Original source
SHANGHAI China Travel Guide 2026 🇨🇳 | French Concession, Cafés, Xintiandi, Lujiazui & more! (ep. 4)
Shanghai China Travel Guide 2026: French Concession, Cafés,
In this episode, I explored some of the most aesthetic and popular spots in Central Shanghai including French Concession, Wukang Building, Wykang Road, Xintiandi, Lujiazui, Yuyuan Garden, and more!
I also visited cute cafés, trendy shopping spots, hidden gems, and iconic skyline views around the...
In this episode, I explored some of the most aesthetic and popular spots in Central Shanghai including French Concession, Wukang Building, Wukang Road, Xintiandi, Lujiazui, Yuyuan Garden, and more! I also visited cute cafés, trendy shopping spots, hidden gems, and iconic skyline views around the city. From café hopping and shopping in Xintiandi to exploring the famous Lujiazui night views and Circular Pedestrian Bridge, this was honestly one of my favorite days in Shanghai. Prepare your passport + visa documents. Screenshot hotel address in Chinese (use ChatGPT to get the hotel’s address in Chinese). Download essential apps before arrival (AMAP, Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, Apple Maps). Set up digital payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay). Expect security checks in train stations. Don’t forget to bring your passport during your Disneyland visit!
Luisa Oliver explores Shanghai's most aesthetic spots in this episode, visiting the French Concession, Wukang Building, Wukang Road, Xintiandi, Lujiazui, Yuyuan Garden, and more. She also visits cute cafés, trendy shopping spots, hidden gems, and iconic skyline views around the city. From café hopping and shopping in Xintiandi to exploring the famous Lujiazui night views and the Circular Pedestrian Bridge, this was honestly one of her favorite days in Shanghai. The guide includes practical travel tips, such as preparing passport and visa documents, screenshotting hotel addresses in Chinese (using ChatGPT to get the address), downloading essential apps like AMAP, Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, and Apple Maps before arrival, setting up digital payments, and remembering to bring a passport during a Disneyland visit.
In this episode, I explored some of the most aesthetic and popular spots in Central Shanghai including French Concession, Wukang Building, Wukang Road, Xintiandi, Lujiazui, Yuyuan Garden, and more! I also visited cute cafés, trendy shopping spots, hidden gems, and iconic skyline views around the city. From café hopping and shopping in Xintiandi to exploring the famous Lujiazui night views and Circular Pedestrian Bridge, this was honestly one of my favorite days in Shanghai. Prepare your passport + visa documents. Screenshot hotel address in Chinese (use ChatGPT to get the hotel’s address in Chinese). Download essential apps before arrival (AMAP, Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, Apple Maps). Set up digital payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay). Expect security checks in train stations. Don’t forget to bring your passport during your Disneyland visit!
Luisa Oliver’s Shanghai adventure is a whirlwind of iconic landmarks, viral cafes, and unexpected hiccups—all wrapped in the city’s electric energy. <br><br> She kicks off Day 4 at the famous Wukang Building, a triangular 1924 mansion that’s now residential. Despite the crowds, she grabs a tripod shot and then heads to Poly Eita Bakery, where the egg tart and blueberry toast with ham become her brunch highlight. “The tart wasn’t too sweet—perfect,” she notes. <br><br> Strolling down Wukang Road, she drops into TWT Coffee for a beautifully designed osmanthus drink (73 RMB) and marvels at the aesthetic boutique-lined streets of the French Concession. “You could spend half a day here easily,” she says. <br><br> Next, Xintiandi’s modern vibe pulls her in—trendy shops, a DJI store (where the new Osmo Pocket 4 is sold out), and a 13 de Marzo drink with a free teddy bear keychain. She also pops into Harmay, a Sephora-like beauty haven, and resists buying perfume. <br><br> Evening brings her back to Yuyuan Garden, where she dines on crab meat noodles at a food court. But the real drama unfolds on Day 5: her flight from Shanghai to Manila via Shenzhen gets canceled due to insufficient transfer time. Luisa scrambles to contact Trip.com and her travel insurance, weighing a refund vs. a delayed flight. “Buti na lang kumuha ako ng insurance,” she sighs. <br><br> Despite the stress, she pushes on to Butterf and Creamous (BNC) Bakery for another viral brunch—egg tart with pistachio and Thai coffee. Then she heads to the Shanghai International Flower Show in Pudong, where tulips and installations transform the area into a blooming wonderland. “Ang daming tao, but worth it,” she says. <br><br> As night falls, Luisa navigates Lujiazui’s glittering skyline, snapping photos of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. She finally reaches the elusive Dalin ship photo spot after a frustrating DiDi ride, haggles for five photos at 100 RMB, and then visits the massive Starbucks Reserve Roastery for a pineapple shake rattler. <br><br> Her day ends with a Japanese dinner at Ibisu, reflecting on the lesson: “Kapag naliligaw, mag-metro na lang kayo.” Despite the mishaps, Luisa’s journey captures Shanghai’s irresistible mix of modern luxury, hidden charm, and spontaneous adventure.
Luisa Oliver navigates Shanghai's trendiest spots—from the iconic Wukang Building to the bustling Xintiandi—and captures the dazzling Lujiazui skyline. But when a flight cancellation threatens her plans, she turns frustration into adventure, proving that Shanghai's surprises are worth every detour.
Luisa explores Shanghai chic cafes, French Concession, and Lujiazui skyline, overcoming a flight cancellation to soak in the city vibrant energy.
Shanghai 2026: French Concession, Cafes & Lujiazui Skyline
0:56 Visit Wukang Building early to avoid the heavy crowds. It's a residential building, so be respectful when taking photos.
3:37 At Poly Eita Bakery, the egg tart and blueberry toast with ham are must-tries. It's a popular spot, so expect a queue.
11:33 Xintiandi offers high-end shopping and trendy cafes. Check out the DJI store for the latest gadgets, but new releases may be sold out.
25:50 If your flight is canceled, contact your travel insurance immediately. Luisa advises having a backup plan and checking transfer times.
33:28 For the Flower Show in Pudong, use DiDi but be prepared for crowds. It's best to go on weekdays to avoid the rush.
44:06 Lujiazui skyline at night is stunning. Walk to the overpass near the Oriental Pearl Tower for the best photo angles.
49:16 At the Dalin ship, photographers charge around 30 RMB per photo. Haggle for more shots or a lower price—Luisa got five for 100 RMB.
55:57 To reach Starbucks Reserve Roastery, take Metro line 2 (exit 4) or line 13 (exit 11). Avoid DiDi as it's easy to get lost.
0:56 Visit Wukang Building early to avoid the heavy crowds. It's a residential building, so be respectful when taking photos.
3:37 At Poly Eita Bakery, the egg tart and blueberry toast with ham are must-tries. It's a popular spot, so expect a queue.
11:33 Xintiandi offers high-end shopping and trendy cafes. Check out the DJI store for the latest gadgets, but new releases may be sold out.
25:50 If your flight is canceled, contact your travel insurance immediately. Luisa advises having a backup plan and checking transfer times.
33:28 For the Flower Show in Pudong, use DiDi but be prepared for crowds. It's best to go on weekdays to avoid the rush.
44:06 Lujiazui skyline at night is stunning. Walk to the overpass near the Oriental Pearl Tower for the best photo angles.
49:16 At the Dalin ship, photographers charge around 30 RMB per photo. Haggle for more shots or a lower price—Luisa got five for 100 RMB.
55:57 To reach Starbucks Reserve Roastery, take Metro line 2 (exit 4) or line 13 (exit 11). Avoid DiDi as it's easy to get lost.
0:56 Wukang Building & Mansion
3:37 Poly Eita Bakery Brunch
11:33 Xintiandi Shopping & DJI
25:50 Flight Cancellation Issue
29:12 BNC Bakery Visit
33:28 Shanghai Flower Show
44:06 Lujiazui Skyline at Night
47:47 Starbucks Reserve Roastery
49:16 Dalin Ship Photo Shoot
0:56 Wukang Building & Mansion
3:37 Poly Eita Bakery Brunch
11:33 Xintiandi Shopping & DJI
25:50 Flight Cancellation Issue
29:12 BNC Bakery Visit
33:28 Shanghai Flower Show
44:06 Lujiazui Skyline at Night
47:47 Starbucks Reserve Roastery
49:16 Dalin Ship Photo Shoot
How much was the TWT coffee?
It was 73 RMB, about 640 pesos, but the cute design made it worth it.
How do I find the Dalin ship photo spot?
Just walk straight from the Wukang Road area; it's actually close to the BNC bakery.
What's the best way to get to Starbucks Reserve Roastery?
Take Metro line 2 or 13, exit 4 or 11, then walk. I got lost using DiDi, so metro is better.
What happened with your flight cancellation?
My flight from Shanghai to Manila via Shenzhen was canceled due to insufficient transfer time. I had to contact Trip.com and my insurance.
