James & Shirley
Fun things to do in and around Shanghai
Day Trip: Suzhou & Zhouzhuang Water Village Full Day Tour from Shanghai
If you have a few days in Shanghai, and would like to see the Chinese pavilions, Suzhou and Zhouzhuang are high on the list of nearby places to see. There is a Chinese saying that "above is heaven and below is SuHang (SuZhou and HangZhou)", implying the beauty of those two places is comparable to heaven. In ancient Chinese history, these are the places the emperors build summer palalces and relax with loved ones.
Yu Garden Shanghai
The name is a bit misleading. Yu Garden was actually a tea house designed by a local. It is one of the most iconic tourist attractions for those interested in Shanghai's past. Also, good place to taste all kinds of Chinese food (Nan Xiang Steamed Bun dumpling has got good reviews) and load up on fun souvenirs.
French Concession
Known for the tree lined boulevards, it is known for wine bars, French restaurants, fashion boutiques and more. Growing up, I had many fond memories of mother and daughter dates in this area. I suggest considering a walking tour with "Shanghai Melody", whose guides will share interesting stories of Shanghai's past (e.g., Shanghai International Settlement / concessions in the 1900s). Link to Shanghai Melody: http://www.shanghaimelodytours.com/shanghai.asp (You can also book through TripAdvisor - group discount applies) Adding one more intriguing option: I personally want to do the "Discover Art Deco of Shanghai 1930s" tour via Airbnb!
Coffee for the jet-lagged ones
Seesaw Coffee (Beans are sourced from China's Yunan region) % Arabica Shanghai Roastery (We first encountered the brand in Kyoto and are convinced this is the "Blue Bottle" before Blue Bottle) Metal Hands Coffee (Instagram friendly, yet a bit out of the way) The Press by Inno Coffee (Converted from the local newspaper press) Cafe Chez W (Cozy space created by a former engineer turned hospitality expert)
Western food for those craving home
Al's Diner - a healthy dose of American comfort food RAC Cafe - French crepe. avocado toast and more Liquid Laundry Kitchen & Brew - Wide beer selection, NY style industrial gastropub The Bull & Claw - in case steak and burgers speak to you EGG Cafe - pancakes anyone?
Real deal - Chinese food!
Din Tai Fung - civilized soup dumplings King Kong Dumpling and Noodles - for spicy lovers (sichuan style noodles) Fuchun Xiaolong - where locals get soup dumplings Tao Heung - we love dim sum in Shanghai (because it is not spicy...) Da Dong - a local favorite to get Peking Duck Guang Ming Village - my mom gets take out from this place and pretends she cooked it
Nightlife
Listing a few options for consideration: Speak Low (speakeasy) The union trading company - supposedly one of the top 50 bars in the world Kartel Wine Bar Bar Rouge - Tourist favorites
Other fun activities
Standup comedy shows (in English) Spin or barre classes in English (check out Z&B) People's Square marriage market Shanghai Disney Park China Art Museum (from the Expo) Pandas at Shanghai Zoo