Shanghai locals hate sharing this riverside secret 🤫
Stop going to the Bund. Walk 15 mins North instead 🚶♂️
Everyone goes to the Bund for "the view," but they end up fighting 10,000 selfie sticks. If you want the real magic of Shanghai without the chaos, let me show you my backyard: North Bund (北外滩).
I grew up in these narrow lanes (弄堂), left for 30 years, and recently moved back. What I found is a neighborhood caught between two worlds.
Here’s how to spend a perfect "Locals Only" afternoon:
📍 The Time Machine: Start at Broadway Mansions (1934). This Art Deco giant glows pure gold at sunset. It’s where old Shanghai glamour still lives.
📍 The Disappearing Lanes: Walk through the remaining alleys near the International Cruise Terminal. You’ll see laundry hanging over 100-year-old stone gates—a sight that’s vanishing fast.
📍 The $5 Million View: Grab an Americano at Manner Cafe. Sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows. You get the Oriental Pearl Tower right in your face, minus the crowds, for the price of a coffee.
This isn't just a tourist spot; it’s my childhood reimagined.
Want to explore the hidden corners I know by heart? 🗺️ I’m hosting private walking tours to share the stories of these disappearing streets. DM me to join my next walk! 💌
One of the best-kept secrets in Shanghai is the North Bund area, which I’ve come to appreciate deeply after living here for some time. Unlike the bustling Bund that most tourists throng to, North Bund offers a rare mix of historical character and peaceful riverside ambiance. A personal favorite spot is Manner Cafe near Dongchangzhi Road on Line 12, where you can sip on a perfectly brewed Americano while gazing out large glass windows toward the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. The relaxed vibe lets you soak in the view without jostling crowds—ideal for anyone wanting a serene Shanghai experience. Walking through the narrow lanes or弄堂 brings a nostalgic feeling. The laundry hanging over century-old stone gates tells stories of generations past, preserving a slice of old Shanghai life that’s disappearing quickly. Exploring these alleys by foot really allows you to connect with the city beyond its modern skyscrapers. Another highlight is the Broadway Mansions, an Art Deco marvel built in 1934. Seeing it bathed in golden sunset light is like stepping into a time capsule of Shanghai’s glamorous history. This building perfectly frames the unique blend of past and present that defines the North Bund area. For travelers seeking a deeper connection with the city, joining a private walking tour is a fantastic option. These tours provide insight into the streets’ rich history and the changing face of Shanghai, narrated by someone who has lived there through different eras. Overall, the North Bund offers an authentic, quieter alternative to the tourist-heavy spots, allowing locals and visitors alike to discover Shanghai’s hidden riverside treasures.