I'm going to Shanghai. Tell me things to do.

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Hey y’all. I’m going to Shanghai for the first time for about a week in the middle of April.

I’ve been to China before, but it was, like, ten years ago, and I just went through Beijing, Kunming, and some other smaller places I can’t even remember. It was partially a work trip.

I’m going with my GF. She’ll want to take lots of iPhone pics for her private Instagram, whereas I’ll be trying to take artsy or pseudo-pro looking camera pics with my my pseudo-pro camera (as a hobby).

We haven’t planned out the days too deeply yet, but we plan to go to typical tourist spots like Yu Gardens and the French Concession. She wants to see Disneyland, but claims she only needs a day, since she doesn’t care about seeing all of it.

What I’m hoping to get out of this thread is off-the-beaten path, Select Button-y recommendations. Like, video game stores, bootleg shops, used shit stores, camera shops, vintage shops, weird/cool stuff, etc. Food reccs are also appreciated. Also, feel free to give me any general advice or firsthand takes on typical or touristy stuff. A friend of mine went to Shanghai on business a few months ago, so she’s already filled me in on what apps to download and CCC power banks, etc. But whatever, no pentalties for telling me something I already know.

Oh, also I’m flying on Hong Kong Airlines and Spring, two budget airlines I’ve never used before. They were, like, the only flights left, but feel free to tell me if you have any experience with either of them.

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I went for a week about, oh, seven years ago? It was during Spring Festival so many places were closed and the ones that weren’t were crowded. It’s probably my least favorite Chinese city, but I don’t hate it.

I liked the propaganda poster museum. If you’re not allergic or kosher or vegetarian, you should try a dish with crab sauce. There are some cool music venues that I don’t know the names of. You could probably find some cool art district or gallery…

Sorry I don’t remember much. I mainly remember the novelty of eating at Taco Bell and Red Lobster while in China. I don’t recommend those two.

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We got Taco Bell here in Bangkok about five years ago, and Red Lobster about two years ago. I still have an unbroken record of never eating at Taco Bell in my life, and I made an effort to eat at the first Red Lobster here, so I could have those cheesey biscuits, all the while assuring my then-GF who grew up by the ocean that the food wouldn’t actually be good, but I wanted to go anyway.

Actually, what I would kill for in Bangkok is a Popeyes or a Jollibee. KFC Is trash here, and have you ever had Texas Chicken? Insanely bland.

Ooh, actually, it looks like Shanghai technically has both Popeyes and Jollibee, so I might get to finally do a Popeyes vs. Jollibee taste test. That would rock, actually.

As for actual Chinese food, I’m no expert, and I have no idea if Chinese food in China will really be that different from Chinese food in Bangkok. But I imagine we’ll be eating Chinese for most meals. The thing that killed me in Beijing was having hot tea with spicey food for every meal. I don’t know if it makes any sense, but when I was there, it just seemed like hot tea was the only option in a lot of places.

As for Chinese cities, I’ve heard repeatedly that Shanghai is “the good city” in China, always followed by, “It’s way cleaner than Beijing.” And I will admit, Beijing was grimey and smoggy as shit when I was there. Anyway, I’m kind of into seeing this new techno utopia version of Shanghai, if nothing else than as a sliver of history. This definitely feels like a moment in time for the city. Plus, we needed somewhere cold-ish to go during Thai New Years.

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Who is telling you this? My impression is that Shanghai is one of the most Westernized cities in China. As we’ve pointed out, it has more franchises than anywhere else. I think it’s where many Chinese companies first try to coax and use foreign talent. I prefer so many other Chinese cities to it. Beijing, for example, is incredible! I was lucky and got clear blue skies when I visited. Anyways, I guess it’s all about what you’re into. If you like shopping and spending lots of money, Shanghai is the place for you. Or maybe you’re interested in the history of economic colonialism. There’s a lot to learn about that there.

Chinese food is pretty different from region to region. That said, certain regional dishes like Sichuan hot pot and hand pulled noodles are popular enough to get around. I think Shanghai’s hairy crab dishes are hard to get outside of the city. Dishes are usually savory with not a lot of spice, kind of like French cuisine.

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Sorry if I’m coming off as a self-proclaimed “regional expert” btw. I’m trying to be up front that I really only know a tiny amount about the place. Now if you were traveling to Chongqing, then I’d have something to talk about.

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We have both of those in Liverpool, UK. :ok_hand:

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It’s a little out of the way, but the camera mall is worth checking out.

My favorite architect designed a museum in Shanghai.

I’ve never been but I’m willing to bet it’s stunning.

The Bund is really obvious and touristy, but it’s really nice. It’s worth going to.

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Go play a jubensha while they’re still legal

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The area with the narrow alleyways in Dapuqiao with lots of boutique crafty shops was pretty cool I think. I bought a ceramic ocarina there. I think they also had a Modern Toilet restaurant there but I assume it’s gone now

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I’m not sure if it’s still open, this video update date is 2 years ago.