as the river flows
Believe it or not, Shanghai is more than skyscrapers and luxury boutiques. Indeed, this futuristic city has a softer side too, one where the flash and jaw-dropping architectural feats occasionally give way to tradition and even a bit of relaxation. Here, four in-the-know locals — from a nightclub impresario to a modern-art maven — take us on their own personalized journeys through Shanghai’s best places to eat, sleep, drink, shop, and more.
Fabien Verdier
Associate Director, The Chop Chop Club/Unico Shanghai
Stay
The Park Hyatt Shanghai for its privacy (it has a separate lift for hotel guests), Zen feeling, ultra professional staff and mind-blowing swimming pool.
Eat
Da Hu Chun early in the morning for typical Shanghai breakfast; Villa Lebec, my favorite French restaurant in a beautiful villa; and Mr. and Mrs. Bund — I opened it with Paul Pairet and it’s now an institution.
Drink
Speak Low—master Shingo Gokan is one of the greatest bartenders in the world. Stay on the second floor with the festive crowd or try to get access to the third floor, where the most exclusive cocktails are made. If you press the right city on a map, the door opens.
Shop
The IAPM luxury mall on vibrant Huaihai Middle Road has all of the latest trendy shops and a steak house with a beautiful terrace called the Cut that’s become my canteen.
Do
I love to run on the Pudong side of the Huangpu River; it’s great for a walk, too. Take a boat across from the Bund and then choose your direction: south toward the Expo site or north toward the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Derek Yu
CEO, Modern Art Museum Shanghai
Stay
I really like the Pudong Shangri-La — always a classic — and the Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai is in a great central location with good food options.
Eat
Goodfellas for Italian or Lost Heaven (Yunnan cuisine) to take visiting friends. For American evenings, I like Liquid Laundry or American-style breakfasts at Diner by Austin Hu.
Drink
Senator, a small speakeasy; Heyday or Shake for live jazz; and weekends at Club 3 1/3 to dance and enjoy top-quality drinks and house music.
Shop
IAPM is a great mall for shopping; also IFC in Pudong.
Do
On days off, strolling around the French Concession is my favorite pastime. Also hanging out at coffee shops like Blatage and Café del Volcán.
Mimi Tung
Owner, Club 3 1/3
Stay
My favorites are the PuLi Hotel and Spa, which is a hidden gem in the center of the city; the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong, which is a classic, top quality; and the new W Shanghai — the Bund, which is modern, fun, and has a fantastic Bund view.
Eat
Jean-Georges’s Mercato is the most beautiful, elegant option in Shanghai. Hakkasan at Bund 18 has lively, top-quality Chinese food and a sexy ambience.
Drink
When I’m not at Club 3 1/3, I go to Unico, which is Latin themed; M1nt, which has global touring DJs and a lavish ambience; or VUE bar at Hyatt on the Bund for an amazing view of the Bund.
Shop
I like Spin for Chinese ceramics at affordable prices and Dong Liang, a shop that carries local designers.
Do
I love walking along the Bund in the evening and visiting MAM Riverbank during the day. I also enjoy the outdoor activities along the river.
Jisoo Chon
General Manager, the Peninsula Shanghai
Stay
Apart from the Peninsula, I love Amanyangyun — that’s the style of hotel I am most in favour of.
Eat
To taste the real flavors of the city, Fu 1039 [serves] top-notch Shanghai cuisine in a beautiful old mansion.
Drink
The Nest, a great place near the Bund for a drink after work. Liquid Laundry for good cocktails and international-flavored nosh with creative influences from Shanghainese cooking.
Shop
The K11 Art Mall on Huaihai Middle Road is a venue for art enthusiasts and exhibitions but also presents a great mix of innovative merchants, from food to fashion to gadgets.
Do
MAO Livehouse in Xuhui is a must-stop-by place for music lovers. It’s one of the most active concert venues in Shanghai, and performance genre ranges from pop to rock to electronic and raves.
