Shanghai
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH STUDIO ŪMA
Shanghai Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Studio ŪMA
From historic riverfront architecture to quietly radical contemporary spaces, Shanghai stands as one of Asia’s most compelling design capitals. Guided by Studio ŪMA, this curated Shanghai Design Guide offers an insider’s view of the city’s most distinctive design hotels, art institutions, dining destinations, galleries, and cultural landmarks. From industrial museums and restored heritage mansions to design-led restaurants, artisan studios, and tranquil escapes beyond the city, each stop reflects Shanghai’s layered identity and evolving creative energy. For aesthetes, collectors, and culturally curious travellers, this guide reveals a city where art, architecture, craftsmanship, and lifestyle intersect with precision and poetry. Through Studio ŪMA’s lens, Shanghai emerges not just as a destination, but as an ever-unfolding design experience.
february 2026
Words: designeers and Studio ŪMA
A breakfast and coffee stop:
O’Mills Yanping Road
A favourite morning stop for exceptional coffee and artisanal sourdough, O’Mills Trifle combines relaxed design with meticulous craft. It is an ideal introduction to Shanghai’s evolving café culture.
a design hotel to stay in:
Alila Shanghai
An urban oasis above the city’s hum: a light-filled courtyard garden, lush with greenery, anchored by a 17-foot ceramic-and-stainless-steel tree sculpture by local artist Oscar Wang.
FAVOURITE DESIGN MUSEUM:
MoCA Shanghai
MoCA Shanghai is an independent contemporary art museum in the heart of People’s Park, presenting a dynamic programme of Chinese and international contemporary art, design, and cultural exhibitions. Housed in a striking glass structure, the museum pairs bright, open galleries with views across the park and hosts talks and educational programmes, as well as a rooftop restaurant, MoCA on the Park.
Favourite boutique or concept store for design inspiration:
Veenue
Veenue is defined by impeccable curation, presenting art, furniture, and objects with a discerning eye. It’s a trusted resource for design inspiration and collectible finds.
A place to find art, furniture, design objects:
Maison Dongliang and Gallery 101+
MAISON DONGLIANG and 101+ are essential destinations for discovering art, furniture, and design objects in Shanghai, both championing craftsmanship, cultural narrative, and a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and contemporary design.
Gallery 101+
Favourite art gallery:
Prada Rong Zhai
Prada’s residence (a magnificent 1918 historic mansion and art venue) is such a special place, and Gallery 20c brings together a really exciting, thoughtful lineup of experimental and emerging artists that reflects Shanghai’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
a lunch to indulge into:
Scilla
We always return to Scilla for long lunches, a refined fusion of Italian and Chinese cuisine. The dishes themselves are a work of art, each hand-painted with beautiful intricate patterns and portraits.
a fine dining restaurant:
Yixi Shanghai 1929 by Guillaume Galliot
Dining at Yixi feels immersive and architectural, set within a dramatic interior of arched walls and sweeping windows. The experience balances refined cuisine with a space that feels both grand and intimately composed.
a cocktail or wine bar:
Sober Company
These three destinations define Shanghai’s sophisticated bar scene, each offering a distinct atmosphere shaped by design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. From Japanese precision to contemporary cocktail culture, they reflect the city’s after-dark energy.
A must-visit street or neighbourhood for design lovers:
Anfu and Wukang Road
Anfu Road and Wukang Road, two of the most charming, leafy streets in Shanghai lined with independent boutiques, cafés and antiques houses.
An iconic architectural landmark:
Waibaidu Bridge
Waibaidu Bridge and the surrounding architectural landmarks each represent a distinct chapter of Shanghai’s urban history. Together, they form a visual narrative of the city’s evolution and global influence.
The best spot for a sunset view:
Binjiang Avenue
Binjiang Avenue is one of the best spots for sunset in Shanghai: a riverside promenade where the city opens onto the Huangpu River. For a panoramic skyline moment, head to the White Magnolia Viewing Platform, capturing Shanghai at its most cinematic.
Photography credits:
STUDIO UMA PORTRAIT: FELIX SPELLER
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