Thanks Baby for fulfilling my request to visit Shanghai, China on my birthday month! He actually put his yearly winter Japan trip aside for me! I can't wait to share on my travel experiences with you guys! This birthday trip was planned by my lovely Baby Hubby.
I took a red-eye flight with Singapore Airlines to
Shanghai and the flight time was about 5+ hours. The flight did not seem really
full and I slept throughout the journey with extra legroom due to the empty
middle seat.
We reached Shanghai Pudong International Airport at around 6.30am local time in the morning. There is no time difference between Shanghai & Singapore. Phew! The clearing of the customs were pretty smooth, and our baggage were out shortly after we reached the belt counter.
Prior to our departure, we purchased a return transfer via KLOOK. The car journey took 1hr to get to our pre-booked hotel, the W Hotel Shanghai @ The Bund, which is located at the Hongkou District (North Bund Area).
There are many Marriott Bonvoy hotel options in Shanghai, but we ended up deciding on the W Shanghai for amenities and the panoramic view of the Huangpu River. The newly opened Shanghai White Magnolia Plaza is a complex commercial area with complete functions of office, shopping, hotel and transportation which are all located beside the hotel.
We arrived at the hotel entrance, and were led to the level 4 lobby to do the check in process. We were pleased to have been granted to an early check in at around 9+ in the morning! Thanks so much W Shanghai!
Our room was located on level 29, and our accommodation provided us with a spectacular view over the Huangpu River. We were delighted that our room came with an ultra-fun xiaolongbao-shaped cushion and soft chopstick-shaped pillows — irresistible items from Chinese culture.
I spent a few minutes in the room sitting by the windows and admiring the views of the Bund, including the Oriental Pearl which was opposite us.
I also loved the fact that the room was stocked with White Rabbit candies daily, which is a total ‘blast from the past’ for anyone who either grew up in a Chinese family. If you know, you know…
On the first floor lobby, we were greeted by the unique W sign, which was located underneath an impressive light display consisting of Shanghai Street names and landmarks. Every W Hotel around the world will have a similar decor showcasing the local flavor!
We dropped our baggage and dressed warm before leaving the room and we booked a Didi taxi ride to Lai Lai Xiao Long (莱莱小笼) for our breakfast. It is listed under the Bib Gourmand as a must eat in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Shanghai.
This eatery place is tucked away in a bustling alley near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Note that no reservation is allowed and be prepared to see a queue line outside the shop.
When we arrived, there was already a queue, but it was moving pretty fast. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait too long in the cold. While waiting in line, you receive the menu to check what you want to order. Alert! You need to place your order and pay before being seated!
Once we were seated, our food arrived quickly at the table shortly. The Xiao Long Bao were delicious!
Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings), also known as XLB, is a must-try dish. This eatery place offers various types of soup dumpling fillings, from fresh meat, prawn, crab meat, and crab roe. Don’t forget to add ginger sauce (¥1) to your order for a full experience.
The venue is small with limited seats but was packed with diners. You will likely need to share a table with strangers. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere.
Lai Lai Xiao Long (莱莱小笼) is a must-visit restaurant, especially for those seeking authentic, local xiao long bao without any unnecessary frills. If you’re in Shanghai and have a love for xiao long bao, make sure it is on your list!
After our brekkie, we walked for about 15mins to Nanjing Road, which is one of the most famous shopping streets in Shanghai.
We went to MINSOLAND, Pop Mart, the White Rabbit Flagship Store and many many more.
The White Rabbit Creamy Candy is a famous brand of milk candy in Shanghai. We bought back some White Rabbit iconic snacks and exclusive White Rabbit’s merchandise!
We decided to have lunch at Yang's Dumpling (小杨生煎) after a hearty shopping at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Our hands
were full of shopping bags!
We ordered the Classic Wonton Soup and a plate of Sheng Jian Bao.
The real surprise for the Sheng Jian Bao comes from the fillings where tasty broth surrounded the juicy meat.
After our lunch, we decided not to continue to shop, so we took Didi back to our hotel to rest till dinner time!
On our way to the pickup point for our Didi, we came across the cutest dessert truck in Shanghai, which is located at Nanjing Road, right outside the flagship of Pop Mart.
We picked up the Molly Music Record Chocolates from the dessert truck. A must-visit for dessert lovers to discover the delights of Molly's Dessert House in Shanghai!
We came across the Mega Space Molly x Crayon Shin Chan 400% during our Taipei vacation last year, and they were sold as a raffle draw. Since we now saw it selling in Pop Mart in Shanghai, and the price was way cheaper than in SG. Baby got it for me instantly as my birthday gift!
We took Didi to our dinner venue, Baby managed to get a reservation prior our Shanghai trip, as reservations are recommended. Ren He Guan (人和馆) is a highly recommended 1-Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined, authentic Shanghainese cuisine in a nostalgic 1930s-themed setting.
Sheng Jian Bao - I love the crispy crusted bottom
of sesame seeds.
We ordered a small size portion of the following dish as it was said to be good for 2. The casserole pot filled with Xie Gao 蟹膏 - the golden-colored, creamy sauce-like mixture of crab meat, roes and paste - came sizzling hot before it was slowly poured onto a bowl of rice to serve. It has an addictive umami flavor highlighted with a touch of dark vinegar.
Our favorite dish here was the Squirrel Mandarin Fish. The fish was fried and covered in a tomato sauce, and was very good!
It was a pity that we did not get to try the famous braised pork, as they were sold out. The next time i am here, I will be sure to add a note to my reservation for them to save me a portion. The food is excellent, and the prices are pretty affordable for a Michelin star restaurant.
We also received a complimentary Mango Pudding each by
leaving a review on Dian Ping. The pudding was refreshing and a perfect way to
end the meal.
If you're in Shanghai , you have to treat yourself
to authentic local flavors, and there's no better place than Ren He Guan.
We headed back to W Shanghai straight after our
meal, as we had a cocktail reservation awaiting for us at LIQUID AT YEN. Before heading to the rooftop bar, we popped by SMP
Mall for some beautiful night view of the Bund, including the Oriental Pearl
right opposite us.
LIQUID AT YEN is a sleek and dimly-lit speakeasy perched on the sixth floor of the W Shanghai – The Bund. It is has setting of 1920s Shanghai, and offers some spectacular views of the Oriental Pearl.
We ended our long day with LIQUID, and once we got back to the room, we went straight for our shower and then headed to bed. We were pretty tired from our red eye flight as we wanted to charge up our energy levels the next day in Shanghai Disneyland Park.
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