SHANGHAI
East Asia always pulls me in with a kind of magic I can’t explain, it is my sweet spot of the world. Shanghai was our entry point into China and the city was incredible. We spent our first four nights in the Artyzen hotel, using it as our home base as we explored the city and took a day trip to Suzhou. From the skyline to the canals, from the gardens to the late night glow of the river, everything in and around Shanghai feels like it is moving in color.
After Suzhou, we traveled to Hangzhou for three nights and stayed at the beautiful West Lake State Guest House. Hangzhou has a softness to it, an artistic rhythm that feels completely its own. Some of our favorite vegetarian meals of the entire trip were found here, along with some of the best shopping. Essential oils for the home, jewelry, books, incense, tea, quiet neighborhoods, and moments that felt like walking through a painting.
At the end of the trip we returned to Shanghai for one last night and stayed at the Shangri-La Pudong. It was the perfect place before our flight home, with a room view of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Huangpu River that made the city feel even more cinematic. We squeezed in one more mall next door to the hotel and one more Pop Mart stop, because of course we saved our first blind box experience for China and went far more times than planned.
Shanghai made us feel wide eyed in the best way. The calm of the mornings, the electricity of the evenings, the sparkle of the buildings after dark, the mix of modernity and old world charm. We shopped, we collected little treasures, we hunted for the China exclusive Adidas jackets, and we met people who made the trip feel even more special.
Check out more images + videos from our trip in my China Highlights.
Below you’ll find a curated list of places I’ve truly loved in Shanghai: spots I’ve tried, tested, and would go back to again. Think of it as your go-to guide for the city.
STAY
Artyzen New Bund 31
📍 Pudong
The first four nights of our Shanghai trip started at Artyzen New Bund 31, a design hotel tucked inside the vibrant cultural hub of New Bund 31. It is created by the world renowned Neri and Hu Design Studio, and the whole space feels like a modern classic. Shanghainese aesthetics, art, and cultural texture are woven into every detail. The moment we walked in, it had this calm, zen, sculptural energy that just settles you. It felt like the perfect place to land and ease into the rhythm of the city. Soft light, beautiful materials, thoughtful design choices everywhere you look. We loved our stay here, and starting our Shanghai trip in a space that feels this considered set the tone for everything that followed. Pictured above.
Shangri-La Pudong
📍 Pudong
Instagram: @pudongshangrila
We spent our final night back in Shanghai at the Shangri-La Pudong. Our room overlooked the Huangpu River and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which felt like the perfect full circle moment after days of exploring other cities.
The hotel is right next to a mall, which we fully appreciated when we decided we needed one last Pop Mart run before the airport. You really can’t go wrong with Shangri-La. The rooms are comfortable, the service is effortless, and the breakfast is honestly one of the reasons we keep coming back. East Asian breakfasts are something we look forward to on every trip, and Shangri-La never disappoints. Pictured above.
Amanyangyun
📍 Minhang District
Instagram: @amanyangyun
While we didn’t stay at Amanyangyun on this trip, it is about an hour outside the city and we chose to base ourselves in Shanghai this time. But if you have a few extra days and want a beautiful, zen escape from the pace of the city, I highly recommend spending a night or two here.
We visited for a long afternoon and it immediately felt like stepping into a quieter world. Amanyangyun has multiple restaurants, so you can come for a simple lunch or turn it into a full experience the way we did. We started with lunch at Arva, one of our favorite Italian restaurants by Aman, and then booked the afternoon tea on the boat, which is truly such a serene, dreamy way to take in the property. We even sandwiched in a spa session between the two, which made the entire afternoon so peaceful and full of serenity. This is also where we met our first pair of black swans. It added this quiet, magical moment to an already beautiful day.
Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the property is open to visitors and absolutely worth experiencing. Calm, intentional, and beautifully designed, it offers a rare contrast to the energy of Shanghai and feels like a gentle exhale from the city. Pictured above.
EAT
Bottega Pizza Napoletana
📍 2 locations in both the Xuhui District & Jing'an District
Instagram: @bottegash
We went to Bottega Pizza in the Xuhui district and it was such a fun little spot. The whole place felt festive and cozy for the holidays, with the kind of decor and music that instantly puts you in a good mood. The pizzas were genuinely delicious with that soft, airy crust they do so well, and the apps were just as good. My favorite thing on the menu was the fried pizza dough called the Montanara. It’s basically a double fried crust that comes out crisp on the outside and soft inside. So good. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in Shanghai and want something casual, fun, and really well done. Pictured above.
Shi Chuan Fei Chuan
📍 Xuhui District
We found this spot through the Michelin Guide and had such a good dinner here. The kitchen reimagines Sichuan cooking with top notch ingredients from around the world, all presented with really beautiful, refined plating. The flavors are so well done. It is located inside the IAPM Mall, which makes it an easy stop while exploring the Xuhui area. If you are looking for great Sichuan food in Shanghai, this is a great place to go. Pictured above.
QUICK BITES + CAFES
O.P.S. Cafe
📍 Xuhui District
Instagram: @opscafe
We visited O.P.S. Cafe in the Xuhui district and it was the sweetest little spot. The space is tiny but so full of personality, and there is usually a long line outside, so I recommend planning for a wait. We tried two of their signature drinks, You’ve Got a Friend in Me and Pop Pop Pop. Both were so creative and fun, the kind of coffees that feel more like an experience than a drink. A really cute stop if you love trying unique café creations while exploring Shanghai. Pictured above.
Metal Hands Coffee
📍 Xuhui District
Instagram: @metalhandscoffee.co
We checked out Metal Hands Coffee in Shanghai and it was such a cool spot. It’s one of the world’s Top 50 coffee shops, and the vibe is moody and industrial chic. We tried their signature pistachio coffee. If you’re around the French Concession/Nanchang Road area, this cafe is worth a stop for a good cup.
Seesaw Coffee
📍 Multiple Locations
Instagram: @seesawcoffee
Seesaw Coffee is one of those reliably good spots you can count on across China, with locations in both Shanghai and Hangzhou. The menu is consistent, delicious, and just quirky enough to feel out of the box in the best way. I ordered their sea salt caramel tea latte and it was incredible.
THINGS TO DO
Yu Garden
📍 Huangpu District
Visit Yu Garden during the day. The gardens feel peaceful, historic, and beautifully detailed. Spend time wandering through the stone bridges, koi ponds, carved pavilions, and quiet corners. Pictured above.
Yu Garden Night Market
📍 Huangpu District
Come back for a night experience. The entire area lights up in color. The glowing buildings, lanterns, and reflections make the whole space feel magical. A fun place to walk around, snack, and try local foods like XLB. The title picture.
Pop Mart Stores
📍 Multiple locations
Definitely stop by a few Pop Mart stores if you love collecting cute little items. The blind boxes are such a thrill and you never know what you are going to get. A very fun China activity. Pictured above.
The Bund River Walk
📍 Huangpu District
Walk along the Bund at night and stand on the side facing the Oriental Pearl Tower for the best skyline view. The river and the lit up buildings feel cinematic, especially after sunset.
Huangpu River Cruise
📍 Huangpu District
Book your tickets ahead of your trip and make sure to pick up the physical tickets for the exact time slot you want. The cruises run every hour on the hour, and the night cruises begin around 7 p.m. so be sure to choose the night cruise if you want the full skyline experience. When you arrive for the night cruise, get there well in advance because the line does get long and the boat fills up quickly, especially along the railing or the upper deck. We upgraded to the private section for a clear skyline view and comfortable seating, and they included a small goodie with the upgraded ticket which in our case was a cashmere scarf. Pictured above.
Tianzifang
📍 Xuhui District, Former French Concession
A creative little maze of alleys filled with independent artisans. We met calligraphy artists, 3D printing artists, and a mix of tiny studios and handmade shops.
The Old Slaughterhouse (1933 Old Millfun)
📍 Hongkou District
A striking concrete maze that has become a popular spot for photography. There are not many shops, but it is a unique place to wander and capture photos. There is a Starbucks inside if you want a break.
Shanghai Wholesale Market
📍 Qipu Road area, Jing’an District
A massive wholesale hub spread across multiple buildings with everything from clothing to handbags to jewelry. Allocate a good amount of time because you can easily spend hours exploring.
ETIQUETTE + TIPS
⟡ Apps to download before you go: WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Amap, & Google Translate.
⟡ WeChat This is the backbone of daily life in China. You can message people, translate menus, pay for things, and call taxis all from one place.
⟡ Alipay The easiest way to handle payments as a visitor. Add your foreign card in the app and you can use it almost everywhere.
⟡ Didi The primary ride hailing app. Works like Uber but with more vehicle options.
⟡ Amap The most accurate mapping tool in China since Google Maps has limited function.
⟡ Google Translate Even though many signs are bilingual in Shanghai, it helps for menus and small talk.
⟡ Small snacks and taxis take mobile payment. Having Alipay set up ahead of time makes everything seamless.
⟡ Always have your passport. You need it for hotels, certain attractions, and sometimes for train stations.
⟡ Tap water is not consumed. Use bottled or boiled water.
⟡ Try paying with Alipay even if card machines are offered. It is quicker and more reliable.
⟡ Bargaining is expected in local markets but not in malls or boutiques.
⟡ Always pay attention to sizing. Chinese sizing runs smaller and varies widely by shop.
⟡ Keep smaller bills or coins for street snacks if you plan to pay cash.
⟡ High speed trains are extremely punctual. Arrive early because security lines can be long.
⟡ Luggage is scanned at every major station.
⟡ Business class seats are worth it on longer rides for comfort and space. Pictured above.
⟡ The subway uses touchless entry with QR codes through Alipay or WeChat if you prefer not to buy single tickets.
⟡ Carry your hotel’s Chinese address card. Taxi drivers rely on the Chinese written address even if they understand English verbally.
*Every trip I take to a new country, I choose a new fragrance to wear throughout the trip. It becomes intertwined with the places, moments, and memories of that adventure. Whenever I wear it again, I’m instantly transported back to the travel memories. For this trip, I wore Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdijan — an amber, woody scent feels like evening light turned into a fragrance which made it feel extra right for China. The scent is warm, golden, and slightly smoky. A fragrance that will forever remind me of this trip. 
I also have a nail theme and color idea for each trip, and this time I gave myself a home mani with a burgundy metallic base topped with iridescent glittered discs, a little nod to Chinese nail art.
