Shanghai is a city of unshakable charm, blending the old with the new and the East with the West.
My journey began at the sleek Pudong International Airport on June 24, which set the tone for what was to come.
Known as one of China’s most sophisticated cities, Shanghai is the commercial hub and a beacon of modernity.
My recent trip to Shanghai had such a profound impact on me that I couldn’t resist breaking the silence to share my captivating experience with the world. I have been to Beijing several times.
A City of Contrasts
Driving to the Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel and Residences, I immediately noticed Shanghai’s unique character.
It’s a cosmopolitan city adorned with shiny skyscrapers yet rich in history, home to museums and ancient temples.
Nightlife and Culinary Delights
After freshening up at the hotel, we explored Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife.
A friend recommended Lost Heaven on the Bund, a restaurant offering a fusion of Yunnanese and Burmese cuisines with a Thai twist.
The dark, moody interior adorned with Southeast Asian artefacts and Yunnanese stone face masks made every bite feel like a journey.
Lost Heaven is inspired by “Hua Ma Guo” in Lijiang, a peaceful paradise described in James Hilton’s “Lost Horizon.”
It’s a place where every bite feels like a journey.
The brand “Lost Heaven” was inspired by the ancient name “Hua Ma Guo” in Lijiang, situated on the historic tea-horse road. British writer James Hilton’s best-selling book “Lost Horizon,” known as “Vanished Horizon” in Chinese, also drew from this region.
The ancient Naxi people referred to their homeland as “Hua Ma Guo,” a peaceful, prosperous paradise akin to the ideal country described in “Vanished Horizon.” Lost Heaven aims to create a culinary utopia, seeking to explore and celebrate the unique characteristics and artistic value of human food culture. Lost Heaven is a must-visit spot when you’re in Shanghai.
Post-dinner, we took a Didi (China’s version of Uber) to the House of Blues & Jazz. Despite the limitations imposed on foreign cardholders, the taxi service provided by Didi in Shanghai is efficient and reliable. The drivers we encountered were courteous and professional, ensuring my daily commutes were comfortable and hassle-free.
Established in 1995, House of Blues & Jazz offers live music nightly, blending rock-and-soul-infused jazz and blues.
The club’s Deco-chic furnishings and intimate atmosphere pay tribute to Shanghai’s 1930s jazz parlours.
House of Blues & Jazz
This is Shanghai’s coolest late-night live-music house.
Daytime Adventures
The next morning, we visited the Flea and Street Markets in Chenghuang Miao near Yuyuan Garden. Here, history meets modernity with affordable food, drinks, clothes, and souvenirs.
The highlight was trying xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Shanghai’s most famous dish.
Yu Garden, a classical garden from the Ming Dynasty, offers a serene escape with its exquisite layout and beautiful scenery.
Built by Pan Yunduan for his father, the garden is a testament to filial piety and traditional Chinese landscaping.
The garden, known for its exquisite layout and beautiful scenery, is believed to have been built over 400 years ago.
Pan started the project after failing one of the imperial exams and named the garden Yu Yuan, which means “pleasing and satisfying to one’s parents.”
For dinner, we chose Xouk by Azul, a casual, family-friendly restaurant with a Middle Eastern design. The menu features a mix of popular Western and reimagined Asian dishes, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Discovering Shanghai’s food culture as a foreigner was a memorable journey that awakened my senses to novel flavors, textures, and culinary customs.
Cultural and Culinary Diversity
Shanghai’s culinary scene is diverse.
ChinChin offers a unique blend of charcoal-grilled, wine-paired Thai food, while Schindlers Tankstelle serves authentic German cuisine and imported beers near the Bund.
Shopping and Skyline Views
Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, is a must-visit. This pedestrian street, bustling since 1845, is filled with shops, eateries, and hidden restaurants.
Nanjing Lu is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, alongside Fifth Avenue, Oxford Street, Orchard Road, and Takeshita Street. This vibrant, modern street is filled with shops, eateries, and charming restaurants tucked away above street level.
Located in the heart of Shanghai, it is a pedestrian street well-connected to the rest of the city. With almost all major brands and department stores present, it is conveniently adjacent to the Bund.
Nanjing Lu is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, from eating and shopping to experiencing the culture and history.
You can spend an entire day there, simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and appreciating life. Walking along this street is a calming and pleasant experience.
Nanjing Road starts at the Bund in the east and extends west to the junction of Jing’an Temple and West Yan’an Street. The historic waterfront area of the Bund features early 20th-century European architecture, which stands in striking contrast to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.
The Bund, with its 52 historical buildings, showcases Shanghai’s colonial history against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers.
For breathtaking views, visit the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Shanghai Tower, which offers panoramic vistas of the city. Pudong, once a cluster of villages, is now home to super-tall structures like the Jin Mao Tower, which features a thrilling glass skywalk.
Art and History
Shanghai China Art Museum, housed in the former China Pavilion of Expo 2010, is one of Asia’s largest art museums.
The Propaganda Poster Art Centre offers a glimpse into China’s history through posters from the Maoist period and the Cultural Revolution.
Modern Conveniences and Safety
Shanghai is rapidly becoming a digital economy, with most transactions conducted via WeChat Pay or Alipay.
While it can be challenging to flag down a taxi, dockless shared bikes provide a convenient way to explore the city.
Despite its size, Shanghai is incredibly safe, with people walking freely at all hours.
A Lesson for South Africans
As a South African, I was impressed by Shanghai’s cleanliness and safety.
My recent trip to Shanghai was unforgettable due to the extraordinary sense of safety and ease I experienced throughout my stay. From the moment I arrived, the noticeable presence of security personnel everywhere added to my comfort and peace of mind. I wish my lovely SAH and City of Johannesburg was like Shanghai, where children, women and all of us could feel safe and free.
The Chinese authorities clearly prioritised the well-being of both residents and visitors, fostering an atmosphere where one can explore freely and without concern. This sense of protection and care was evident everywhere I went, making me feel truly welcomed and valued as a guest in China
Young South Africans can learn from this by utilising urban spaces like Sandton, Menlyn Mall, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and Umhlanga to create content and promote their cities.
We also need to embrace digital payments and avoid standing in those ATM queues, especially at Capitec Bank.
Shanghai is a dynamic world city worth visiting, offering a blend of history, modernity, and cultural richness.
The kindness and hospitality of the locals left a lasting impression on me. Their genuine curiosity and friendliness towards me, as a foreign visitor, made me feel appreciated and at home. Being naturally curious, I enjoyed interacting with locals who spoke English. I had a great time and would consider working in Shanghai, a city that embraces expats with open arms.
South Africans and my fellow African brothers and sisters, let us explore Shanghai.
Shanghai, thank you for your hospitality. Xièxiè nǐ de shèngqíng kuǎndài. 谢谢你的盛情款待
