3 Days in Shanghai, China - June 2024 (Updated: June 2025)

Having visited Shanghai almost 8 years ago, I was excited to see how the city has developed. The major tourist attractions are omitted since they are pretty well known. I have comprised here some interesting areas and restaurants for your reference.

Transport

City Get Around: Please refer to local Taxi Apps

Accommodation

As I was here to mainly visit Design Shanghai at the Exhibition Center, I have decided to stay near XiTiangDi area. XTD is one of the first modernised traditional area in Shanghai with a strong design focus. The Langham is one of the more established one in the area. However, although the service was top notch, I do feel the place is a bit dated.

(Updated: June 2025)

For the second time I decided to stay at The Puli as I wanted to change area and explore JingAn. It is a an estalished design hotel. The design was timeless but certainly showing a bit of weaer and tear. I particular liked the pool facilities and their long bar at the lobby.

Attractions

The Rock Bund and the North

My friend recommended this walking route which I thought was a great and more relaxed alternative then your usual hectic Nanjing Walking Street and Bund tour. I took a taxi and started off the walk from the Shanghai Postal Museum north of the bund. I suggest you start the walk around 7:00pm as that's when the lights are switched on along the river. Walk along the river and you will reach an area called the Rock Bund behind the Peninsula Hotel. The Rock Bund is a newly revitalised area much like XTD. All these historic renovated buildings from the 20s now host an array of luxury shops. Further along the other end of the river you can also find the Fotografiska Shanghai hosting interesting exhibitions through out the year. You will eventually end up near the Walking Street and the Bund after.

Wukang Road-Anfu Road Cultural District

The Wukang Road-Anfu Roadblock, known as the "World Residential Architecture Expo Block", showcases Shanghai's modern lifestyle and urban culture. It features historical and cultural landmarks, such as Wukang Mansion, the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, and Ba Jin's Former Residence. It is now full of cool cafe and hipster shops.

(Updated: June 2025)

PowerStation of Art

PowerStation of Art is a relatively new gallery opened up in Shanghai. It was a bit smaller than I imagined but it does host some interesting exhibitions.

(Updated: June 2025)

Prada Rong Zhai

Prada Rong Zhai is the historic 1918 residence located in the heart of Shanghai, inaugurated on October 12, 2017, after a meticulously restoration subsidized by the Prada Group. The building is designed as a flexible space dedicated to various cultural activities organized by the Prada Group in China.

Demonstrating Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli’s respect and admiration for Chinese cultural heritage, in 2011 Prada has initiated the restoration project of the residence, which lasted 6 years and required the utmost care for details, superb craftsmanship and respect for architectural essence.

Restaurant and Nightlife

Food is at the heart of most Asian cultures and Shanghai is no different. Here are some of my proudest finds in this trip.

元古雲境（五原路店）

This is a cute place I stumbled upon near the Wukang Road-Anfu Road Cultural District. It has this rustic interior and a modernised version of classic asian dishes. The service and atmosphere was great but I can't help but to feel let down by the food especially after waited for about 45 mins. I would say avoid the fancy stuff because the classic are definitely better.

蟹黃魚 (XiTianDi Branch)

Literally translated as Crab Yellow Fish, this place has a few branches and this particular one opens till 2am which is a bonus.I came to this place in particular to tried their Lard Tossed Noodle Topped with Crab Roe and Meat. Add a bit of red vinegar and it was divine!

Cejerdary (The Bund) (蟹家大院)

The smallest menu here ensures the quality of each dish is well executed. I had the noodle the night before so I have opted for the Wine Marinated Whole Crab and the Crab Roe Rice. They are both very enjoyable.

成隆行. 蟹王府

Being a Michelin Star restaurant this is definitely one of the best meal I had in Shanghai for the quality and attention to details they provided. The great thing about this place is that it has a lot of a la carte options for single diners. Specialised again in Crab, this restaurant finished my Trilogy of Crab exploration in Shnaghai. If you gonna have one Crab meal I would recommend this place as it has the most to offer in terms of menu and space. BOOK IN ADVANCE!

Dong Tai Xiang Shanghai Dim Sum

This is a super local restaurant which is ideal for breakfast as it was only 15min walk from the hotel. They are one of the highest rated Pan Fried Buns in the area and it bun was so thin and delicous. It was definitely worth the trip. Note that they sell their wonton by the Catty (605g) on the menu but you can order half Catty and mix them.

(Updated: June 2025)

莱莱小笼- 静安店(上海市)

One of the better Xiao Long Bao and Crab Rice restaurants in the area. I will definitely come back if I am in the area.

mignon 9

Mignon 9 is a modern French restaurant in Shanghai, inspired by Parisian bistros. It offers a mix of classic French dishes with a contemporary twist, along with Western-style dishes. The restaurant is known for its stylish design, featuring playful textured surfaces, polished mirrored elements, and an open kitchen. It's located on Wuyuan Road in the former French concession area. The food was good and it's a great date place.

人和馆·上海菜(静安寺店)

Cute interiors with great food overall. Questionably one of the best 生煎包 (The Pan Fried Buns) I have ever had. Definitely go a bit early for start queuing with the DianPing App. The queue is around 30-45mins but there are plenty of bars in the area to have a drink as you wait. They will message you when you table is almost ready.

佳家汤包(CP静安店)

This was supposed to be a very popular branch of Xiao Long Boa as I had multiple people recommending it to me but I was very underwhelmed. Maybe it was the location but honestly it was very average. I would easily pick 莱莱小笼 over this.

Potent (Night Club)

New nightclub in TX Huaihai possessing two separate dance spaces. The smaller area is called 'TENT' and hosts techno, experimental and house. The other, 'POTENT', is more spacious with a music programme primarily centered around hip-hop. There's also an outdoor deck for when you want to take a breather from the action, with decent views around the surrounding area. LGBT Friendly

Blues+ Club

With performance everynight this is a great place to hang out after dinner. International musicians and seems like a good chill crowd.