Shanghai 上海
"Shanghai is a city that travels at speed and sweeps you along for the ride."
Shanghai 上海 is China’s bustling metropolitan centre and combines a unique mix of east and west. I am lucky to call this city my home away from home. Encompassing 26 million residents, this city shifts at light speed to ensure that prosperity, productivity and pace never cease. Life unfolds in multiple different ways throughout this diverse city, meaning every corner turned offers something different. Become immersed in Shanghainese culture whilst exploring this city that never sleeps. From the modernity constructed in Lujiazui to surprising European touches in Xuhui to the cultural heritage around Huangpu, Shanghai 上海 has something for everyone. Shopping, hiking, eating, drinking, art, culture, landscapes, sports, fashion, and fun. So, what are you looking for in a city with every possibility?
Explore for days. Oriental Pearl Tower, The Bund, Tianzifang, Wukang Mansion, People’s Square, The Roof, Lujiazui, Shanghai Tower, West Bund, Gucun Park, Jing’An Temple, Science and Technology Museum, Happy Valley, China Art Museum, Team Lab, Chongming Island, Qibao, Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, East Nanjing Pedestrian Street, Yangtze River, Shanghai Disney Resort, French Concession. While these are unmissable sights, prepare to feel like you must return to Shanghai 上海 again and again.
As any photographer’s dream, the diversity and influence of Shanghai 上海 can be captured in many ways. The city offers endless opportunities for photographers and bloggers alike and the fast pace means every capture is uniquely different. Shooting locations are abundant. The Bund. Yuyuan Garden. Nanpu Bridge. Oriental Sports Centre. Shanghai Tower. Radisson Blu Tower. Nine Dragons Highway Intersection. Yangtze River. People’s Memorial. Wukang Mansion. Flair Rooftop. Longhua Temple. Jade Buddha Temple. M50 Art District. Century Park. 1933 Slaughterhouse. Fuxing Park. Nanjing Road. Oriental Pearl Tower. Shanghai Film Park. Elevated Road Intersection. Fuxing Road. Every location tells a story. Whether shooting with a camera, phone or drone, the city is adaptable to all methods and each photo highlights the unique nature of Shanghai.
One day in Shanghai 上海. Begin your day with coffee 咖啡 from a locally-owned cafe and try a traditional Chinese breakfast. Choose from steamed buns 包子, congee 粥 or egg pancakes 煎饼. Once fuelled up, spend the morning cycling around Xuhui and the Former French Concession. Stop at photography spots such as Wukang Mansion and Fuxing Road. Travel to Yuyuan Garden to capture some traditional Chinese architecture and eat lunch. Try local snacks and soup dumplings 小笼包. Walk to The Bund and enjoy the french-style buildings. Admire Lujiazui and the infamous skyline whilst walking along the Yangtze River. Enjoy photo opportunities around Nanjing Road, People’s Square and Xintiandi. End your day with spicy hotpot 麻辣火锅 and traditional delicacies. For beautiful evening views, enjoy the city lights from the observation deck in the Shanghai Tower.
A city of unforgettable experiences. Shanghai 上海 is not short of excitement. Row around an ancient water town. Travel in the world’s fastest elevator. Watch cherry blossoms bloom. Meet Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. Tour an abandoned slaughterhouse. Have brunch on a rooftop. Walk on a glass observation deck. Visit a marriage market. Drink in a hidden speakeasy. Try local soup dumplings. Do tai chi in the park. Visit a chocolate factory. Dance with locals on the street. Explore a wild insect museum. See a book store in the sky. Travel on a magnetic levitation train. The possibilities are endless.