First Time in Shanghai Guide

Description:

This venue is an oasis of music and sumptuous cocktails, seemingly imported directly from Monaco. Shanghai's hottest DJs and most beautiful people rock the MAO dance floor late into the night. The space feels like a breath of fresh air to the off-the-Bund club scene and the outdoor garden and semi-private rooms allows for a change of atmosphere within the same space.

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:

A regular stop in expat circles with a wide variety of brews.

Description:

This very comfortable pub in a colonial villa is extremely popular with Shanghai's foreign residents (especially with its outdoor garden). Kilkenny and Guinness are on tap, and it's easy to quaff one too many here. The bartenders are tops, but sadly there's no longer any live Irish music. Monday through Saturday 11:30am to 2am, Sunday 10am to 1am.

Description:

With a convenient location in the Food Street area of the Jin Jiang Hotel, Latina is known throughout Shanghai for its authentic South American food and festive atmosphere. This is a very bright and cheery venue. A Brazilian band plays nightly, livening things up for the party mood between 6:30p and 10p. Latina offers diners genuine South American dishes. There is also a buffet of salads, pastas and desserts, along with an all-you-can-eat barbecue.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best China cuisine and a must try before you leave the city

Description:

Located in the Luwan district, Di Shui Dong offers spicy Chinese cuisine. Chilies are imported from Hunan, the hometown of Chairman Mao, in order to give customers the authentic South China experience. Blue tablecloths, wooden ceilings and yellow brick walls give the place a casual and relaxed feel. Especially good are the spicy pork ribs and pickled green beans. For desert, fried buns in honey are a soothing way to treat the wounds in your esophagus caused by the imported chilies. A must-visit place for any tourist and a favorite of locals and expats alike. Make a reservation or plan to wait for a table.

Description:

This maze-like hutong offers every dining, drinking and entertainment possibility and is home to the artistic underbelly of Shanghai. During the daytime, explore the hutong for its creative scene with galleries, photography exhibits and a sprawling honeycomb of organic shops, design houses and modern furniture and fashion for sale. You can easily spend an entire evening wandering the maze while munching on Italian ice cream, French baguettes or Thai veggies or drinking at any of the well-stocked bars or cafes. TaiKang Road area is a juxtaposition of the business-minded Shanghai and the creative and modern underground that is emerging in pockets across the city. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to get lost in the maze- part of the charm and a feature of the hutong that makes it worth returning to again and again.

Our Local Expert Says:

After undergoing a facelift in Spring 2008, Bar Rouge remains one of the hottest bars on the Bund.

Description:

This newly open space at Bund 18 provides a less frenzied atmosphere than Bar Rouge to unwind, relax, and nosh on some tapas with your fanciful cocktails. Sunday to Wednesday 2pm to 12:30am; Thursday to Saturday 2pm to late.

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.

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.

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:

The opposite side of the Bund offers an unparalleled view of Puxi’s cityscape as well as a more relaxed and hassle free riverside excursion.

Description:

Stroll along the east side of the Huangpu River on the PuDong Bund walkway. Though it spans only a short distance, the area is modern, clean and quiet and the boardwalk is lined with excellent cafes and bars as well as classy and tasty restaurants. From the PuDong Bung you can get closer to the water and away from the peddlers and advertisements that line the west side of the river. In addition, the PuDong Bund tapers off on the southern end into a small but fragrant garden through which you can trek on the way back to one of the many luxury hotels that lie directly behind the Bund. Of added benefit, the Shanghai Ferry terminal lies 200 yards south of the PuDong Bund, where one can take a local bicycle ferry across to the Puxi side for half a Rmb, this is a truly local experience and one you should not miss out on.

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 place for group parties

Description:

From the bright red and green floral fabric everywhere to the customers and the wait staff, Dongbei Ren is loud. The décor is Chinese Revolutionary retro with pictures of liberators hugging every wall, while staff in pigtails or even military costumes shout out orders. Customers may sit at kangs or in themed rooms such as a North Korean room. Comfort food prevails with plenty of dumplings, breads, noodles and big caveman-like lamb shanks with an endless supply of tea and beer. One fish dish even comes with an accompanying song sung by staff members. Popular, so get there early to avoid missing out on a local favorite and a tourist must!

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:

Hangzhou is home to scenic West Lake, a mirror-perfect pool of water surrounded by weeping willows, beautiful stone arch bridges and botanical gardens. What makes the lake so memorable, however, are the people. Arrive at the lake around 6:00am and you will meet such an array of kindly elderly people that you'll want to relocate to the city permanently. These happy individuals descend on the lake every morning for tai chi, dancing, aerobics, sword play and more. In addition, meet locals having their morning tea at many of the lake-side cafes as they play checkers, cards or just chat about old times. Aside from West Lake, Hangzhou has vast silk markets, rolling scenic hills for hiking and a beautiful temple full of practicing monks and mountain-side rock carvings. Plan to spend the entire day here but do not be surprised if you end up spending more than just one.

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.

Description:

Zapata's was the first place in Shanghai to offer a free flow of alcohol (margaritas) to its female customers. Its Monday and Wednesday evening ladies' nights are now legendary and very popular with students. Nights can get pretty sweaty and wild and the place is often packed to the rafters with dancing on the bars. On other evenings, there are food specials and salsa classes. As the name suggests, the food is Mexican style with a wide range of classics including chicken mole and flan. It's not the best Mexican food, the service is lacking, and it's a bit tacky, a bit manic, but if you want to dance and drink with friends, it's a fun place to go.

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 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.

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:

This 50Rmb underwater transport from Puxi to Pudong is worth a try at least once if your stay in Shanghai is ongoing.

Description:

The psychedelic tunnel runs from the Bund in Puxi to the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong, though one means of conveyance between the two banks it should not be expected to be anything other than an amusing and funny one-trip-wonder. Board a modern glass portal car that zooms at an impressive walking pace beneath the Huangpu River. From the glass case you see flashing lights, Christmas lights, frailing inflatable arm men and a giant projection of an underwater scene. Meanwhile, a voice spouts one liners in English that take the trip from amusing to hilarious. "Molten magma" escorts your exit into daylight. A bit overpriced for a joke, but worth going for the conversation it provides on the way out.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most exclusive restaurant in Shanghai

Description:

This reservation only eatery offers only 14 seats for the delightful Japanese style multi-course meals that are cooked to order or chosen from a menu that changes daily. Seafood is imported from Japan and they specialize in sushi and sake. A perfect place for a business dinner or family reunion.