Best Hidden Gems in Shanghai

Description:

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a must see for everybody who visits Shanghai. The largest in the city, this aquarium covers an area of 20,500 square meters with nine thematic zones housing more than 300 species of aquatic animals collected from all over the globe. The various zones take you through a journey of the different regions of the world-from the Yangtze River in China to the Amazon River of South America to the mangroves of Australia. So, if you love watching the seals, sea dragons, electric eels and jellyfishes on Animal Planet, then it's time you come see the real thing out here.

Description:

Easy to walk by without noticing it, Whisk is tucked off Huaihai Lu down an unmarked alley. A casual dining space in cool greens and whites, the décor is also chocolate focused, with quotes about chocolate on the walls and huge jars of chocolate buttons. For those without a sweet tooth, there is a selection of risottos and paninis with ingredients such as prosciutto and artichoke, but the food is found lacking and drab, and the real reason to go is for desert. For the chocolate lover - chocolate shots, cupcakes and cookies are just the tip of the iceberg. Service is efficient and prices are reasonable. This is the most romantic desert place in town, or the perfect ladies out treat.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Anybody who thinks the Chinese don't know how to shop have never been to a megamall in Shanghai. If you need it they have it. Expect to pay western prices.

Description:

The biggest and flashiest of the malls in the Xujiahui circle has a good mix of retail (clothing, books, accessories, electronic items), dining and entertainment outlets, a theater (occasionally showing English-language movies) on the fifth floor, and a plethora of food court restaurants. Prices here are slightly lower than on Nanjing Lu but still not the best in town. 10am to 10pm.

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:

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.

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.

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:

Supposedly the highest hotel in the world, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai occupies the top 33 floors of the 87-floor Jin Mao Building. The dramatic height creates a wonderful panorama of the neighboring Pu Xi District and Huang Pu River. The chic and modern atmosphere, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest bedrooms, the Hyatt's five-star attention to detail and fine dining options all make this hotel one of the best Shanghai has to offer.