Shanghai Hidden Gems You Will Definitely Love
No matter if you’re here to discover Shanghai’s historic or modern side, there is so much to discover and do. From ancient temples to towering skyscrapers, colonial-era styles and vibrant markets – Shanghai truly has something for everyone in this exciting city!
One of the most intriguing activities to do in Shanghai is visiting the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Situated in West Bund district, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in discovering modern Shanghai’s vibrant landscape. Visit Shanghai with Cathay Pacific for a perfect start to your adventure.
Zhujiajiao
About an hour west of Shanghai lies Zhujiajiao, a charming ancient town with an intriguing history and several UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s renowned for its 36 stone bridges and waterways winding throughout the village; furthermore, it has been one of China’s best-preserved ancient cities.
Experience this captivating place on a guided tour. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through historic sights and explain the architecture from the Qing and Ming dynasties.
Explore the ancient district on your own. While some streets may be overrun with tourists, there are still plenty of quiet alleyways and residential neighborhoods filled with traditional Chinese houses that await discovery.
On these narrow streets you’ll find many restaurants, teahouses and coffeehouses. Many are situated along canal side terraces or windows with stunning views of the river.
These spots are great to unwind and get acquainted with Shanghai’s culture. While not as exciting or unique as some of Shanghai’s other culinary offerings, you’re sure to enjoy something here that appeals to you.
When visiting Zhujiajiao, be sure to stop at a local market for some authentic Zhujiajiao cuisine. This is an experience most Westerners won’t get the chance to experience in their lifetime, but it provides an introduction as to what visitors can expect when exploring this undiscovered gem.
For lunch, a Chinese restaurant with a canalside patio is an excellent option. Here you’ll find various dishes like fried fish, chicken wings and skewers.
Another option is visiting a street stall selling various grilled seafood items. Here, the skewers are usually filled with shrimp and you can even get some fish soup to go along with it.
Take a boat ride around the town’s waters, which are lined with stunning stone bridges. These are an enjoyable way to get an up-close view of some of its highlights, like Fangsheng Bridge. Boat tours can be booked at multiple docks throughout the city.
Yu Yuan Garden
Yu Garden is one of Shanghai’s undiscovered gems, an idyllic haven of classical Chinese gardens situated to the west of downtown. Constructed in 1559 as a private estate by a Ming Dynasty official, it features intricate rockeries, arched bridges, goldfish ponds and an undulating dragon wall that combine Ming and Qing architectural styles.
Experience an architectural wonder as you stroll through its halls, pavilions, sparkling pools, zigzag bridges, pagodas, archways and impressive rockeries. Take a leisurely stroll through its corridors and arches or ascend to the top of the Great Rockery – 14 meters high and made out of thousands of tons of huangshi stone!
The ideal time to visit is on a weekday when the entrance is free and there are fewer tourists around to impede your movement.
You could also hire a local guide, though this can be expensive (the guide will also charge extra to see the attractions they have reserved for you). But the most enjoyable way to experience Yu Garden is by foot.
Visiting the garden is like taking a journey back in time, with many historic buildings, pavilions and an artisan market where visitors can purchase souvenirs and snacks. Shoppers here can find porcelains, jade ware, wooden carvings, paintings and calligraphies at prices much higher than those found elsewhere in Shanghai.
Throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, this garden suffered numerous damages; however, it was restored to its former splendor in 1956 and declared a national monument in 1982. Notable architectural highlights include Dianchun Hall, Yuhua Hall, Wanhua Chamber, an expansive rockery area and an ancient performance stage that were restored back to their original splendor.
Zhang Nanyang designed this magnificent garden during the Ming dynasty, featuring peaks, cliffs and winding caves. It is considered to be one of China’s largest and most exquisitely crafted landscapes.
As a visitor to the garden, you will be provided with both a map and guide book. This is especially helpful since some parts of the garden can be difficult to access.
Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Steamed pork soup dumplings, commonly known as xiaolongbao, are one of China’s most beloved snacks. You can find them for breakfast, as an appetizer at multi-course meals and as a cheap take out option. But no place in Shanghai has earned more renown for this delectable treat than Nanxiang Mantou Dian–the small shack located in Shanghai’s Old Town that pioneered modern day versions.
Recently, The restaurant underwent a significant reimagining with an updated menu featuring Shanghai homestyle appetizers and desserts. It also has a chic new bar as well as an expertly curated selection of tea. Executive chef You Yumin emphasizes that this renovation was more than just about flashy new gadgets.
Nanxiang Mantou Dian’s modern amenities such as LED-lit displays, interactive video games and an extensive wine list will be welcomed upgrades from the traditional restaurant experience. However, what really sets Nanxiang Mantou Dian apart is its staff: 70 experienced cooks who each specialize in one task – from making dough to prepping fillings and wrapping dumplings – for maximum efficiency and quality assurance.
The most remarkable part is that these mini marvels can also be found at several other spots around Shanghai, such as Zhujiajiao and Yuyuan Garden. We highly recommend visiting the latter, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the biggest xiaolongbao we have ever encountered!
Tianzifang
Tianzifang, a former residential area in the French Concession, is bustling with bars, cafes, shops and galleries. Many are small creative businesses catering to young professionals and creative types alike. Tianzifang also makes for great shopping for unique gifts from around the world.
Shikumen-style buildings from the early 1930s still stand today and boast an incredible collection of unique arts and crafts. If you’re searching for a special gift or simply want to escape Shanghai’s overcrowded malls and skyscrapers, this is your destination!
Shop for eco-friendly products and clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and wool at this store’s minimalist lifestyle collection – which includes handmade jewellery, artisan pottery and clothing items.
Another popular destination in Tianzifang is Kommune Commune, an inviting coffee shop where patrons can sit back and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while watching the world go by. Other must-visits include Xingmu Handicraft for leather notebooks and delicate stationery; Dongxi Workshop for unique vintage Chinese glasses and watches; Sky Music Box – famous for its breathtaking selection of music boxes from around the globe – for unique souvenirs.
For a more casual dining experience, Tianzifang has plenty of food stalls and restaurants to choose from. There are burger and steak outlets, an NY-style steakhouse, ribs, pizza, gumbos, cotton candy – the list goes on and on! Whatever your appetite may be – there’s sure to be something delicious waiting for you in Tianzifang!
In 2007, many journalists, tourists and local residents began spreading the news of this charming lane district that housed several unique businesses. This helped promote this unassuming but unique neighborhood as it stood out from other shopping areas in Shanghai.
Tianzifang’s popularity skyrocketed when Chen Yifei, a renowned artist, opened up his studio there. Nowadays, this art community boasts hundreds of talented artisans and designers as well as galleries, bars and cafes – making it an unmissable destination in Shanghai for anyone who appreciates culture and having some fun!