Shanghai Travel: A Guide to Eat, Play, and Capture Beautiful Photos Amidst the Heatwave

Gastronomy, Culture, Free Travel, Saving Money: My Journey Through Shanghai

I have visited the magical city of Shanghai many times, but this time I finally had the opportunity to explore it leisurely. The pandemic has made me realize many things, including that life should not be filled with regrets. Previously, I always thought it was convenient to come to Shanghai and travel whenever I wanted, but this time I changed my mind. I wanted to savor the beauty of Shanghai thoroughly.

I made a detailed plan, divided by cloudy and sunny days. I wanted to check in at the iconic Shanghai bar, capture the dazzling night view of the Bund, and immerse myself in the scenery of Shanghai at any time. I booked a stay that would allow me to live within the city’s landscape.

Places Visited: The Bund, 1933 Old Millfun, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanyin Road Corridor Bridge, Oriental Pearl, Huangpu River.

Cloudy Shanghai: Exploring the Bund and Beyond

Taking advantage of the cooler weather, I hurried to walk through the various streets around the Bund. Every few steps here is a scene, and I would stop to take photos along the way. The buildings are vintage, with houses of various colors that have slowly accumulated over time, eventually becoming a unique landscape of the magical city.

There’s no need to go to crowded attractions or buy tickets; as long as you don’t disturb others, you can leisurely stroll through these streets, relaxed and peaceful. On my way to the Bund, I encountered buildings of different styles, each telling a story of Shanghai.

The Bund during the day is not as dazzling as at night, but it is still bustling with activity. Naturally, I took out my phone to capture the daytime view of the Bund, looking forward to returning at night to see the transformation of the Bund and these buildings into a magnificent spectacle.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Huawei Flagship Store

After strolling around the Bund for a while, I naturally headed towards Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, wanting to see what this one of the top ten famous streets in the country would look like. It is said to be the earliest commercial street in Shanghai.

However, before I even got there, I was attracted by the high-end design of the Huawei flagship store. I stopped, hesitated, and then went in. It was truly worth it. The entire flagship store has a color scheme of white and light gold. The space is large, simple, and comfortable. The air conditioning deeply attracted me, making me want to rest.

Instinctively, I sat on the stairs on the first floor and found it very suitable for taking photos. So, I pulled my sister upstairs, and each floor was a surprise. The second floor has many experience rooms, each an independent room with simple decoration. Standing at the door is very photogenic.

Walking in, my sister was so happy that she danced around and sat on the sofa for me to take photos. The simple white, clean, and comfortable experience areas, with the bustling scenery outside the window, I continued to the upper floors and found that the fourth floor actually had an exhibition.

The Moment I Saw the Photo of Ruan Lingyu

The moment I saw the photo of the national goddess Ruan Lingyu, it felt as if I had traveled through time. In the photo, Ruan Lingyu, wearing a cheongsam, was beautiful, calm, and confident, with a charm that was unforgettable to the core. I decided to take my time and wander through this exhibition.

After taking a big circle, I found that it was really quite good here. Everyone in the store was also passionate about the things they were interested in, some sitting and thinking, some smiling, and some walking around and looking.

Shanghai Soup Dumplings and Shanyin Road

After a big circle, I was a bit hungry and decided to take my sister to an old alley with a history in Shanghai to eat the Shanghai soup dumplings that even the locals line up for.

Instead of visiting the popular spots, I chose a 117-year-old road called Shanyin Road. The road is not wide, flanked by red-walled buildings and large sycamore trees, exuding a strong cultural atmosphere. Small shops along the street have long queues, and we joined the waiting line.

Despite the rain, many people still lined up at Wanshou Zhai’s entrance for a taste of authentic soup dumplings. The shop was small, and getting a seat required a bit of a scramble, leading to shared tables. It was crowded, but the food was truly delicious.

We ordered a serving of fresh meat and shrimp soup dumplings, along with a bowl of curry beef soup. The shrimp dumplings were freshly steamed, and the best way to enjoy them was to first sip the juice, blow on them to cool, and then savor the fragrant filling.

After our meal, we decided to stroll along Shanyin Road, taking in the cultural atmosphere and the unique charm of this historic road.

Published on 2020-08-12 12:38Embarking on a journey through the ancient roads of Shanghai, I was captivated by the charm of the city’s alleys. Along the way, we stumbled upon a mural adorned with the images of celebrated figures such as Lu Xun, Qu Qiubai, Guo Moruo, and Mao Dun, all of whom have a storied history with Shanyin Road. Regrettably, we were unable to visit Mr. Lu Xun’s former residence without a prior reservation.

As we continued our stroll, capturing photos of the scenery, we made our way towards the Shanghai 1933 Old Mill, a little over a kilometer distant. My sister and I opted to walk, relishing the sights along the path. The Old Mill’s interior was a feast for the eyes, with its French spiral staircases, umbrella-shaped columns, and corridor bridges that soared overhead, providing a stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers that loomed in the background. The gray color palette of the old buildings was enlivened by a chance encounter with a delightful cat, and I found that colorful clothing stood out wonderfully against this backdrop. The Old Mill has also been a setting for popular shows like ‘Running Man’ and ‘Tiny Times’.

After a long day of exploration, we retreated to the Starbucks within the Old Mill to rest until dusk. Then, we ventured to the iconic Bund night view, an essential experience in Shanghai. The Bund transforms from day to night, with bright lights illuminating the area and the Oriental Pearl Tower displaying a spectrum of colors, creating a dazzling spectacle. The bustling scene, with its crowds and boats adorned with colorful lights, is a quintessential Shanghai image.

Our hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Pudong, became part of the landscape itself. After returning to the hotel amidst the vibrant night, we visited the popular 58th-floor FLAIR bar, offering a close-up view of the Oriental Pearl Tower and immersing us in the Bund’s splendor. In the bar’s warm orange glow, my sister and I savored the bartender’s recommended mojito, a large glass that evoked Jay Chou’s new song with just one sip. For my sister, who had recently completed her college entrance exams, I ordered a special drink named ‘Adolescence’, which was both delicious and unique. The hotel’s view transformed from a landscape by day to becoming part of the very scenery at night, a magical transition that made me appreciate the Ritz’s Pearl River view suite all the more.

The spacious suite was filled with scenery, and my sister and I reveled in it, playing and reminiscing about our childhood. Lying on the comfortable bed, we discussed her formative years, filled with memories and mischief.

On the second day, fortune smiled upon us with a sunny day in Shanghai. From my room, I observed the bustling intersections, a testament to the dreams and struggles of the city’s inhabitants. The high-rise buildings outside my window were not only symbols of Shanghai’s prosperity but also a sign of its fierce competition. The heatwave was palpable, almost tangible.

My plan for the day was to stay in the hotel and capture some beautiful photos. The first photo spot was the hotel’s elevator lobby, a long corridor with tasteful decor and soft yellow lighting that created an enchanting atmosphere. The elevator, unoccupied and with its textured material and lines, was another perfect spot to capture the moment.

For lunch, I dined at SCENA Italian Restaurant, which boasted a fantastic view and decor ideal for photography. The restaurant’s curtains had a magical quality, and with the magic ball on the table, I took a series of enchanting photos. The menu, surprisingly affordable, offered two-course and three-course options priced at 188 and 238 respectively. The lunch menu was a steal, given the great environment, attentive service, and most importantly, delicious food. I highly recommend it, especially since the menu changes monthly, ensuring a variety of delicious options. I ordered the two-course meal, which included pea soup and fish fillet, both of which were surprisingly flavorful. My sister’s dessert was equally delightful.

After a satisfying meal, I visited the much-anticipated Michelin one-star Golden Hall Chinese Restaurant, renowned for its largest private dining room, which is perfect for photography.After checking in at Golden Hall, I started a leisurely afternoon tea time. I took my sister to the AURA Lobby Lounge and Jazz Bar next to the front desk for a sit-down. I ordered afternoon tea for my sister to let her experience a different kind of lazy afternoon. The exquisite afternoon tea, coupled with the view of the most representative scenery of Shanghai outside the window, feels like finding a quiet and comfortable haven without having to traverse the city. My sister was very happy, and time leaves no trace. In the blink of an eye, my sister has grown up so much, and I hope that after the college entrance examination, you can truly grow up. I know that the college entrance examination is a mirror reflecting the hardships of yesterday and the hopes for tomorrow. You may not have performed as well as you wished on the exam. But don’t give up. Just like the explanation of the college entrance examination in the Xinhua Dictionary: Zhang Hua was admitted to Peking University, Li Ping went to a secondary technical school, I worked as a salesperson in a department store, and we all have bright futures. Yes, love life and keep striving, and we will all have bright futures. This wish will be realized after the college entrance examination. I hope that you, who have passed the exam, will still strive for your dreams. My silhouette with the Oriental Pearl Tower became my favorite photo. The restaurant’s staircase is also perfect for photos, with color combinations that have a sense of depth, whether you stand at the bottom or the top, the photos turn out great.