Shanghai Aesthetic Inspirations

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How to Experience the Shanghai Night Aesthetic:

1. Take a nighttime stroll along the Bund, where you’ll see the classic European-style buildings glowing under golden lights, while across the river, Pudong’s futuristic skyline lights up the sky.
2. Explore the neon-drenched streets of Nanjing Road, a paradise for city photographers and night owls looking for that cyberpunk Shanghai vibe.
3. Visit rooftop bars like Flair or The Peninsula’s Sir Elly’s to sip cocktails while watching the city flicker beneath you.
4. Capture the magic with long-exposure photography, letting the city lights blur into colorful, dreamy trails.
5. Go for a late-night food hunt - small steamed buns (xiaolongbao) or street BBQ tastes even better under neon lights.

TIP: If you want a truly cinematic experience, head to the former French Concession, where hidden speakeasies glow softly behind antique wooden doors. It’s Shanghai’s aesthetic at its most sophisticated and mysterious.

The Elegance of Old Shanghai: Art Deco Meets Chinese Tradition

Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s was known as the “Paris of the East”, a glamorous city where European elegance met Chinese sophistication. That legacy still lingers in the Art Deco buildings that line its streets, offering a nostalgic glimpse into an era of opulence and style.

How to Discover Shanghai’s Traditional Aesthetic

Beyond the high-rises and luxury malls, Shanghai’s true charm is found in its hidden lanes and historic shikumen neighborhoods. These old-world courtyards and alleyways are where Shanghai’s past still breathes, offering a contrast to the city’s futuristic energy.

1. Get lost in Tianzifang, a maze of artsy alleyways filled with traditional Chinese architecture, quirky shops, and cozy cafés.
2. Explore Xintiandi, where old stone-gate houses (shikumen) have been beautifully restored into high-end boutiques and chic restaurants.
3. Find hidden teahouses tucked away behind wooden doors, where you can sip pu-erh tea in an authentic setting.

TIP: Want a real “Shanghai moment”? Walk through the narrow lanes of Laoximen Market, where you’ll find steaming dumpling stalls next to antique furniture shops.