Best hotpot restaurants in Shanghai, China

Shanghai might be considered southern China, but in the depths of winter the chill really sets in. This is when locals make a beeline for hot pot restaurants, where vegetables, thinly-sliced meats and other goodies are cooked in a boiling, soupy brew. Here’s where to find them.

Yan Gege (Yàn gégé, 焱格格)

Prominent Hong Kong actor and animal rights activist Lü Songxian founded this vegetarian Beijing-style hot pot restaurant to show off the beauty of produce and clear vegetable broths. Be sure to try the delicious fresh tofus, and the huge selection of mushrooms that take up a whole portion of the menu and tout various different medicinal curative properties. Also delicious are the crisp lotus roots and egg dumplings.

Hong Chang Xing Mutton Hotpot (Hóng zhǎngxìng, 洪长兴)

It’s impossible to miss the towering blue dome when driving on the Yan’an overpass towards the Bund that marks Shanghai’s oldest halal restaurant. Founded in 1891, this century-old restaurant is a family-owned mutton hot pot restaurant, where you’ll find tables huddled around a bubbling pots of clear broth, heated by a charcoal fire. You’ll dip in an array of thinly-sliced meats, vegetables and tofu for a long and perfectly warming meal. While there are other locations, this is the one where the atmosphere is just as interesting as the food itself.

Elixir Health Pot (Wú lǎo guō, 无老锅)

This hot pot serves soup that you could simply drink straight from the pot, as it’s a bubbling potion touted for its health properties and skin rejuvenation by celebrities across Asia. The white ‘collagen’ pot is particularly wholesome (and delicious), made from pork bones and knuckles that have been simmered for hours, until the resulting soup is thick and fragrant, somewhat akin to tonkatsu ramen broth. Later, Chinese herbs including goji berries, ginseng and other roots are added to impart their curative properties. This is a hot pot that rejuvenates as well as warms the belly. Be sure to order their special house made ‘ice cream’ tofu (bīngqílín dòufu, 冰淇淋豆腐), the light little egg dumplings (dànjiǎo, 蛋饺) and the special mushroom platter (蘑菇拼盘, mógupīnpán) to pair.

Holy Cow

Anthony Zhao, the founder of this hot pot spot, trained in some of Shanghai’s finest dining establishments before he broke off to pay tribute to his native Shanghai cuisine. At Holy Cow, the kitchen serves primo, pesticide-free beef from Dalian and vegetables grown on their own farms. They also serve frozen soup dumplings that go into the hot pot and come out fat and delicious. The soup itself also merits being consumed by itself, as it’s a clear meat consomme that’s bolstered with Chinese herbs. It’s a healthful, flavorful and delicious experience sure to satisfy a crowd.

Hai Di Lao (Hǎidǐ lāo huǒguō, 海底捞火锅)

This particular chain is from Sichuan and has made a killing not only for its spicy hot pot, but also for the service. During peak hours, there will generally be a wait for a table, but the staff will make it worth your while. In the lobby, you’ll find free fruit, manicures, shoe shines and more which will help make the time pass quickly. There are several locations around town – this is one of the more popular.

See more: The signature dishes that define Chinese cuisine

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Do not miss top attractions in Shanghai

Shanghai, a vigorous and energetic international metropolis, welcomes people from all over the world to enjoy its special atmosphere. This modern metropolis with its rich heritage of ancient Chinese culture has much to see and do.

The Bund

The Bund may be a common sight for people who live in Shanghai, but for visitors, it is one of the first things you must do when entering the city. On the left bank of the waterfront promenade are the old European buildings from Shanghai’s colonial days, and on the right are the skyscrapers that have come to represent Shanghai on postcards and stamps around the world. For a peak Bund experience visit at sunrise, when pensioners practise tai chi and fly kites in front of the skyline.

Yu Garden

To the northeast of the old town and laid out in 1559, the splendid Yu Garden (Yù Yuán), also known as the Garden of Happiness, covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters and consists of an outer and an inner garden. The oldest section is the Outer Garden, with further changes being made in the 18th century when Sansui Tang, the park's main hall, was added (the building is notable for its lovely roof ornaments, figurative representations in bas-reliefs, and window openings, as well as its dragon-adorned walls).

The best-known building is the Hall of Spring where the Company of the Little Swords (Xiaodao Hui) had its headquarters between 1853 and 1855 when it ruled Shanghai. Of great historical importance are the artificial rocks in this part of the garden, the only work of the master garden designer Zhang Nanyang that has been preserved. The newer and much smaller Inner Garden dates from 1709 and includes features typical of a classical Chinese writer's garden: attractive little pavilions, decorative stones and miniature mountain ranges, dividing walls and small ponds, and even a richly decorated theatrical stage.

Jade Buddha Temple

It is one of the most famous Buddhist shrines in the city. The White Jade Buddhas were brought here from Burma in the nineteenth century. One is seated while the other is in the recumbent position of Sakyamuni symbolizing the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment or nirvana. The temple also has some impressive images of the Heavenly Kings. Although many people come to worship each day and burn incense at this very holy and active shrine, visitors are welcome.

Qibao

Surrounding Shanghai are eight ancient water towns, which make for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. If you don’t have time to visit them all, Qibao is the perfect place to stop. Located within the city limits, Qibao is known for its delicious street food and its beautiful canal views. Just a few streets long, Qibao is like a mini-town. It is best enjoyed during the week, as it can get packed with tourists at the weekend. Highlights include the cheap shopping and the Qibao Winery.

People's Square

Built on what was once the city's racecourse, the People's Square (Rénmín Guangchang) has been transformed over the years into Shanghai's premier public space. Home to the new Shanghai City Hall, the Shanghai Museum, and the state-of-the-art Grand Theatre, it is a perfect spot from which to begin touring the city. Be sure to spend time visiting the excellent Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, where you will find superb displays and models - even a 360-degree movie theater - showing both existing and planned-for buildings (be sure to view this massive scale-model from the upper galleries for a fascinating bird's-eye perspective of this modern metropolis).

M50

Short for Moganshan 50, M50 is an ultra-hip contemporary art district on Moganshan Road that is home to some of the city’s best art galleries and museums. Located in an industrial area along Suzhou creek, M50 is often compared to Beijing’s 798 Art District or New York’s SoHo. The district embraces its grittiness and sports some very photogenic graffiti.

Xujiahui Cathedral and the Sheshan Basilica

Built in 1911 in Neo-Romanesque style, Xujiahui Cathedral - also known as St. Ignatius Cathedral - is another splendid reminder of Shanghai's rich multi-national heritage. In the southern city district of Xujiahui, it's the largest place of Roman Catholic worship in Shanghai, and in addition to its splendid park-like setting is worth visiting for its twin 50-meter-high bell-towers and restored interior with fine stained glass windows. Another important religious site is the Sheshan Basilica (the National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan).

This fine old Roman Catholic church stands on the western peak of the hill after which it is named. Like so many other religious sites, it was heavily damaged during the Chinese Cultural Revolution but in recent years has undergone extensive renovations and remains an important pilgrimage site. A highlight of a visit is following the 14 Stations of the Cross, which zigzag up the hill to the church, along with the many splendid views along the way.

Read more: Visit 7 local markets in Shanghai, China

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Top most impressive architecture works in Shanghai

The city of Shanghai has undergone some of the fastest and most dramatic changes over recent years. With so many buildings to choose from and so many fascinating architectural feats presently in progression, this list is just a drop in the ocean of the awe-inspiring architecture to be found in the bustling city of Shanghai.

1933 Slaughterhouse

This utterly vast, concrete dominated space is far from its initial use as an abattoir, now home to shops and upscale restaurants. However, the building still maintains some of this previous eeriness, with many of its rooms and walkways left empty and the wide corridors and cattle signs as a constant reminder of its history. A labyrinth of concrete, the building has a circular center that is connected to the exterior walls via 26 ‘air bridges’. These bridges jut out of the walls at obscure angles, giving a different view depending on where you stand within the building.

Longhua Temple

This stunning temple serves as Shanghai’s largest and oldest monastery, dating back to the 10th Century. Like most ancient structures in the city, it has undergone a rich and violent history of war and fire, with much of the building being renovated. It has rained many original features and is considered to be the most authentic temple in Shanghai. An inspiring place to visit, with the name referencing the Pipal tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment, Longhua temple was constructed in 242 AD and covers a vast 20,000 meters squared.

Jin Mao Tower

This 88-story skyscraper was designed by architect Fazlur Khan and represents an Art Deco/modern style. Housing the Shanghai Grand Hotel and a selection of offices, the structure has a beautiful 33-floor atrium. Externally, the building is covered in an aluminium alloy lattice frame, which encloses a wall of glass, granite, stainless steel and aluminium. Sections of the skyscraper stack on top of one another elegantly, and the design intensifies as the build rises taller into the sky, twisting to its peak, an observation deck topped with a pinnacle.

Giant Interactive Group Corporate HQ

Designed by Morphosis Architecture, this long, angular building exists around canals and a man-made lake. Home to office spaces, executive suites, a library, an auditorium, exhibition space and cafe, this ‘compact village’ is impressive both inside and out. With its natural focus, the structure is designed to maximize natural light and also features a green roof to help control temperature. This open feeling continues throughout the building with its composition of glass, straight sleek lines and neutral colors set against joyful shades of natural green. One end of the build hovers over the man-made lake, whilst the rest of the building snakes back into the landscape behind.

Tony’s Farm

Promoting sustainable, green and modern architectural design, this building was structured around an existing warehouse for the largest organic food farm in Shanghai. Using old freight containers, Playze designed the build to appear both functional and comfortable as a hospitality destination. Holes in the green containers create a playful use of sunlight during the day and at night make the exterior walls of the build appear dotted with lights. Surrounded by wooden walkways, the 78 containers maintain a cool character, with the previous warehouse sitting around the back.

Nanpu Bridge

Shanghai is renowned for its many bridges, with a total of six crossing the Huangpu River. The fourth-longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, the Nanpu Bridge was built in 1991 and was the first steel and concrete cable-stayed bridge in Shanghai. Leading in from Puxi, the bridge features an astonishing spiral, an engineering feat admired by professionals all over the world. Large towers soar 150m tall, holding the cables in place, majestically permitting drivers to pass through. The turn of the road also enables passers to view the bridge and admire its grand structure.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Situated on The Bund, this TV and radio tower is a landmark of Shanghai, and rightly so. Its futurist architectural style makes it stand out even against the diverse collection of buildings and structures in this area. Finalized in 1994, it held the prize for China’s tallest structure up until 2007. Made up of a total of 11 spheres, the largest and most central globe is supported by a number of legs that drive deep underground. Perched on the edge of Lujiazui, right by the edge of the riverbank, the bizarre shape of the tower is highlighted at night, when a series of lights shine from the structure, enhancing it as a national landmark.

Shanghai Oriental Sports Center

Like several of Shanghai’s best structures, the Oriental Sports Center can be found along the Huangpu River, on the Eastern side. Made up of three main buildings, this structure resonates a grandiose style. Designed by GMP Architects, the design of the sports center reflects the overall theme of water as it sits beside canals and a man-made lake. Tall, curved sides of the center rise upwards, reminiscent of waves or as many suggest, the sails of a boat. These broad, overreaching arches define all parts of the center but each are impressive in their own right. Inside the gleaming white features enhance the natural light that bounces off the water’s surface.

See more: 5 markets in Shanghai you must visit once in your life

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A walking tour of Pudong, Shanghai

From the spiky Oriental Pearl Tower to the pagoda-style Jin Mao Tower, Pudong is home to some of Shanghai’s most distinctive architecture. Located east of the HuangPu River (Pudong directly translates to ‘East of the river’), it’s best known for the glitzy Lujiazui financial area the Shanghai Stock Exchange and its array of striking skyscrapers.

Begin on a high at Shanghai Financial Center

Start your day with a trip to the sky-high Shanghai World Financial Center, easily accessible from Lujiazui subway station. Its distinctive ‘bottle opener’ design stands out across The Bund and the building offers three different observation decks. Most noteworthy is the one on the 100th floor, said to be the highest observatory in the world. If you happen to visit in the evening to watch the sun go down and you’re feeling flush, head to the Park Hyatt Shanghai, which is also housed in the building. Its 100 Century Avenue Bar serves up cocktails that are almost as exquisite as the view.

Get an Adrenaline Rush at Jin Mao Tower

Just a three-minute stroll from the Shanghai World Financial Center is the Postmodern masterpiece Jin Mao Tower. Adrenaline junkies should make their way up the tiered tower to the 88th floor to brave the outside glass walkway, which is completely handrail-free. Visitors are safely harnessed to the edge, allowing them to teeter across the open glazed path and peer down to truly spectacular views below.

Escape Reality at Oriental Pearl Tower

Just steps away from Super Brand Mall is the final skyscraper on this walking tour: the Oriental Pearl Tower – one of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks. While its height is now eclipsed by Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower still has plenty to offer tourists. The upper sphere of the Radio and TV tower is home to a glass-bottomed corridor, while in the basement, visitors are immersed in Shanghai’s history through the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Make sure you find time to ride the tower’s very own virtual reality roller coaster, which whizzes you along Shanghai’s skyline.

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

Pudong is only part of what The Bund area has to offer, so finish your walking tour by heading to the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, which is located at the south side of the Oriental Pearl Tower. This futuristic tunnel is the quickest and most exciting way to cross the river and reach Puxi (translated as ‘West Bank’). The three- to five-minute Maglev train combines rapid speeds with a psychedelic light show.

Read more: Find the best Xiaolongbao in Shanghai

Source The Culture Trip

Best family-friendly destinations in Asia

The largest continent on Earth, Asia offers plenty of diversity to suit all kinds of travellers. From dramatic landscapes and gorgeous beaches to lively modern cities and places with rich cultural heritage, Asia has it all. If you’re travelling with the kids, here are some of the best places for a family-friendly vacation in Asia.

Universal Studios in Singapore 

Singapore

Marina Bay

With a plethora of places to stay, a public transportation system that is clean, efficient, and easy to use, myriad places to eat and plentiful attractions, Singapore is a firm favourite for families exploring Asia. The beaches may not be the best, but many hotels have pools and you can stroll along the sands of Sentosa Island and East Coast Park and take trips to interesting islands such as Lazarus, St. John’s, and Pulau Ubin.

Singapore Flyer

Soak up the views from the Singapore Flyer, see the iconic Merlion statue in Merlion Park, admire diverse and colourful religious buildings, like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Masjid Sultan, and Sri Mariamman Temple, and have outdoor adventures at places like the MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Southern Ridges, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Few children can resist the appeal of the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, and there are many museums to stimulate curious minds. See the nocturnal animal kingdom at the amazing Singapore Night Safari.

Universal Studios Singapore

Singapore really comes into its own for families on Sentosa Island, with theme parks and fun activities galore. Enjoy movie-themed rides and shows at Universal Studios Singapore, see the exhibits at Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, ride the luge, soak up the views from the Tiger Sky Tower, marvel at the gigantic Merlion, and step back in time at Fort Siloso. Adventurous kids will love MegaZip Adventure Park, and Kidzania Singapore is perfect for younger children.

Hong Kong

Disneyland Hong Kong

Another of Asia’s super cities, Hong Kong combines the old and the new for a cultural, fun, and family-friendly holiday. Easy to navigate and with plenty of places to eat, drink, and sleep, there’s something to keep everyone happy here.

Hong Kong Disneyland is an obvious choice for a day out filled with laughter and smiles. There are rides to suit all ages, shows, and the opportunity to get up close and personal with beloved characters. The firework show over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the perfect end to a magical day. For more thrills and theme-park fun, spend a day at Ocean Park Hong Kong. The combination of rides, shows, play areas, aquatic creatures, and a large aquarium will appeal to kids (and adults!) of all ages.

Causeway Bay

Ride the Peak Tram for iconic views over Hong Kong’s harbour, stroll through the pleasant Hong Kong Park, or take a boat trip to try and spot pink dolphins. See the unusual rock formations in the eight Geoparks, ride the cable car to the large Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery, and take heaps of cool pictures at the Trick Eye Museum or the 3D Repulse Bay Visual Art Museum.

Shanghai, China

One of China’s most modern cities, Shanghai has a rich assortment of things to do and see for everyone. You can combine theme parks and cultural sites with museums, parks, shopping centres, and more. There are many child-friendly places to stay and finding something tasty to eat won’t be a problem. Try some of the many themed restaurants for an unusual dining experience.

Shanghai Disneyland is often near the top of the list of things to do with the kids, and for good reason. The theme park offers a day of enchantment for all. Cool down on hot days at the enormous Dino Beach Water Park, and watch many animals at Shanghai Wild Animal Park and Shanghai Zoo. Home to an impressive array of marine life from around the globe, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium also boasts the longest underwater tunnel in the world. Watch your kids’ faces light up as you hop on the rail car that travels through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and soak up the views from the observation deck of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai

People’s Park is a top place for children to run and play and for adults to stretch their legs, and Century Park has a fishing lake, a beach, walking trails, and play areas. Other lovely parks include Fuxing Park, and Jing’an Sculpture Park.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Snap loads of great holiday pictures at the interactive 3D Magic Fun House and cosy up with celebrities at Madame Tussauds. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum will inspire curious kids and the skilled acrobats at Shanghai Circus World will leave them speechless.

Tokyo, Japan

Thriving, colourful, busy, and modern, Tokyo is a veritable wonderland for kids and adults alike. The bright lights and crowds may be a bit overwhelming at times, but there are heaps of attractions to enchant children and help everyone to have fun. The Japanese capital has many family-friendly accommodations, from Western-style hotels to traditional Japanese abodes and ryokans where you can all sleep on tatami mats and experience local life.

Panda in Ueno Zoo

There are theme parks galore, with something for all ages. Enter the cute and kitsch world of Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland or let kids act out a range of scenarios at Kidzania. Then observe many creatures from across the world at Ueno Zoo followed by a few hours at Hanayashiki, believed to be the oldest amusement park in Japan. Or why not channel your inner architects at Legoland Discovery Center?

Of course, few kids can ignore the allure of Tokyo Disneyland! DisneySea is a unique Disney experience, combining all your favourite characters and water-based attractions, while Universal Studios takes you deep into the world of movies.

Tokyo Disneyland

Kodomo no Mori Park

For some outdoor time, check out the city’s many pleasant parks. Walk with dinosaurs in Kodomo no Mori Park, paddle on the lake at Inokashira Park, and soak up the scenes at Futakotamagawa Park, the Imperial Palace Garden, and Shinjuku Gyoen. If you’re up for a hike, head to Mt. Takao. Don’t miss the nearby Monkey Park too.

Read more: 5 places to travel with kids in Asia

Source The Culture Trip

Streets in Shanghai you need to explore

Experience the best of Shanghai on foot or bike. There are the cozy streets of the former French Concession, the shopping streets around the Bund, the bike friendly streets along Suzhou Creek, and more. While Shanghai has many must-see tourist attractions, these cool streets will be what you remember the most.

Moganshan Rd

Moganshan Lu is a contemporary art district full of studios and galleries open to the public.

West Nanjing Rd

West Nanjing Rd is the place to go for all high-end shoppers.

Taikang Rd

Taikang Rd is an alley that runs through Tianzifang, a renovated neighborhood that houses boutique restaurants and shops.

Wukang Rd

Wukang Rd, also known as Ferguson Lane, is an extremely expat-friendly street in the former French Concession.

Fuzhou Rd

During the 19th century, Fuzhou Rd was known for its brothels. Now, it’s a great place to shop for books, pottery, and calligraphy tools.

East Nanjing Rd Pedestrian Street

Although touristy, East Nanjing Rd pedestrian street is worth a visit. It is one of the longest shopping streets in all of Asia.

Suzhou Creek

In the 19th century, Suzhou creek formed the boundary between Shanghai’s British and American settlements. Now, its distinctive bridges are a scenic place for a bike ride or long walk.

Taojiang Rd

Taojiang Rd, located in the former French Concession, is representative of the area’s laid back atmosphere.

Read more: Find the best Xiaolongbao in Shanghai

Donghu Rd

Donghu Rd, also located in the former French Concession, is a great place to spend an evening eating good food and drinking good cocktails.

Source Internet