Beyond the Cabin: The street scene in Shanghai
Discover Shanghai’s vibrant street scene with Singapore Airlines cabin crew member Tan Ai Vee
This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ Beyond the Cabin Season 2 video series, in which cabin crew unveil experiences in their favourite destinations.
In Shanghai, one’s gaze is inevitably drawn towards the glittering skyline, which is punctuated by famous landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. However, many wonders can be found at ground level too, as Singapore Airlines cabin crew member Tan Ai Vee shares.
“My favourite thing about Shanghai is its unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern-day cosmopolitan vibes,” Ai Vee says. “It’s a fantastic destination for fans of street culture thanks to its vibrant street art, great fashion, diverse nightlife and more.”
Join Ai Vee as she takes us on a tour of Shanghai’s colourful streets.
M50 is a must-visit for art lovers
Immerse yourself in art
The M50 complex (a walking tour is available through Pelago) in the Putuo district is a hub for contemporary art, with over 50 gallery spaces housed in disused factories and mills. It’s also a popular destination for street art – the handiwork of some of Shanghai’s most talented graffiti artists. “The alleys and walls of M50 are adorned with murals, and every nook and cranny is a photo spot,” Ai Vee says. “After exploring, you can relax and unwind at one of the artsy cafes in the area.”
Do also make time to explore Tianzifang, an arts and crafts enclave set in a former residential area. Its narrow lanes are lined with galleries, design studios and boutiques where you can pick up handmade souvenirs. “Visitors will be mesmerised by the authentic charm and character of the place,” Ai Vee says.
Experience local skate culture
Shanghai is home to a thriving skate community. Marvel at some of the city’s best skateboarders at Xuhui Binjiang Green Space, a riverside park that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. “This is where avid skateboarders come to practise their tricks,” Ai Vee shares. “There’s also loads more to do here – for instance, you can try your hand at rock climbing or enjoy a picnic on the grass.”
Other popular skate parks in Shanghai include More Skatepark, a sprawling indoor playground with equipment ranging from halfpipes to grind rails, and the Linkong Skateboard Park on the banks of Suzhou Creek.
GenZero Shanghai is known for its unique, cutting-edge hats and caps
Discover street fashion finds
As the fashion capital of China, Shanghai is known for its distinctive street style. Shop the latest trends at DOE COFFEE, a cafe and boutique rolled into one. “Here, you’ll find an array of street fashion labels and international brands, as well as DOE’s own lineup,” Ai Vee says.
Ai Vee’s other top picks include GenZero Shanghai for avant garde headgear, and Spot Skate for skateboarding apparel. “The latter is a basement store that features merchandise from big-name brands as well as local labels. Truly unique pieces can be found here,” she enthuses.
Anfu Road is a great spot for people-watching
Enjoy a spot of people-watching
There’s no shortage of excellent places for people-watching in Shanghai. “Along Anfu Road, you’ll see corporate types hurrying to work, men riding bikes loaded with styrofoam boxes, and hipsters on their fixies zooming by,” Ai Vee shares. “And at Fuxing Park, you’ll spot people enjoying various activities such as tai chi, chess, mahjong, calligraphy and even ballroom dancing.”
When night falls, Ai Vee recommends joining the locals in the affluent entertainment district of Xintiandi (a walking tour is available through Pelago). “This area draws fashionably dressed people who all look as though they’re prepared for photo ops,” she notes. “Dress up and get ready to be part of the crowd!”
Be sure to visit one of the many live music venues and speakeasies in Shanghai
Check out the nightlife scene
Shanghai is home to many speakeasies – intimate, discreet watering holes often hiding in plain sight. Ai Vee enjoys visiting Speak Low on Fuxing Road, which regularly ranks among Asia’s 50 Best Bars. “This legendary speakeasy is hidden behind a sliding bookshelf in a bartending equipment shop. Here, you’ll find four floors, each with its own unique concept,” she shares.
Alternatively, round off your evening at Yuyintang, one of the oldest underground live music venues in Shanghai. “This is where you’ll find up-and-coming musicians,” Ai Vee says. With regular gigs typically spotlighting local punk and rock acts, it’s one of the best places to soak up the sounds of the city.
At Singapore Airlines, we’re all about taking you places – whether that’s 30,000 feet in the air or 3,000+ attractions across the globe. Check out our travel experiences platform Pelago and lifestyle rewards app Kris+, and discover how you can get the most out of your next trip.
Singapore Airlines flies to Shanghai five times daily.
