Ask the crew: Sam Lyu’s favourite things to do in Shanghai

Having grown up amid the mountains and grasslands of Inner Mongolia, I’m fascinated by glittering cities like Shanghai. On my first visit, I stuck to the major attractions, like Yu Garden, Shanghai Disneyland and Shanghai Museum, but with time, I’ve uncovered my own hidden gems in Shanghai.

Must-do

Embark on a city walk. They’ve become a popular way to explore large Chinese cities at a slower pace, and I’ve devised my own for Shanghai. If you don't fancy walking the entire route, most stops are easily reached by the Shanghai Metro, with several metro lines serving the neighbourhoods along the way. My itinerary starts at Wukang Mansion, also known as Wukang Building, an eye-catching heritage building in the former French Concession. I love the greenery and romance of that district. This neighbourhood is also home to some of the city’s best coffee shops, making it the perfect place to pause during a day of exploring. One of the best times to visit is in spring or autumn, when the trees lining the streets are at their most beautiful.

The first stop is Anfu Road, known for its arty vibe. My favourite hidden gem here is the Déjà Vu Recycle Store. Its Chinese name, Duo Zhua Yu, means “to catch more fish” – so you can think of it as selling a mix of familiar favourites and unexpected surprises. I particularly love the second floor, which is dedicated to second-hand and out-of-print books. My most unusual find has been a cookbook of ancient recipes published by the British Museum.

The next stop is Huaihai Middle Road, Shanghai’s world-class fashion centre. Look out for two cool new retail spaces called TX Huaihai and HAI550 , which house Chinese designer brands. Finally: the North Bund. While everyone knows the central Bund, the North Bund is a little newer, a little quieter and, to my mind, more beautiful. The waterfront promenades have free entry, making it easy to spend an afternoon here without spending a thing. One distinct draw is the giant metal egg sculpture – it’s well worth a photo. From here, you can also admire Shanghai’s famous skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. If you’re looking for panoramic city views, the observation deck at Shanghai Tower offers some of the best views in the city.

Must-eat

Shanghai dumplings filled with crab roe and soup from the famed Lailai Xiaolong . There are branches around Shanghai and they’re all incredibly popular, but the one in the North Bund normally has fewer visitors and therefore a shorter waiting time.

Must-pack

A slow, art-filled city walk calls for a retro camera for taking one-of-a-kind photos while you explore.