People say New York is the city that never sleeps. That’s because they’ve never been to Shanghai. China’s fashion capital has a goddamn heartbeat, a pulse so loud that you can almost feel it as you walk around. Every street corner is alive with the sights and sounds of people living life. It’s electric and unfiltered. That’s why we’ve wanted to guide you around the city—our city.  

So even if you live here already or are planning a trip, let us give you the essential VIP lowdown. With our Huaihai Middle Road flagship as your compass, we’ll orientate you on the insider's track to hanging out in this truly sick metropolis. Nothing is off limits so be warned. Ditch the phone, pull on your Rombauts, and let ENG curate 48 hours in Shanghai. 

Day 1: Morning coffee — because who doesn't need a strong shot to start the day?

You might not know this but Shanghai is now an absolute mecca for coffee lovers. The Shanghai International Coffee Culture Festival recorded 9,553 coffee shops at the end of 2023. But we’ve chosen WABI COFE as our kickoff at 1327 Yuyuan Rd. And it’s giving us cottagecore vibes which we adore. This café is less about coffee and more about the ritual—clean lines, soft light, and a menu that feels like a meditation on flavor. Out tip: order a pour-over and let the barista’s precision set you up for a day of exciting exploration.

 

If coffee’s not your vibe, then don’t worry. Te Tea is the place for the finest tea in China. The owners blend authentic Chinese tea culture with a sleek, futuristic aesthetic—think ceramic cups against brushed metal counters. It’s a moment to pause and take what makes the city remarkable: tradition while pushing boundaries.

 

If you’re someone who likes to start the day a bit later, don’t worry. Head to Sympathy Angel on 167 TaiYuan Road for a late-morning bite in the Xu Hui neighborhood. This place is an absolute dream. Pastel interiors, religious iconography, and floral delph make it a magnet for Shanghai’s style-conscious crowd. On the menu are inventive pastries — matcha croissants with a whisper of citrus — and unconventional drinks— think lavender lattes—as well as an incredible selection of cocktails (don’t forget it’s always 5 PM somewhere).Once you see the patrons, you’ll feel right at home here no matter what the time.

Day 1: The art of the perfect afternoon — exploring Shanghai’s museum and gallery culture 

 

Once you’ve had your morning fix, dive into Shanghai’s art scene. Beijing might be the art capital of China but never overlook the hidden artistic gems on offer here. First up, we recommend UCCA Edge, the third location of the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art and a brand-new museum in Shanghai. And it’s certainly making a statement. Showcasing contemporary Chinese artists alongside international provocateurs, its program of exhibitions challenges perceptions of identity and modernity. It’s easy to spend an hour or two here, letting the installations spark ideas.

 

And, if you’ve not had your fill with that, we suggest you head to Tank Shanghai at 2350 Longteng Avenue on the West Bund — a former industrial site containing five disused oil tanks, hence the name. The brainchild of art collector Qiao Zhibing, it’s now a sprawling art complex park with exhibition spaces, gardens, shops, and restaurants. With a roster of notable and provocative artists, Tank was once home to Shanghai Fashion Week’s Labelhood platform so it’s got serious fashion credentials.

Day 1: Evening dinner but not as you know it — prepare to be surprised!

 

Ok so for this one, we are going rogue. Dinner will be Italian — not Chinese! That's because Bastard (IG: bastardshanghai) is a restaurant that’s as audacious as its name suggests. Plus Shanghai has some of the finest global restaurants you can imagine. This one, tucked in the former French Concession, is redefining Italian cuisine with a Shanghainese slant—think hand-pulled burrata paired with Sichuan pepper-infused cocktails. You won’t be disappointed.

As night falls, it’s time to dress up for Shanghai’s club scene beckons. It’s underrated and we promise, you won’t be disappointed. Get the night started at Heim, a subterranean hotspot where the city’s cool kids meet. The club’s industrial-chic interior — exposed brick with neon accents — clashes against a soundscape of techno and house music that even Berliners would envy.

 

Next up, WigWam, a venue that claims to be the opposite of loneliness. Its rotating DJs and immersive visuals make it a cozy playground for Shanghai’s nocturnal creatives. You will make friends here, trust us. And if you are still looking for a dance orgy to end all others, your final stop of the night (or morning!) must be All Club— the perfect Jing'an District hotspot to end the night. The crowd is a mix of local tastemakers and international jet-setters with one thing in common: a love for niche, underground dance culture.

 

Day 2: Morning - Strolling Shanghai's Style Arteries

 

We know you’ve got stamina but we’ve started today with a stroll along the city’s iconic Fumin Road — a street that’s a literary homage to Shanghai’s retro spirit. Here, you can find vintage boutiques alongside indie stores, offering everythingfrom reworked denim to handcrafted jewelry. If you’re looking for independent Chinese designers, look no further than Dong Liang which is home to some of the country’s most exciting fashion labels — from Shushu/Tong to Oude Waag.

We know you’ve got a head for fashion. So, once you’ve discovered the best new brands from China, head to Huaihai Mid Road to check out our flagship TX store for groundbreaking global names. ENG isn’t just a retail space; it’s a cultural hub where you can find some of the world’s most exciting, fashion forward brands. Step into our community and browse from cult names like 032c, Hodakova, Martine Rose, Rick Ownes and more.

 

Day 2: We love to mooch in the afternoon – especially around the French concession 

 

 

Retail certainly works up an appetite. For lunch, we suggest Sichuan Citizen in Ferguson Lane, a local restaurant that’s a love letter to spice and soul. After falling for Sichuan’s fiery flavors, Daisy Fei founded this spot that blends mouth-numbing dishes with a cosmopolitan edge. And trust us, it’s a firm favorite among the Expat network. Order the mapo tofu and a basil drop cocktail, and let the vibrant red decor transport you to a world where tradition meets rebellion.

For a lighter option, try Okaeri — a casual Taiwanese eaterie inside Jiashan Market that is unpretentious and well-priced. As the menu is handwritten in squiggly Chinese and the staff don’t speak much English, just go for pot luck. With dishes like delicate bao and bubble tea on the menu, you can hardly go wrong. 

 

Let’s walk that off with an afternoon strolling around the Former French Concession, a historic enclave where tree-lined streets and colonial-era mansions create an unexpected detour. This is the city at its most romantic: quaint cafés and boutiques nestled among Art Deco facades. Visit the Wukang Building, an iconic 1920s structure with a ship-like silhouette, that’s become a symbol of the city’s striking architectural history. It’s the perfect Instagramable moment so strike a pose before you say goodnight.

 

Day 2: Evening – All good things must end

 48 hours isn't much, we know that. You’ve only scratched the surface, but with ENG as your guide, you’ve lived the city’s style journal in vivid color.