📌 3 Things You Just Have to Do in Shanghai

Shanghai has this way of sneaking up on you with little surprises. Sure, it’s a massive modern city, but what really stuck with me were the small moments that made me feel connected to the place. Here are three experiences I loved and think you’d enjoy too:

🚲 Biking Through Puxi – Old Shanghai Vibes  

Crossing the river into Puxi felt like slipping into another world. The streets got narrower, the pace slowed down, and those old art deco buildings from the 1920s seemed to lean in with stories to tell. Everywhere I looked, life was happening: laundry fluttering above, neighbors laughing and chatting on the street, and historic buildings standing quietly in the background. It was everyday Shanghai, but riding through it made me feel like I’d stepped back in time.

I found my guide, Daniel, on Red (小红书), and he took us on a four-hour ride from the famous Wukang Building all the way to Yu Garden. By the end, it didn’t feel like sightseeing anymore, it felt like I’d actually lived a slice of everyday Shanghai.

🎨 Making Traditional Fans – A Hands-On Memory  

One stop on Daniel’s tour that I’ll never forget was a little workshop where we made our own Chinese fans. These aren’t just souvenirs—they’re pieces of art, painted with calligraphy, blossoms, or zodiac animals, each carrying its own blessing.

We spent about an hour painting, while the artisan explained the meaning behind the colors and brushstrokes. When I finished, I was holding something I’d made myself, and a piece of Shanghai I could take home.

🎭 An Evening at Gongshangyan (Leyan)  

We tried something completely different: dinner at Gongshangyan, also called Leyan. Picture this, golden palace décor, an imperial-style banquet, and live performances of traditional dance and music. You can even dress up in historical costumes, which makes the whole thing feel like stepping into another time.

It wasn’t just dinner, it was a show, an experience, a feast for the senses. I’m planning to share a video of the performance because it really brought history to life. That night was one of those “wow, I’ll never forget this” kind of evenings.

📌 Traveler’s Tip  

Shanghai’s magic is in the mix modern skyscrapers on one side, timeless traditions on the other. Slow down, wander, and let the city surprise you.