We arrived in Shanghai on June 12 after a beautiful flight, and the trip felt easy from the start. Immigration was surprisingly quick, and before long we were in our first DiDi on the way to the St. Regis, ready for the city views, food finds, rainy walks, and hotel moments that would shape our first days in China.
A Sky-High Welcome
Our room on the 42nd floor instantly set the tone for the city. The view over the skyline was one of those moments that makes arrival feel like part of the journey, not just the end of it.
Starbucks Roastery and a Louis Vuitton Surprise
After a short walk around the block, we finally visited the long-awaited Starbucks Roastery Shanghai. Our favorite mug was sold out again, so we had to settle for a cold drink instead. Right next door, Louis Vuitton had built a pop-up store with a small museum, and the whole ship-like setup was much cooler than expected.
First Dinner, First Food Lessons
Dinner in the mall next door was also our first real reminder that eating in China would not always be simple. Pork turned up everywhere, even in dishes that looked vegetarian at first glance. Still, the soup dumplings and the Chinese spinach were both delicious.
Rainy Walks in the French Concession
The next day we explored the French Concession and nearby streets. Heavy rain kept sending us into shopping malls to dry off, but the slower pace actually made the neighborhood feel even more interesting.
From the St. Regis to the Mandarin Oriental
On day three we moved to the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, and it raised the bar immediately. The service and the room were outstanding, and the hotel felt like a real upgrade in every way.
The Bund, the Lounge, and a Slow Day
That evening we took our first of many walks to The Bund, with endless malls and lights along the way. The next day was calmer: shopping, strolling, and a long afternoon in the lounge with cakes and snacks, followed by the spa and pool.
Disneyland, the Old City, and Xintiandi
Shanghai Disneyland was a real highlight, especially with the weather staying almost dry for once. Our favorite rides were Pirates of the Caribbean and Zootopia. On the final full day, we crossed the river by boat, visited Yu Garden and the temple, and ended in Xintiandi with our favorite lemon jasmine milk before escaping the rain back to the hotel.
Final Thoughts
Shanghai felt big, stylish, and full of contrasts: luxury hotels, rainy walks, malls, quiet corners, and a few very good food moments. It was a city we kept wanting to explore just a little bit more.
