Ever wondered why Shanghai feels so different from any other city in China? The answer lies in Haipai culture—a fascinating fusion of Eastern tradition and Western influence, born during the city’s golden age in the late 19th to early 20th century. It’s the elegant thread that ties together Shanghai’s fashion, architecture, cuisine, art, and identity.

As a former international port city, Shanghai absorbed global trends and spun them into something entirely its own. This cultural cocktail shaped a cosmopolitan spirit that still defines the city today.

Activities to Enjoy With Friends in Shanghai

In this guide, we’ll explore the key places and experiences where you can still feel the charm of Haipai culture—whether you’re strolling down Art Deco-lined boulevards or sipping tea in a qipao boutique.

Haipai (literally “Shanghai style”) emerged during the late Qing dynasty and Republican era, when Shanghai became a melting pot of East and West. As Western diplomats, merchants, and artists settled in the city, locals began blending foreign influences into traditional Chinese forms.

The result? A cultural movement that redefined aesthetics, values, and lifestyles, manifesting in modern fashion, fusion cuisine, experimental art, and elegant architecture. Think cheongsams cut with Parisian flair, Chinese operas held in Western theatres, and cafés that served soy milk alongside croissants.

Haipai is unique to Shanghai because it grew from its open, international character, rooted in Chinese creativity and a fearless embrace of the new.

This iconic riverside stretch is Shanghai’s grand stage of early 20th-century architecture. British, French, Italian, and German buildings line the Huangpu River, creating a photogenic backdrop that tells stories of trade, transformation, and luxury.

2. Former French Concession

Wander through leafy avenues framed by shikumen houses, colonial villas, and Art Deco gems. Today, the area is a haven for cafés, boutiques, and creatives—but the architecture still whispers of Shanghai’s old-world glamour.

These revitalised heritage zones are home to art galleries, design museums, and cultural centres. Perfect for a slow afternoon admiring restored buildings with a side of cultural immersion.

Discover how Shanghai became China’s style capital. The museum showcases the evolution of fashion from traditional Chinese garments to international runways—Haipai-style.

This shopping avenue is packed with labels that fuse Chinese aesthetics with modern fashion. Expect unique designs, bold qipao reinterpretations, and one-of-a-kind finds that blend nostalgia with edge.

Here, shikumen architecture meets sleek retail experiences. Browse stylish shops or sip coffee in a revamped courtyard while soaking up Haipai’s blend of past and present.

These restaurants serve refined Shanghainese dishes with deep Haipai roots. Try the braised pork belly, drunken chicken, or crab tofu for a true taste of East-meets-West elegance.

One of the oldest Western-style cafés in Shanghai, Deda has been serving locals and visitors since the Republican era. Expect hearty European dishes with a nostalgic Chinese twist.

Upscale dining with a view—and a menu that nods to global cuisine while preserving that old-school Shanghai sophistication. A favourite for those who love a side of history with their dessert.

Situated in People’s Park, MoCA showcases contemporary art that often blends traditional Chinese elements with global themes—a true embodiment of Haipai spirit.

Enjoy a concert where Western classical music meets Chinese instruments. The venue itself is a striking example of old Shanghai grandeur adapted for modern performance.

Once home to literary greats and artists, this cobblestone street is lined with bookstores, art cafés, and historic buildings. It’s a quiet haven with stories on every corner.

Create or try on a traditional cheongsam and learn how this garment evolved under Haipai influence. Many workshops also offer photoshoots for a full throwback experience.

Places like Sunya Cantonese Restaurant serve traditional dim sum in Haipai-era interiors—complete with chandeliers and tiled floors straight out of 1930s Shanghai.

Guided tours focusing on Haipai culture give context to the buildings, streets, and lifestyles that defined Shanghai’s golden age. Look for tours in the Bund area, Rockbund, or the French Concession.

Location: 20 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District

A true Art Deco icon dating back to 1929. With river views, vintage interiors, and a jazz bar straight out of Shanghai’s roaring ‘20s, this hotel is the ultimate Haipai stay.

Location: 1st Floor, Yishui Haoting, No.933, Suzhou Road South, Huangpu

A smart, affordable option close to the action. Great for travellers wanting budget-friendly access to the Bund and cultural landmarks.

Location: Huangpu District

A stylish, modern hotel just minutes from the Bund’s heritage buildings. Perfect for design lovers who want comfort near the city’s historical core.

Location: Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District

Combines modern features with vintage-inspired interiors, placing you within walking distance of the Bund and Yu Garden.

Location: Near People’s Square

A glamorous heritage hotel that feels like stepping into 1930s Shanghai. Elegant rooms, rich décor, and close proximity to MoCA and shopping streets.

From elegant architecture and stylish qipao to fusion dishes and art-filled cafés, Haipai culture is everywhere in Shanghai—you just need to know where to look. This vibrant blend of East and West continues to shape the city, offering travellers a unique way to connect with its rich, cosmopolitan soul.

So, lace up your walking shoes, charge your camera, and dive into the timeless charm of Haipai style, it’s Shanghai at its most iconic.