Shanghai had always been very high on my wish list since I moved to Hong Kong in 2019. There are many similarities between Shanghai and Hong Kong, with the most notable being how the city preserves and highlights its history while not shying away from giving us a glimpse into the future. Skyscrapers tower over centuries-old temples and food stalls that go back generations. The city is essentially influencing you with fashion trends and yet is also encouraging you to step into history with costumes from some of China’s most famous dynasties.
Shanghai is a city rich in culture from top to bottom, which is why I was eager to bring my daughter despite only being 3-years old. Living in Hong Kong means traveling to Shanghai frequently will be easy for us, and that’s a privilege we do not take for granted. And while Shanghai does boast some pretty impressive theme parks for kids, for this trip we decided to skip all that and go down the cultural route to continue to introduce new cultures to little bean, especially since she will be growing up in Asia.
North Bund
It’s no secret that the most popular spot in all of Shanghai is the famous Bund. Stretching a couple of miles, it’s the best way to get the most impressive view of the Shanghai skyline. It is also home to several cafes, luxury shopping, and a plethora of hotels. With the foot traffic in the Bund being notoriously high and sometimes hard to navigate through, we chose to admire Shanghai via the North Bund, which is at the northern end of the riverside. While there are still people there with the same idea, it’s certainly less chaotic than the main area. Plus, there’s a Manner Coffee here overlooking the skyline. I can’t imagine a better view while sipping my hot chocolate with my husband and daughter.
Yaya’s Pasta
Okay, I promise I didn’t come to Shanghai just to eat pasta, but when I first heard of Yaya’s Pasta in Jing’an that serves pasta inspired by Shanghai cuisine, I knew I had to add it to our list. Plus, my daughter absolutely loves pasta (that’s her half-Italian blood speaking) and I knew she would be able to find something to eat. We were right – she devoured some of the vodka pasta while I enjoyed a very spicy orecchiette with soy and egg yolk. I also enjoyed a glass of Yunnan red wine, especially since I just started my Chinese wine journey and I am eager to try any.
Tip: Make a reservation via WeChat as they are quite popular.
Yu Garden
Another very popular spot in Shanghai, Yu Garden is one of those tranquil places that helps you escape from city life – as long as you go at the right time of day. Located not far from The Bund, it’s easy to see why this spot becomes so popular late in the morning onward. My best advice is to make it to Yu Garden first thing when they open at 8:45 am, and then if your itinerary allows I suggest visiting at night as well when everything is all lit up. Built back in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, the gardens are a luscious maze full of flowers and architecture that even little bean loved. While she is too young to fully understand or appreciate the architecture, it was really something to walk between 500-year old walls that have seen Shanghai blossom from a simple fishing village and market town into the largest city in China.
Adacong Fried Cake
If you haven’t had a scallion pancake, you need to make it a priority when visiting Shanghai. It’s such a simple treat – it’s literally fried dough with scallions – but it’s still a delicacy and such an easy street snack to grab while on the go. The best one is Adacong Fried Cake in Jing’an, near Upper House Shanghai, as it has been run by the same family for several generations. There’s always a queue full of locals and tourists alike since they truly are that good. Little bean was also a fan, so it’s a great street snack for kids, too.
