual fare are available on the first floor, a formal restaurant/bar on the second offers a selection of fine Continental cuisine, and the third floor is dedicated to modern takes on Chinese dishes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Shanghai food in China!

Description:

Mei Long Zhen first opened in 1938 and is often touted as Shanghai's most famous Chinese restaurant, an icon of Shanghainese cuisine. It is also a historical site having housed the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party in the 1930s. The interior still reflects the neo-traditional Chinese heritage. If the historical significance is not enough, the restaurant's excellently prepared food will definitely impress. Among the many favorites, Shanghainese braised beef, pork and fish are worth a try.

Description:

Dig into delicious fresh-water crab specialties at this charming local restaurant, nestled in a stone house and decorated with deep red lanterns against dark wood. One of three such joints in the region, it treats patrons to Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai variations of seafood, dumplings, dim sum, and the ubiquitous noodle. Meats come in the form of braised duck, while those who prefer a vegetarian dish can have their fill of the pout-pourri with 18 green options. If you are in China for an authentic experience, this is the place to go to savor Chinese food done to the local's tastes. Especially good are the fresh-water crab, which are a Shanghai treat, and the endless pots of flowered and gingered teas.

Description:

Painter Xu Liang Hai opened this gallery in 1993. The room is only 30 square meters in size, but its white washed walls with bright light coming through the glass front serve very well to show the paintings of many modern Chinese artists. Though Mr Xu's exhibits are mainly oil paintings-impressionist, classical or realist in style- he is open to all kinds of art. They must just please his eye! Therefore, Fanguzi, the name being a Chinese transcription of Van Gogh, distinguishes itself from many art galleries in Shanghai by strictly adhering to special esthetic standards.

Our Local Expert Says:

Difficult to get to and not as comprehensive as Moganshan lu.

Description:

This two-year-old gallery is one of the larger and more professional art establishments in Shanghai. The Gu Bei shop shows and sells mainly modern, western-style oil paintings by Chinese and Western artists. The exhibits change regularly in the quiet and well-lit room. Hwa's Culture Development Company Limited organises various cultural activities, such as an annual prize for promoting young artists. Other Hwa's outlets throughout Shanghai offer made-to-order framing services, and sell posters and arts and crafts. The company also designs interiors, boasting contributions to the fabulous interior of the Jin Mao Building.

Description:

This new location of Shanghai's popular art gallery has already become a rage with artists and art lovers alike. It's stark and warehouse-styled interiors provides a perfect contrast to the blazing, colorful works of art on display. Plus a bookstore promises to quench your thirst for art literature. 1918 ArtSPACE, which is high on experimental art, has given birth to new art forms and encouraged unconventional art forms like stage design and interior design. It also proves to be a novel venue for musical and theatrical performances. For an eclectic experience with contemporary art, 1918 ArtSPACE is the place to head for.