Take a fresh look at Shanghai with these insider recommendations from Vincent Billiard, concierge at the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai.

When my friends are in town, I take them for drinks at…

Il Bar on the 47th floor of the Bulgari Hotel. It’s one of the coolest spots in the city, with great views from the terrace. You must have the Bulgari cocktail, which is gin, Aperol and a combination of orange, lemon and pineapple juices.

The best dumplings can be found at… 


Din Tai Fung – it’s a chain restaurant but you shouldn’t miss it. It’s such an institution in Shanghai and serves beautiful, authentic dumplings.

For my caffeine fix, I go to…

Sumerian (415 Shaanxi Bei Lu; +86 136 2174 0969), which uses a blend of coffee from Ethiopia. But 
I also love Seesaw – it’s very popular with locals at the moment.

For a romantic experience, make your way to…

The French restaurant Villa Le Bec in the historic French Concession precinct. It’s housed in a magnificent old mansion with a very cute garden, making 
it the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.

For a cultural experience, head to…

The Long Museum. It’s a really interesting space and ideal for modern-art lovers. For something classic, stop by the Shanghai Museum for Chinese history, galleries and exhibitions.

The best daytrip out of Shanghai is…

Suzhou canal, Shanghai

Suzhou, which is 30 minutes from the city by train. It’s known as the Venice of China, with canals and stone bridges. 

Shanghai’s best kept secret is…

Its beautiful Art Deco architecture. The city was home 
to foreign enclaves in the early 20th century and many of the original buildings remain. You can hop in a motorcycle sidecar and be driven through the French Concession. Everyone thinks Shanghai is just a bunch 
of modern towers but at ground level it’s peppered with small towns and villages. 

The Qantas and China Eastern partnership opens up a realm of new travel options between Australia and China, plus the ability to earn Qantas Points* on more flights, shorter transit times, streamlined check-in facilities and access to China Eastern’s lounge facilities in China.
Book your China adventure at qantas.com

SEE ALSO: A First-timer's Guide to Shanghai

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*You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, Status Credits and the earning and redemption of Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. When you travel with China Eastern on a Domestic flight within Mainland China, or an International flight between Mainland China and Australia, be sure to have your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership card with you to receive access for you and one guest to China Eastern Lounges throughout Mainland China, when you and your guest are flying together with Qantas or China Eastern. Show your Qantas card at the lounge.
Mainland China Lounges are located at Wuhan, Xianyang, Nanchang, Taiyuan, Chengdu, Kunming, Lanzhou, Beijing, Pu Dong, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Ningbo. Qantas Points and Status Credits (where applicable) are earned on Eligible Flights with a Qantas or applicable oneworld® Member Airline or Airline Partner flight number on your ticket. Qantas Points and Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes. For full details see the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions and Airline Earning Tables.

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