What to do in Shanghai: futuristic skylines, chic neighborhoods, and tradition
- theordinaryallure
- Feb 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 17
What to do in Shanghai: futuristic skylines, chic neighborhoods, and tradition, blending cool vibes with urban style and ancient streets
If Beijing is China's political heart, Shanghai is its cosmopolitan, cool face. Here, you'll find it all: spirituality and tradition, super-chic districts with a Western soul, and cool spots to shop or grab a drink.
Here’s a guide to the must-see spots (here you can find our travel essentials for exploring China stress-free)! 🌸
The Bund: China's most iconic skyline
If you've ever seen a picture of Shanghai, it was probably the view from the Bund. This riverfront promenade along the Huangpu River offers the perfect view of Pudong’s futuristic skyline.
On one side, you have elegant colonial-era buildings from the '30s that feel like something out of a movie, and on the other, skyscrapers so futuristic they look like they came from another planet. The contrast? Iconic! 😍
Beyond the skyline, get lost in the streets of the Huangpu district. You'll find amazing architecture: a mix of Paris and New York vibes.
🫶🏻 Good to know:
at night, the show gets even better, with skyscrapers lit up in every color
for an extra view, head to one of the rooftop terraces of luxury hotels along the Bund
like Cinderella, the lights don’t last all night — at 10 PM, the skyline goes dark (check times, we went in January)
💗 What we loved: the unique skyline, the architecture, and that movie-like atmosphere — so elegant and cool.
Old Town e Yu Garden: a surreal vibe
The Old Town feels like another world. Picture yourself walking through the city’s oldest streets, narrow and full of life. It’s like a trip back in time, with hidden temples and traditional houses. Every corner has its own vibe, from the chaos of the market to the calm in the less-trodden alleys. It’s the kind of place where you get lost discovering small traditional shops (sometimes a little touristy, but still very nice). ✨
And then, by chance, you find the Yu Garden — a zen corner of absolute peace (tourists aside). Ponds, little bridges, and pavilions that look like they’ve stepped out of a painting. You shift into a different pace and, before you know it, forget the city that never stops outside.
🫶🏻 Good to know:
the garden is surrounded by the Yuyuan market — perfect for trying dumplings and other local treats like xiaolongbao (soup-filled dumplings)
you can buy tickets for the Yu Garden entrance right there
💗 What we loved: the vibe of the Old Town and the contrast between the city’s frenzy and the zen peace of Yu Garden.
Former French Concession: Shanghai chic side
If Shanghai is a city that runs fast, the Former French Concession is its most sophisticated and effortlessly chic soul. This district mixes Europe and Asia in a super-aesthetic way: tree-lined streets, historic buildings, hidden cafes, and independent boutiques that feel straight out of a magazine. It’s the perfect place for those who love getting lost in retro atmospheres, niche boutiques, and hidden cocktail bars, all with that timeless elegance that makes everything feel exclusive.
The mood? Think of the perfect afternoon: strolling aimlessly, stopping for a cappuccino (go to Gathering for one of their specials), discovering small concept stores (even Zara has a concept store here!), and finishing the day with a drink, maybe at The Sober Company.
🫶🏻 Good to know:
getting lost in the little streets is the best way to enjoy the neighborhood!
head to Tianzifang, a labyrinth of amazing shops
go to Wukang Road and reach Wukang Mansion, one of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings (photo top left)!
💗 What we loved: the boho-chic vibe, and those very cool cafes!
Jade Buddha Temple: spirituality and grandeur
Located in the heart of Shanghai, this temple is packed with mystical energy. An architectural gem that blends spirituality with beauty. The halls smell of incense, the atmosphere is ethereal, and the moment you step inside, you feel a different kind of energy — calm, intense, almost magnetic.
In the central courtyard, you'll find a shrine, and you’ll see many people tossing coins inside it — give it a try, it’s said to bring luck! 🍀
🫶🏻 Good to know: respect the spirituality of the place. The atmosphere here is more intimate compared to other temples in Shanghai, so if you're looking for a moment of quiet, this is the perfect spot.
💗 What we loved: the energy, the tranquility, and the contrast between the temple’s architecture and the surrounding skyscrapers.
Shanghai Tower: the city at your feet
Want to feel on top of the world? Head to the Shanghai Tower, the third tallest building in the world. The view? A 360° panorama, perfect for capturing the grandeur of the city. From up there, Shanghai seems endless — a mix of lights, order, and energy stretching beneath you.
🫶🏻 Good to know: the fastest elevator in the world? Check. Sunset? Cute. But at night, it’s next-level. The city turns into an ocean of colored lights. Way too iconic! ✨
💗 What we loved: the city spreading beneath you like a carpet of lights — total main character moment.
M50 Art District: the creative soul of Shanghai
If you love contemporary art, don’t miss this former industrial complex turned creative hub. Here, you'll find art galleries, murals, installations, and studios of emerging artists.
🫶🏻 Good to know:
it's perfect for discovering modern Chinese art, which goes far beyond the usual stereotypes
just outside this industrial complex, you'll also find the 1000 Trees Building, an urban jungle designed by Heatherwick Studio
💗 What we loved: the mix of alternative-pop culture and urban spirit.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Village
If you have some extra time, grab a DiDi (Chinese Uber) and head to this ancient water village about an hour outside the city. A little gem with stone bridges, canals, and traditional houses. A place where time seems to have stopped.
Take a boat ride along the canals for a unique perspective of the village. 💫
🫶🏻 Good to know:
be respectful, as some inhabited areas won’t let you in or take photos
my experience: the street food is better than the stuff in restaurants
you can try different insects and jellyfish (I preferred the insects!)
stop by the small shops — you’ll find porcelain, pearls, straw bags, and local liquors (lychee liquor is a solid 10 out of 10)
💗 What we loved: the unique culinary experience and the super nice atmosphere.
Shanghai at night: cool restaurants and rooftop bars
By day, Shanghai is mesmerizing, but by night? Electric. The nightlife here is worth checking out: elegant cocktail bars, super-cool restaurants, and clubs to discover.
Here, you can find some cool ideas. We loved having pre dinner drinks at The Fella, dinner at Hakkasan, and drinks at Punch Room. 🍸
🫶🏻 Good to know:
if you choose a spot with a killer view of the skyline, make sure you get there before the lights go out!
yes, the prices at these places are pretty much in line with Milan’s
if you’re used to late-night dining, you’ll need to adjust your schedule a bit in Shanghai!
💗 What we loved: everything is super glamorous!
Shopping in Shanghai: from luxury boutique to local market, and the Former French Concession
Shanghai is a shopping paradise, a perfect mix of luxury, emerging trends, and unique finds. If Nanjing Road is the iconic street for international shopping, the Former French Concession is where you’ll find the city’s most refined and alternative shopping. With high-fashion boutiques, design stores, and concept shops often featuring local and international young designers. Huaihai Road and Anfu Road are definitely places to check out!
Tianzifang is another hidden gem in the heart of the Former French Concession, an oasis for lovers of craftsmanship and art. The narrow streets are filled with galleries, local craft stores, design shops, and unique souvenirs, often created by young Chinese artists and designers. The silk clothes are absolutely beautiful!
💗 What we loved: the Former French Concession is perfect for a quick window-shopping session — you’ll see truly unique and interesting pieces that combine traditional materials or lines with innovative elements or designs!
Where to stay
Huangpu district is probably the best choice — super convenient for sightseeing and a great spot for evenings out!
On the Bund, you'll find high-end luxury hotels. But if you move inward a bit, you’ll get some great deals — 4-star hotels with spacious rooms and a distant view of the Pudong skyline at really good prices!
We stayed at Radisson Collection Hyland and loved the location! The rooms could use a little updating, but they were huge with an amazing view! The staff was super friendly, and the signature scent in the lobby? Chef’s kiss!
Ready to go? Whether you're a culture lover, a shopping enthusiast, or a nightlife aficionado, Shanghai is the vibe. When you get back, let us know your favorite spots!
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