Your basic white girl itinerary in Shanghai 🇨🇳
Shanghai is famous for their crab roe dishes but what people don’t realise is that this is the city with the highest number of cafes in the world - surpassing other major cities like Tokyo and London.
📍Rockbund 洛克外滩
-Located near the world famous Bund in central Shanghai is a collection of historical buildings called the Rockbund. Once serving as a hub for foreign expatriates, the area has now been redeveloped as a lifestyle destination housing modern art and dining establishments.
Pro-tip: Head to the North Bund instead of The Bund for a good view of the city skyline without having to deal with the crowd.
📍Citywalk route (Wukang Road 武康路 > Anfu Road 安福路 > Huaihai Middle Road 淮海中路)
-Wukang road is famous for its historical buildings and tree lined streets. Notable shops to check out would be Apoli Itabakery - a Harry Potter inspired bakery, To Summer 观夏 - my favourite local perfumery of all time.
-Anfu road is known for its trendy shops, vibey ambience and unique atmosphere. Notable shops to check out include Harmay - Skincare and beauty products, 13De Marzo - Teddy bear drink, Brandy Meville and Looknow & Flow - Authorised distributor of jelly cats.
- Huaihai Middle Road is a major shopping street carrying international brands like Muji/GU, Haus Nowhere - Nudake, Gentle Monster, Tamburins as well as local brands Songmont - local designer bag brand and Farmer Bob.
If you have just 2 days in Shanghai, I highly recommend dedicating some time to explore neighborhoods that blend history, shopping, and trendy vibes all at once. For a calm yet authentic experience, heading north to North Bund offers stunning skyline views without overwhelming crowds compared to the classic Bund. On Wukang Road, I found hidden treasures like Apoli Itabakery, a whimsical spot inspired by Harry Potter — perfect for a cozy coffee break. Also, To Summer perfumery is a personal favorite, with unique local scents that make great souvenirs. Anfu Road is lively and perfect for skincare lovers — Harmay stocks quality beauty products that you won’t find everywhere. Don’t miss 13De Marzo for its quirky teddy bear drinks, which is a fun Instagram moment! Huaihai Middle Road is ideal for fashion hunters. Local designer brands like Songmont offer chic bags that combine modern trends with traditional craftsmanship. The street also houses international favorites like Gentle Monster and Muji for a mix of global and local shopping. For a refreshing break, check out The Matcha Tokyo, known for organic matcha drinks — great for cooling down on a hot day. If you are in the mood for nightlife or a casual dinner, exploring nearby night markets and local restaurants adds to the authentic Shanghai experience. Overall, Shanghai’s café culture, historic streets, and fresh local brands make it an ideal destination for travelers wanting a blend of tradition and trend. Taking time to stroll through these neighborhoods helped me appreciate the city’s vibrant spirit beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
