1. Long Museum West Bund & Art District
While everyone heads to the Bund, locals flock to the West Bund (čĨŋåēļ) for cutting-edge contemporary art and riverside walks. The Long Museum, housed in a former coal bunker, showcases impressive Chinese contemporary art. The surrounding area has converted industrial warehouses now serving as galleries, design studios, and cafes. For the classic Shanghai experience, visit our Shanghai destination guide.
2. Tianzifang's Secret Corners
Yes, Tianzifang is on every tourist map, but most visitors stick to the main alleyways. Venture into the quieter side lanes and you will find hidden teahouses, small art galleries, and craftsmen at work. Walk up to the second-floor balconies for a different perspective of this Shikumen neighborhood.
3. Rockbund Art Museum Rooftop
The Rockbund Art Museum on the Bund has a free rooftop terrace with one of the best views in Shanghai â a perfect blend of colonial architecture and Pudong's futuristic skyline. The museum itself hosts excellent contemporary exhibitions. Go on a weekday afternoon for the best experience.
4. Zhapu Road Bridge (Sichuan Road Bridge)
A hidden gem for photographers, this bridge over Suzhou Creek offers a stunning view of the Shanghai Postal Museum building â a neoclassical masterpiece. The reflection in the water at sunset creates magical photos. Walk along Suzhou Creek for more architectural surprises.
5. Sinan Mansions
A beautifully restored complex of French Concession-era garden villas, now housing boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Unlike the crowded Xintiandi, Sinan Mansions has a relaxed vibe. Visit the Sinan Books bookstore for English-language titles and literary events.
6. M50 Creative Park
The original Shanghai art district, M50 is a maze of galleries inside a former textile factory. More raw and authentic than West Bund, M50 is where emerging Chinese artists showcase their work. Many galleries are free. Visit on weekends when artists are more likely to be in their studios.
7. Old China Hand Reading Room
A cozy English-language bookstore and teahouse hidden in the French Concession. Old China Hand has been a gathering place for Shanghai's expat community for decades. Browse the books, sip a pot of tea, and chat with fellow travelers. It feels like stepping into old Shanghai.
8. Song Qingling's Former Residence
Less visited than other historical homes, this preserved French Concession villa was the home of Soong Ching-ling, a former Chinese head of state. The garden is beautiful, and the original furnishings offer a glimpse into 20th-century Shanghai high society.
Bonus: Shanghai's Underground Speakeasy Scene
Shanghai has a thriving hidden cocktail bar scene. Look for Flask (inside a vending machine), Speak Low (behind a shelving unit in a barbershop), and Barber Shop (yes, it is a real barber shop with a secret bar in the back). These speakeasies add an element of adventure to a night out in Shanghai.