Lifestyle in Shanghai

The lifestyle in Shanghai is popular for its top-notch restaurants, vibrant nightlife spots and wide range of shopping opportunities. The city also boasts world-class sporting facilities, highly anticipated annual events, and a selection of luxurious spas and saunas.

Of course, every city has its downsides – Shanghai’s natural green spaces are perhaps smaller than in other cities, and it lacks the easy weekend getaways of many other Asian powerhouses. As dynamic and exciting as Shanghai can be, the pace and density of the crowds can become exhausting.

While the city has a few museums and renowned artists who occasionally come to Shanghai, for a city this influential, there could be more cultural attractions on offer.

Overall, Shanghai is a very pleasant place for expats to live, and there is so much to see and do. Welcoming locals, foreign supermarkets, international restaurants, and English or French bookstores all work together to make life easy.

Shopping in Shanghai

Shanghai boasts a wide variety of international brands that will be familiar to many expats. Although pricier than in cities like London and New York, most Western brands have a presence in Shanghai. 

The city is also home to many exciting designers, both local and from abroad. An increasing number of independent boutiques in areas such as the former French Concession area (in Xuhui District) offer a great alternative to chain store retailers.

Shopping in Shanghai has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Entire streets have become sites for shopping pilgrimages from all over the world, with Nanjing Street especially enjoying a reputation for being the best commercial street in the country. If you're looking for luxury goods, head to Huaihai Road, where you can find everything from Gucci and Chanel stores to high-end boutiques. 

You will also have access to discount goods and bargains at stores and markets across the city. North Shanxi Road, for instance, is especially known for its footwear retailers, and shoppers are almost guaranteed to find a good deal.

Nightlife in Shanghai

The strength of Shanghai’s nightlife lies in its variety. You can choose anything from hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurants and dive bars to Michelin-starred dining spots and upscale clubs on the Bund area.

Running along the western shore of the Huangpu River, the Bund is a waterfront area that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shanghai. The area’s most prominent venues will surely make for many memorable nights out.

The Xuhui district is home to many trendy bars and clubs that cater to a variety of tastes, making it popular among expats. Those looking for a more relaxed vibe can visit some bars and art studios in the French Concession. 

Eating out in Shanghai

There is no shortage of people who love eating out in Shanghai, and no shortage of cuisine boasting a variety of cultural beginnings. From street vendors to upscale dining, the city offers everything from authentic Shanghai foods to full-course meals prepared by European chefs.
 
Shanghai's cuisine consists of various xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) filled with meats, vegetables or crab roe, and a rich soup that develops as it cooks. Shengjianbao is a pan-fried meat-filled bun that is also extremely popular. Along with tofu, wonton soup and so many other delicious treats, you can find these common street foods almost anywhere, and definitely along the bustling Nanjing Pedestrian Street.
 
You can find many popular upscale restaurants along both sides of the river (the Bund in Puxi and Lujiazui in Pudong), with a gorgeous skyline view at night. Others are hidden gems, tucked away on quiet streets like Taikanglu (Tianzifang) and in the French Concession, between little boutiques. Fancier establishments will often automatically add tips to the bill. Remember to reserve seats in advance, especially for dinner on a weekend.

Sports and outdoor activities in Shanghai

While Shanghai lacks the number of green spaces on offer in other cities, it does have a few attractions of its own. There are a handful of forest parks in the city where residents can surround themselves with natural beauty, go for a run, fly a kite or enjoy a family picnic. Prominent among these is Gongqing National Forest Park to the northeast of the city centre, which offers a variety of entertainment options in a scenic atmosphere.

The city also offers a variety of sports facilities, including football (soccer), American football, yoga and tennis, as well as more local activities and cultural events, such as dragon boat racing and martial arts classes.

See and do in Shanghai

Shanghai offers plenty of things to do, ranging from cultural attractions to beautiful natural landscapes. Below are some of the best things to see and do in Shanghai.

The Bund

Shanghai’s picturesque waterfront promenade stretches along the Huangpu River for around one mile (1.6km) and was once the most famous street in Asia. The area is lined with interesting Art Deco buildings such as the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and provides picturesque views of the city.

Longhua Temple

A massive temple complex in Shanghai, the Longhua Temple is said to hold a side room with 500 golden statues, as well as attractions such as the Bell and Drum Tower and the Longhua Pagoda. It's easy to spend the whole day exploring the temple's grounds. There is also a vegetarian restaurant on site serving lunch.

Shanghai Museum

Situated on the People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum is a place all new residents should explore. The museum contains more than 120,000 precious works of art and historical artefacts. It has several galleries and three temporary exhibition halls and is considered by many to be the best museum in China.

Yuyuan Gardens

Dating back to the Ming Dynasty in 1559, the Yuyuan Gardens are a breathtaking example of Chinese classical gardens. They are laid out in intricate designs and feature pavilions, rockeries, mazes, and ponds, offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

A water township in Shanghai's Qingpu District, Zhujiajiao is an ancient town with a population of around 60,000 people. Visitors come to see the area's maze of canals, as well as its old buildings, fresh seafood and unique shopping experience.

Meeting people and making friends in Shanghai

Shanghai is generally considered a welcoming and friendly city. The city is one of China's most cosmopolitan and offers many opportunities to meet people and make friends. The easiest way to build a community while living in Shanghai is to join a local club or join a fitness or interest groups. 

Language exchanges, which are particularly popular in China, are another great way to engage with the locals while learning a new language. If you're a student, you may benefit from attending the social mixers on campus. Organisations like Toastmasters and platforms like Meetup also host many social groups.

Useful links

• Shanghai Sunrise
• Mentor Walks China
• FitFam
• Meetup – Shanghai Groups