Shanghai for jet-setting gals is an experience like no other.
Whether you’re visiting Shanghai, China for business, pleasure, or some wild combination of the two, there are a few things you’ll need to experience to make the most of your time there. Forget all the hokey “is there a Hard Rock around here?” kind of stuff– this is the list of in-the-know, must-see, makes-you-a-head-above-the-rest cool stuff for the chic-makers.
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1. Hot Jianbing Breakfast. One of Shanghai’s greatest street foods is a near-secret treasure: jianbing. Rice flour dough is carefully spread around a circular burner, crepe-style, and starts to sizzle and bubble immediately. Next, a thick brown soy sauce is ladled on and spread around, pizza-sauce style. Add some hot sauce and you’ve got the Chinese breakfast burrito your soul has been searching for since its inception. And, at under 4 yuan (around 50 cents American), you can afford to binge eat these all day.
2. Sidecar tour. Catch up with the guys at Insider Experience for a tour of the city by motorcycle sidecar. As if careening through the busy streets of Shanghai in a sidecar weren’t thrilling enough in its own right, the guys at IE are adept at giving their patrons a true insider’s view of the city. See things like at a tiny fish market tucked away in one of Shanghai’s secluded alleyways up close, and fast, and seek out species of seafood virtually unknown in New York. Stop at an antique market to find incredible collections of not only ancient Chinese furniture and art, but also a treasure trove of Maoist-era propaganda posters, wristwatches with Mao’s likeness stamped on them, and of course, piles of little red books with yellowed, wrinkled pages.
3. Lunch at Xinjishi. Delve into authentic Shanghainese cuisine made from top-quality ingredients. – Lotus root in mysteriously good syrup, dates stuffed with glutinous rice, and all sorts of other unusual flavors and textures that’ll leave you wanting more. It’s in a posh area of town, offering authentic food and reliable service. There’s a reason it’s garnered 4 stars on Trip Advisor and tons of great reviews.
4. Stay and gaze at gorgeous art. Check out the contemporary art on display at the Langham Xintiandi – Wang Xinggang’s over-sized sculptures seem to encapsulate the sentiment of 21st century China. The 5-star hotel is the “it” place for international jet-setters and chic-seekers. The architecture is modern with a splash of American mid-century modernism, and boasts the perfect backdrop for “have you noticed how cool I am?” selfies and such. And, while you can’t immediately upload them to Facebook because of China’s stringent internet rules, you can totally preserve them for immediate upload upon your arrival back home, anywhere that may be. You’ll also enjoy over-the-top spa, gym, and serious food amenities at this must-stay hotel.
5. Ride the bus. No, really. If you want to see Chinese culture through the lens of the most mundane of everyday activities, hop aboard one of Shanghai’s bustling public buses. There, packed in like sardines in an undersized can, you’ll find hope for humanity as you watch people board and then pass their fare money from back to front in a “telephone game” like display of the honor code at its best.
6. Unwind at one of the Earth’s best spas, ever. Chuan spa combines sacred, ancient Chinese healing techniques with a world-class spa facility. The chinese art of feng shui (or wind/water, so named because these elements should be studied for clues about the natural world) is on proud display. Upon arrival at Chuan Spa, the guest is led through a series of four keyhole-shaped doors. After passing through them, one is instantly transported to a supremely tranquil place. Your are met on the other side by soothing, gentle golden tones and serene lighting. The feeling of having entered a womb-like, hypnotic atmosphere is complete even before you meet your massage therapist.
If you’re feeling romantic and there with someone special, opt for the couples massage therapy– a must-do romantic escape with a 1.5 hour full body massage that’ll leave you and your someone special never wanting to leave the mainland. Check out the spa here.
6. End the night at Bar Rouge. It’s the “in” nightclub of Shanghai right now, and everyone who is someone is trying to dance their pants off at this “I’m so bougie it hurts” bar. It’s got a Euro feel, and you’ll somehow feel like you’re partying with the lovechild of Shanghai and Ibiza, and who doesn’t want that? Make sure you bring loads of extra cash, because partying with Shanghai’s cool kids will set you back a pretty penny. Oh, and watch your drink.
