1984 Book Store
Easy to miss, but also easy to find if you know what you’re looking for. Hidden behind an unmarked metal door is a bookstore-cum-café, and it’s exactly what you’d expect to discover off the beaten path. Inside, you’ll notice a sizeable collection of books (of course), dusty records that you probably haven’t heard of, and an overgrown garden, a popular hangout spot for humans and cats alike. The drinks are a little tiresome—but you came for the ambience. Lose yourself in a book (that are not actually for sale) and nestle into an armchair with a steamy coffee.
1984 Book Store, 11, Hu Nan Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China | (+86) 3428 0911
Fuxing Park
Once the Ming Dynasty’s private garden (until it was taken over by the French in 1909), French colonial era’s Fuxing Park offers fresh green views and surprisingly lots of local Chinese culture. The park is a fortress for the elderly community who set up makeshift games tables, a music room for practising musicians, and a dance room for the “dancing ladies,” (you will spot them in most places you visit in China).
Fuxing Park, 516, Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China | (+86) 5486 1069
Yongfoo Elite
To glimpse at ritzy Shanghai, head to Yongfoo Elite. Once the consulate for the UK, Russia, and Vietnam over the years, this grand manor has a few tales to tell. Yongfoo Elite is now an exclusive members’ club, offering sumptuous dishes and boastful live music (for Yongfoo Elite members only). You don’t need to be a part of the club to visit the exquisite grounds, so long as you don’t mind convincing the guards to let you in.
Yongfoo Elite, 200, Yongfu Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China | (+86) 5466 2727
Rent a bike
The easiest way to get around Shanghai is on a bike. There’s no better place to rent one than French Concession, away from the hustle and bustle. For a tourist, you should choose to rent an orange bike via the company, MoBike (you won’t be able to rent any others without holding a work visa). All you need to do is download the app, add a payment card, and you’re good to go.