Shanghai has always been known as one of China’s glitziest cities, a global financial hub with an ever-expanding landscape of soaring skyscrapers. But in addition to its Jetson-like buildings is a burgeoning, exciting design scene. Pioneers like Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu (architects behind the new Shanghai Edition) and Liu Heung Shing (photographer and founder of the Shanghai Center of Photography) are helping shape the city’s emerging creative culture. And cult brands like Spin Ceramics and Dong Liang are proving that "made in China" can mean crafted rather than ubiquitous. Plus, new culinary openings—like the much-anticipated Polux by Paul Pairet—show that this city is on the forefront of mixing great food with cutting-edge design. Here, 12 reasons to visit Shanghai.
Shanghai Edition
Following the global success of Edition Hotel’s European and American flagships in London, New York, and Miami, this hotel marks the well-reputed brand’s entry into Shanghai, with plans to grow exponentially in the next few years. Collaborating as a team with the Ian Schrager Company, Neri&Hu is responsible for the design of all the interior spaces, furniture, and lighting for both public areas and guest rooms. Located in the hustle and bustle of Shanghai’s Nanjing East Road area, overlooking the historic Bund, Neri&Hu’s inspiration starts with negotiating the dichotomy firmly grounded in its cultural heritage, while fully engaging with its contemporary context. editionhotels.com
The Puli Hotel and Spa
Quite positively an oasis in the city, the Puli Hotel and Spa is a luxury contemporary retreat with sophisticated rooms that overlook the soaring buildings of Shanghai. thepuli.com
The Middle House
The soon-to-open Middle House hotel from Swire Hotels is one of the most eagerly anticipated hotel openings this year. Located in two buildings, the luxurious new hotel will feature a range of rooms and residences intended for longer stays. the-house-collective.com
Pompidou Gallery by David Chipperfield
Slated to open in November in the The West Bund Art Museum in Shanghai is an outpost of the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Under the direction of David Chipperfield Architects, this gallery will be located in a wing of the glass museum, with its lease renewable for a five-year period. It’s one of the most anticipated openings in Shanghai this year.
Long Museum West Bund
An art museum housed in a waterfront industrial building, by Shanghai design firm Atelier Deshaus. Inside, the museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and ancient artworks. thelongmuseum.org
Shanghai Gallery of Art
Located at Three on the Bund, a lifestyle destination (home to Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s acclaimed Mercato restaurant), the Shanghai Gallery of Art is a private gallery displaying and dealing in contemporary Chinese art. shanghaigalleryofart.com
Shanghai Center of Photography (SCoP)
Founded by Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Liu Heung Shing, SCoP showcases a diverse body of photography, with topics that range from journalism to fashion and art. scop.org.cn
Fu He Hui
Fu He Hui is acclaimed chef Tony Lu’s temple to vegetarian Shanghai cuisine. Diners are seated in wood-clad private rooms where delicate dishes are delivered one by one by attentive waiters. If you don’t go for the food, then at least go for the zen space. theworlds50best.com
Polux by Paul Pairet
Fans of French-born and trained chef Paul Pairet will not be disappointed in his new casual French bistro Polux, which opened in March of this year. His two other restaurants—Ultraviolet and Mr & Mrs Bund—accrued both critical and mass acclaim, and Polux is following suit. This space, designed with clean lines and natural materials like wood and leather, serves up hearty breakfasts and light dinners. The bar has a variety of drinks on tap—including lemonade, cider, and wine—and the prices for the culinary dishes are surprisingly reasonable. poluxbypp.com
Spin Ceramics
This showroom stocks contemporary Chinese porcelain and stoneware that is handmade using age-old techniques. Many of the showstopping items (vases, bowls) will add a few extra pounds to your luggage, but smaller everyday items like egg cups and salt and pepper shakers are just as beautifully crafted. spinceramics.com
Design Republic
Set in a colonial complex, Design Republic (founded by architects Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu) is a shrine to great design—both local and international. The store has a range of items from Neri and Hu’s own line as well as brands like Tom Dixon and Moooi. thedesignrepublic.com
Dong Liang
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Dong Liang is a contemporary clothing boutique dedicated to promoting local brands and designers. Occupying two old buildings in the French Concession, the store first opened in Beijing. smartshanghai.com
