Historical isn’t a word you’d usually associate with Shanghai’s architecture. It’s a thoroughly modern city on the surface – multi-storied apartment blocks, sky-high office towers, glass-fronted malls. But look a bit closer and you’ll find a whole ... Read More>>
When living in Shanghai, there are plenty of opportunities to try the local breakfast cuisine. But while that cabbage-filled pastry or steaming hot meat bun can be great when you’re on the go, sometimes you just want to hark back to the days of good ol’ ... Read More>>
Shanghai’s art scene is thriving, with up-and-coming artists showcasing their work right alongside more established ones. In a city as cosmopolitan as this one, you’d expect Shanghai to push the envelope and be on the cutting edge of modern art. This is ... Read More>>
1. Munchies梦奇屋<br /> When you’ve got the munchies, head to… um, Munchies. With tie-dye clad staff, tasty American and Tex-Mex grub at low prices, and two cosy branches, it’s a cult favourite among thrifty Shanghai diners. The menu is gaudy, and ... Read More>>
Thai food has to be one of the tastiest cuisines in the world. Steaming plates of pad thai, bowls of tom yam soup, dishes of fragrant green curry… mouth-watering stuff. Distinctive flavours – lemongrass, ginger, galangal, coconut – have made Thai food ... Read More>>
You’ve probably figured out by now that Shanghai is a shopping Mecca – shoes, accessories, electronics, antiques… It’s all right here in the city. One of the central commodities for expats and tourists alike, however, is clothes. And while there are ... Read More>>
Want to cut down on costs but not your free-flow lifestyle? Find out which venues around town offer the best drinks deals, with our guide to the best happy hours in Shanghai. Of course, the idea of a single happy ‘hour’ has rather been tossed out the ... Read More>>
The concept of networking is one that will fill you either with dread or excitement. For some people, the prospect of a whole room of strangers is daunting, while others see only golden opportunities. Whichever camp you’re in, our networking guide will ... Read More>>
China isn’t a country you’d naturally associate with Christianity, but there is actually a long history of missionary work and church building. Thanks to heavy Western influence, Shanghai has many beautiful churches, most of which are still in use for ... Read More>>
With all the variety here in Shanghai, finding a hotel can be a little overwhelming. Online searches often turn up places that are either way out of your price range, or tiny holes-in-the-wall that barely qualify. To save you time and hassle, here’s a list ... Read More>>
It’s cold outside, there’s no denying it. The onset of the Shanghai winter means that you’ve locked your bike away, and there’s not much chance you’ll be walking any further than the Lawson’s at the end of your block. Let’s admit it – you’ll only ... Read More>>
Whenever a movie is set in the town or city in which you live, there’s bound to be controversy among the residents. Did they accurately portray the population? Did they make the city look too clean/dirty/crazy/boring? While it’s impossible to capture on ... Read More>>
Back in the West, Italian food is one of the most popular of cross-border cuisines. Along with Chinese and Indian restaurants, pizzerias and trattorias are a common sight in most European, North American, and Antipodean towns and cities. Luckily, for any ... Read More>>
When newcomers or tourists in Shanghai ask me where they should go for a big night out, I’m often a little stumped. It’s not that there’s a shortage of clubs here; quite the opposite. There are so many, and there’s such variety, that it’s hard to know ... Read More>>
Many expats don’t take public transportation, and even those that regularly take the subway won’t step foot on the bus. There are good reasons to avoid the bus, and the truth is, it’s difficult to navigate if you don’t speak Chinese and aren’t familiar ... Read More>>
There comes a time in every girl’s life where a bottle of nail polish is just not enough! Where an indulgence in a manicure and pedicure is a treat that quickly becomes a regular beauty fix. There are so many beauty services that girls call on from a ... Read More>>
Whether you’re a tourist to Shanghai or a resident there’s no escaping the lure of Shanghai’s museums. If you’re the sort of person who thinks museums are just for geeks/bores/pensioners, think again, and give Shanghai’s a chance. Here is a selection of... Read More>>
Having to go to the hospital is always a scary experience. That said, going to the hospital in a foreign country where your native language is not spoken can be downright terrifying. Luckily, Shanghai is more than well-equipped when it comes to ... Read More>>
Whether you are living in or simply visiting Shanghai, it is quite difficult not to experience the Bund. Want to eat at the most famous restaurants? Visit the Bund. Want to have a cocktail at the trendiest bars? Go to the Bund. Want to experience the most ... Read More>>
Whether you’re a Mexican expat yearning for a slice of home, or just a fan of burritos and a dash of tequila, you’re in luck. After years of under-representation, there’s no longer any shortage of Mexican restaurants, cantinas, and bars in Shanghai. ... Read More>>
Counterfeited products are readily available throughout China; from DVDs and CDs, to electrical products, jewellery, bags and clothing. Some of them are so good that even the most envious stares won’t be able to tell the difference between an original and ... Read More>>
The humble hamburger. Much vaunted; much maligned. If you’re an expat in Shanghai, the onslaught of Chinese food can sometimes get a bit much. Of course, we’re always up for a decent dish of noodles, but there comes a time when you crave a slab of minced ... Read More>>
When moving to a foreign country (or continent, as the case may be), it’s important to fully integrate yourself into that new culture in order to gain the most from your experiences. That said, sometimes you’ve just got to call home! Staying in touch with ... Read More>>
Perhaps the extended run of good weather Shanghai has enjoyed recently has tempted people away from their blueprints and out into the sun, but there’s not been too many bar openings of late. So instead we’re looking at five restaurants and cafes that ... Read More>>