Eat, Drink, Explore: Shanghai

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN SHANGHAI

While in Shanghai, do yourself a favor and enjoy one of the city’s most popular plates: xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). These delicate steamed buns typically contain pork, shrimp, crab, or vegetables, mixed with a delicious hot broth that bursts with flavor. Here’s a helpful tip: dumplings are served piping hot inside a bamboo basket – cool them off with a quick soy sauce and vinegar bath before you take a bite!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Shanghai

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Shanghai:

• Hong Shao Rou: Hong Shao Rou is a sweet and savory braised pork belly dish that is a delicious Shanghai comfort food! This popular dish also features the "red-braising" cooking style the city is famous for.
• Xiao Long Bao: Love dumplings? Xiao Long Bao are delicate steamed soup dumplings filled with juicy pork and rich broth that bursts in your mouth. They're a famous Shanghai specialty that you can find in restaurants and street stalls all over the city.
• Shengjian Bao: These are the perfect combination of crispy and soft. Shengjian Bao are pan-fried pork buns with a fluffy top and a perfectly crispy, golden-brown bottom. Just like soup dumplings, they are also filled with a savory brothand are a delicious street food staple that are perfect for exploring the unique flavors of the city. 

BEST DRINK IN SHANGHAI

Before you order a glass of water in Shanghai, be prepared. Throughout China, kāishuǐ (hot water) is the most traditional drink. While you can buy cold, bottled water around the city, boiled hot water is commonly served in restaurants, public buildings, and even in free dispensers at bus and train stations. The Chinese believe hot water aids blood flow, helps detoxify the body, and reduces painful muscle contractions. When in Shanghai, do as the Shanghainese do and enjoy a glass of kāishuǐ.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Shanghai

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Shanghai:

• Suanshui: This traditional Chinese drink is made from dried plums, hawthorn, and other ingredients that give it a uniquely sweet and sour flavor. It’s a great beverage to quench your thirst while navigating the city on a hot day. You'll find it sold by street vendors all over the city, so it should be easy to find!
• Chrysanthemum Tea: This is a light and fragrant tea that Shanghai locals love. Chrysanthemum tea is a floral herbal tea known for its cooling properties and its slightly sweet taste, and a popular drink in Shanghai that pairs well with meals.
• Soybean Milk: For an authentic breakfast, we recommend trying Soybean Milk. This is a staple breakfast drink, often served warm and either sweet or unsweetened. It's a traditional and comforting beverage that natives often pair with fried dough sticks (youtiao). Consider it the perfect beverage to start your morning! 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN SHANGHAI

Dating back to the 16th century, Yuyuan Garden is Shanghai’s most revered green space. Set on five acres, the garden features six main scenic areas separated by dragon walls. Each section offers something special, from ponds filled with koi fish, to the “Chamber of Ten Thousand Flowers,” teahouses, stone bridges, and an impressive variety of trees. Grab a friend and take a stroll through this magnificent garden to appreciate its history, cultural significance, and stunning beauty. The garden is easily accessible from the metro.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Shanghai

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Shanghai:

• The Bund: This historic waterfront area features a promenade that offers a gorgeous view of the city. On one side, you have stunning colonial-era buildings, and on the other, the impressive skyscrapers of the financial district. It's a great spot to hang out with your friends and see both old and new Shanghai.
• Yu Garden: Yu Garden is a beautiful classical Chinese garden with traditional architecture, intricate rock formations, and serene ponds that make it the perfect place to escape the liveliness of the city. It’s a tranquil oasis right in the middle of the city that also allow you to appreciate traditional Chinese aesthetics and design.
• Nanjing Road: If you enjoy the bustling energy of Shanghai, you’ll want to head to Nanjing Road. This is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, filled with everything from high-end boutiques to local snack shops. It’s perfect for your shopping needs, including picking up gifts for those back at home! 

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