SHANGHAI is renowned worldwide as a city of great novelty. As a global financial hub with countless high-end establishments, the skyscrapers of Pudong present an impeccable vision of modernity. Facing Pudong is the Bund, a famed waterfront promenade lined with grand European-style stone buildings that rival skyscrapers in their magnificence.

While Shanghai’s older neighborhoods, with their twisting alleyways and humble charm, are a relic of times past, the avenues of the downtown area, lined with sycamore trees on either side, inspire lingering strolls in search of well-preserved mansions, enchanting gardens and delicious food.

Walking is the best way to enjoy the hidden splendor of Shanghai. Though it is a bustling metropolis, Shanghai is one of the few Chinese cities that is walkable. These six routes expose the unique blend of opulent splendor and mundane modestly that make this city so intriguing.

Waibaidu Bridge — Zhongshan Road E1 — Zhongshan Road E2
— Xinkaihe Road — Yuyuan Garden

Walking south from Waibaidu Bridge, Shanghai’s iconic skyscrapers are across the river to the left and a stretch of massive stone buildings line Zhongshan Road on the right. These buildings embody Shanghai’s long-standing position as a hub of globalization and an international financial center.

The eclectic structures represent a variety of architectural styles: Romanesque Revival, French Renaissance and Baroque Revival to name a few. Though if one looks closely, the form of many gargoyles allude to traditional Chinese motifs. Many have been designated as “heritage architecture” by Shanghai government.

The area surrounding City God’s Temple and Yuyuan Garden is a must-see for any tourists in Shanghai. Always bustling with activity, this neighborhood is a perfect place to try out an assortment of snacks. Stinky tofu, crab shell pie and green onion pancake are just three of the many other local delicacies are all available at small stalls that line the street.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Adesso

Address: 219 Yuanmingyuan Rd

Tel: 5352-0577

Opening hours: 10am-8pm

• House of Blues and Jazz

Address: 60 Fuzhou Rd

Tel: 6437-5280

Opening hours: 4:30pm-2am (closed on Mondays)

Zhongshan Park — Yuyuan Road — Jiangsu Road
— Huashan Road — Xujiahui

Right outside of the subway station, Zhongshan Park is easily accessible and a lovely first stop of the day.

Yuyuan Road has historic buildings mixed with some of the trendiest shops and restaurants in Shanghai, all under the green canopy of 50-year-old phoenix trees.

Walking down the street one can enjoy old European-style mansions that have been well preserved and are still occupied today. Some stand-out establishments are the Stone Brewing Tap Room, Brut Cake Cafe and Pink Pig Bakery.

By contrast, life on Jiangsu Road is much more contemporary and fast paced. The elevated walkways make it convenient for pedestrians to enjoy the sights and sounds of life in downtown Shanghai.

Huashan Road is home to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, established in 1896. This lush green campus with beautiful architecture hosts three notable museums, the SJTU History Museum, C. Y. Tung Maritime Museum and the Qian Xuesen Library and Museum. All three museums have well crafted, informative galleries and offer audio tours in both English and Mandarin.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Somewhere Coffee & Tea

Address: 399 Jiangsu Rd

Tel: 6212-0777

Opening hours: 8am-10pm

• Candice Coffee

Address: 535 Jiangsu Rd

Tel: 5271-5098

Opening hours: 8am-7pm (Monday-Friday), 10am-6pm (Saturday-Sunday)

Yan’an Road W. — Xinhua Road — Huaihai Road M.
— Huashan Road — Xujiahui

Yan’an Road W. is an elevated highway over a very busy street. Tucked away to the north of Yan’an Road W., just west of the Jing’an Temple Metro Station, is Jing’an Park. This well-maintained park attracts hundreds of local residents on a daily basis. People gather here to sing, practice tai chi, play cards and indulge in water calligraphy.

Many of the refurbished historic buildings are surrounded by large iron fences on Xinhua Road, but that has only added to the majestic vibes of this historic neighborhood. Interested in a custom Western suit or Chinese qipao? Recommendation is L. M. Tailor.

Huashan Park is an ideal place to go for a run, a walk or take photographs.

This heavily wooded park is open 24 hours a day and built for exercise. The maze of jogging paths are covered in material made from casting polyurethane and rubber granules, making the path safe in rainy weather and easier on the joints than cement or asphalt.

Restaurant recommendations:

• The Hub Cafe

Address: 652 Yan’an Rd W.

Tel: 156-1848-5592

Opening hours: 11am-10pm

• M2F Coffee Shop

Address: 165 Xinhua Rd

Tel: 5299-2286

Opening hours: 8:30am-10:30pm

Huaihai Road M. — Fenyang Road — Dongping Road
— Wulumuqi Road

Luxury brand stores and huge shopping malls line Huaihai Road. On this street, Chinese name brands and internationally recognizable logos intermingle seamlessly.

In addition to filling all of one’s material needs, this is a great stretch to try specialty pastries and snacks from all over China or take a break from shopping to sit down for brunch.

As the home of Shanghai’s Conservatory of Music, Fenyang Road has an endless supply of music-related shops and show rooms. This neighborhood is swanky yet quaint.

Further along Dongping Road, there are many buildings built in the early 1900s that have been classified as heritage architecture.

In this neighborhood, many of these red brick buildings with flat red shingles to match, stand out beautifully amongst the vivid green bushes and trees that surround them.

Wulumuqi Road’s best kept secret is Naonao Creative Workroom. For children and adults alike who enjoy making scrapbooks, stationary stores and most importantly — stickers, this hidden gem is a dream come true.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Liquid Laundry

Address: 1028 Huaihai Rd M.

Tel: 6445-9589

Opening hours: 11am-12:30am (Monday-Friday), 11am-1:30am (Saturday-Sunday)

• Green & Safe

Address: 6 Dongping Rd

Tel: 5465-1288

Opening hours: 8am-12am

Xujiahui — Hengshan Road — Huaihai Road

Xujiahui has a long history both as a commercial and cultural center of China. This area is famous for its electronic malls (Metro City and Pacific Digital Products Plaza). There are also many historic churches in the area, dating back to European colonization. The large amount of green space and well-kept flower-beds makes walking quite a pleasant experience.

There’s a surprising number of bars and night clubs near the Hengshan Road Metro Station. This major thoroughfare was a premier residential district for much of the 20th century for Shanghai’s affluent population. Today, it’s a premier nightlife district. The variety of well-preserved historic buildings and green space makes the neighborhood feel particularly vibrant.

The shopping experience at Huaihai Road is similar to that of Nanjing Road, but preferred by locals. This paradise for shoppers also has the former residence of Madame Soong Ching Ling, wife of Sun Yat-sen, who was “father of modern China.”

Restaurant recommendations:

• Pistolera Mexican Cantina

Address: 3838 Hengshan Rd

Tel: 5461-0619

Opening hours: 11am-1am

• Sasha’s Pizza

Address: 11 Dongping Rd

Tel: 6474-6628

Opening hours: 4pm-2:30pm (Monday), 4pm-1:30am (Tuesday-Friday), 11am-
1:30am (Saturday-Sunday)

Jianguo Road W. — Jianguo Road M. — Jianguo Road E.
— Xizang Road S.

Jianguo Road W. has several grand buildings that have been designated as “heritage architecture,” intermingled with quaint alleyways home to everyday people.

Jianguo Road M. has an entrance to one of Shanghai’s most memorable and unique markets — Tian Zi Fang. Renowned for its shikumen-style buildings, this condense yet expansive market is a symbol of traditional Shanghai folk culture. Here one can sample traditional Chinese milk popsicles, sip straight from a fresh coconut or enjoy Western cuisine. There’s something unique and special for everyone at Tian Zi Fang.

There are not many foreigners to be found on Xizang Road S. aside from a few long-term residents mixed in with local population. This modest neighborhood has many reasonably priced restaurants.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Jianguo 328

Address: 328 Jianguo Rd

Tel: 6471-3819

Opening hours: 11am-2pm; 5pm-9pm

• Pain Chaud Bakery & Coffee

Address: 41 Yongkang Rd

Tel: 5456-5220

Opening hours: 7:30am-9:30pm