1.Marriage Market
If you’re looking for an obscure way to spend a weekend in Shanghai, go take a gander at the People’s Square Marriage Market, which happens every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 pm. Local parents aim to find a suitable partner for their child by writing out a personal biography on a piece of white paper, and then attaching it to an umbrella (naturally). The paper will list things like income, education, age, job, family values, height, and Chinese zodiac sign. The event has been described as “match.com meets farmers’ market with a low success rate” #onlyinChina.
2.Speak Low
You won’t look twice if you pass it on the street, but Speak Low is one of the famously “hidden” speakeasies of Shanghai. You’ll walk into a tiny shop on 579 Fuxing Lu, but don’t be surprised when the book-lined shelf on the back wall casually opens up into a darkly lit hallway. Follow the dim lighting to your first stop - a tiny cocktail bar on the first floor. On the second floor, you’ll find a slightly larger space with a full bar - and probably a lot of people squeezed into it. Put your name on the list right away because the wait to get to the top floor will probably be long. On the 3rd and final floor, you’ll walk up to what looks like…..a wall? But wait, there’s more. Look to your right and you’ll find a map on the wall. In order to open the secret door to this one, you have to press on a certain country. What country you ask? We’ll let you figure that out……. (hint: it’s not China...)
3.Hotel Indigo
You don’t have to stay at the Hotel Indigo to enjoy their fabulous rooftop with an all-encompassing view of the entire Bund. Walk straight through the lobby, and head to the top floor. Here you’ll find a cocktail bar with one of the most amazing views in the city.
4.Kommune Kafe, Tianzifeng
Kommune is an excellent little find in the middle of Tianzifeng. You may need a map to find it, but part of the thrill of Tianzifeng is getting lost in the chaos and color of this lively market. Kommune is basically in the middle (...ish). Here you will find a charming courtyard and cozy indoor space. They serve delicious brunch, healthy smoothies, Vietnamese coffee, and also beer and bar food later in the evening (when the stringed garden lights go on). The owners are lovely - last time we were there, they even gave each of us our own hot water bottles and blankets to stay cozy during the Shanghai winter chill. Bring your dog!
5.Fuxing Park
Not so secret, but worth mentioning, Fuxing park is a great place to chill out on a nice day and have a picnic, or watch the locals fly kites, dance, and do Taichi. Also a great place for a jog, as there is a nice path around the outskirts of the spacious and immaculate park.
6.Barbershop