Joanna James
Shanghai is a city teeming with millions of people and a rich culture that keeps visitors entertained. There are many hidden treasures to be found in this city, and here are a few examples.
If you are looking for an authentic souvenir from your trip to the Pearl of the Orient, Madame Mao's is the perfect place to visit. This boutique features a variety of products made by local artists, including handmade jewellery, small-press zines, and vintage furniture. In addition to supporting local talent by providing a platform for them to showcase their creations, Madame Mao's also hosts a range of creative events like open mic nights, poetry readings, and book launches. And it's located less than thirty minutes from lyf Hongqiao Shanghai, one of the Shanghai serviced apartments in the city.
Zhujiajiao is a small town located approximately an hour's drive from Shanghai city centre. It is famously known as the Venice of the East due to its numerous canals and stone bridges. This town has a long history dating back over 1,700 years and was once a thriving trading centre, thanks to its numerous waterways. Today, Zhujiajiao is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience its serene beauty and rich history. Tourists can visit historical landmarks like the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple, built in 1341, and the Qing Dynasty post office, which is over 100 years old. The town is also home to various small, family-owned shops that sell a range of items, including rice and spices.
Hinichijou is a café located in Xuhui District that stands out among the city's many coffee shops for its unique and innovative ordering system. Customers can place their orders by scanning a QR code on the wall, which will then produce a robotic bear claw that extends from a hole in the wall and serve the coffee. This café not only offers a fun and unusual experience, but it also serves a deeper purpose. The baristas at Hinichijou are hearing impaired, and the store was founded to showcase the capabilities of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. What's more, the store manager has also received numerous awards for their coffee-making skills.
If you love cars, you won't want to miss visiting this museum. It's the first automobile museum in the country and has a huge exhibition space of 10,000 square metres. There are over 100 different car models on display, ranging from models like the 1929 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre and the 1964 Ford Mustang to the 1967 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the museum also features Chinese two-wheeled vehicles like Phoenix 28 bicycles and Donghai 750 motorcycles. If you want a more immersive experience, consider signing up for the Antique Car Ride, which allows you to take a vintage car for a ride with the help of antique car experts.
If you're interested in immersing yourself in Shanghai's vibrant and thriving creative scene, M50 is an excellent destination to visit. Located in the Moganshan Road area, M50 features over 120 galleries, art studios, and agencies. Previously, the area was home to the Graffiti Wall, a 600m structure that showcased street art from local and international artists. Although the wall was demolished to make way for a new riverside park, M50 wants artists to display their work on other structures inside the park. There's so much to do and see, so you could spend an entire day exploring the art galleries and trying to make your own jewellery. And whenever you need a break, there are many cafes in the area that you can head to for some refreshments.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
