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Insider Guide To Shanghai With Jia-Jia Zhu

Growing up between Shanghai and California, jewellery designer Jia-Jia Zhu is a descendant of ancient Chinese Medicine herbalists.

She’s always been fascinated by beautiful stones but it was whilst meditating in Bali that she had a calling to work with crystals. Influenced by the majesty of nature’s offerings, her jewellery brand is rooted in the beauty of the earth and created from natural minerals with symbolic meanings.

Here, Jia-Jia shares her go-to restaurants in Shanghai, tells us where to witness traditional Chinese dancing and reveals her favourite view of the city.


Our first pitstop in Shanghai should be…

Freshly made Shanghainese scallion noodles at Yimian Chun Feng Restaurant.

Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…

My all-time favourite is The PuLi Hotel & Spa, an urban resort that’s ultra-modern and close to the key city sights.

 

For an early morning workout head to…

Fuxing Park, but as well as working out, be sure to stop and watch as people practise Tai chi.

Where should we go for breakfast?

Any local neighbourhood breakfast stall which sells jianbing; a traditional Chinese street food similar to crêpes.

Where can we find the best coffee?

Luneurs on Hua Shan Road, an artisanal bakery with an interior made from natural materials.

How about for a long, lazy lunch?

RAC Shanghai for French Gallet and crêpes.

Your favourite restaurant in town?

Jeju Izakaya, a tiny and exclusive restaurant run by Korean chefs. The space is intimate and has a cool concept. 

 

And for dinner with friends?

Go to Villa Le Bec by chef Nicolas Le Bec. It’s a 1924 villa that has been converted into a French bistro.

The drink to order at the bar…

Negroni. 

A must-try spot for date night?

Michelin-star restaurant Taian Table, for food that is also art.

 

The culture spot to rave about…

Visit any large public park to watch Guang Chang Wu (which means public dancing) from the locals between 6-8pm. 

Where can I go shopping?

The antique shops on Maoming South Road are not to be missed.

For the best views head to…

Flair rooftop bar at The Ritz Carlton Shanghai Pudong for incredible skyline views of the city.

 

 

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A book to read before we go (or while you’re there)…

Shanghai Baby by Wei Hui.

For a change of pace try…

West Bund Riverside for a stroll on a beautiful day.

Souvenir to take home?

Black vinyl with a compilation of 1930s Shanghainese Jazz songs.

The best place to treat yourself is…

Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet. This single-table restaurant uses multi-sensory technology to create a fully immersive dining experience.

Your favourite neighbourhood…

The former French Concession, specifically Yong Fu Road for its beautiful tree-lined avenues.

 

 

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Great day trips include…

Breathe Retreat, a private weekend house by Dianshan Lake.

How should we spend the final day of our trip?

Massages, manicures and cocktails. 

What’s your Shanghai secret?

You can find hidden shortcuts through quiet, tree-lined lanes in the French Concession that show a totally different side of the city.

In one word, Shanghai is…

Reinventing.

Essential items to pack? 

JIA JIA crystalline necklace and earrings and ultra-modern accessories such as the Prada Cleo bag, Khaite patent pumps and Bottega Veneta sunglasses.

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