Since China expanded its visa-free travel policy, Shanghai has become a hotspot for young South Korean tourists seeking weekend getaways. With over 200 weekly flights between Shanghai and South Korea, the quick and affordable journey has made the city an irresistible destination.
While Shanghai's vibrant skyline and cultural landmarks are a draw, its culinary and entertainment scenes steal the show for many South Korean visitors.
Here's a curated list of their favorite spots:
Culinary Highlights
Long time ago roasted lamb skewers (很久以前羊肉串)
Located on the 6th floor of Shanghai No. 1 Department Store on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall, this barbecue chain is a top choice for South Korean tourists. On weekends, up to 80 percent of diners are South Koreans, some wait hours to enjoy the Chinese-style barbecue.
Popular dishes include lamb skewers, smashed cucumbers, and roasted seafood, all at an affordable average spend of 90 yuan (US$12.3).
Smashed cucumbers and roasted seafood are also among the favorites of South Korean customers.
Roasted seafood
Haidilao hotpot (海底捞火锅)
Known for its flavorful soup bases and exceptional service, Haidilao is a must-visit for South Korean tourists. Guests rave about the complimentary fruits, snacks, and services like hand care and photo printing. Favorites include fresh beef slices, enoki mushrooms, and baby cabbage.
Branches near People's Square, the Bund, and Yuyuan Garden Malls are particularly popular, with some locations offering Korean-speaking staff and signage.
Haidilao hotpot is a must-try for a lot of South Korean tourists.
Many fruits, snacks are offered for free at Haidilao hotpot restaurants.
Customers also receive cute toys with Chinese elements.
Free manicure and hand care services at Haidilao have drawn praise from many diners.
Lai Lai Xiao Long (莱莱小笼)
This Bib Gourmand restaurant on Tianjin Road offers some of the city's best xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) alongside other iconic dishes like crab roe wontons and spring rolls.
South Korean diners appreciate the traditional pairing of ginger and vinegar to enhance the dumplings' flavor. Other favorites include dried noodles and fried pork chops.
Lai Lai Xiao Long, a Bib Gourmand restaurant, is very popular among South Korean diners who want to sample authentic Shanghai food.
It is famous for delicious crab roe xiaolongbao (little steamed soup dumplings).
Diners can also order ginger in vinegar as a dip to enhance the aroma of the hairy crab meet.
Don't miss the fried pork chop, which is also a Shanghai delicacy.
Shanghai Grandmother (上海姥姥)
Situated near the Bund, this restaurant surprises locals with its immense popularity among South Korean tourists.
With an average spend of 95 yuan, diners enjoy classic Shanghai dishes such as red braised pork and stir-fried eel with hot oil. The menu also features crowd-pleasers from other Chinese cuisines, including mapo tofu and fish-fragrant pork slices.
Located in the neighborhood of the Bund, Shanghai Grandmother restaurant offers both Shanghai-style food and dishes from other Chinese cuisines.
The restaurant has been gaining increasing popularity among foreign tourists.
Red braised pork
Steamed hairy crabs
Ah Ma Handmade (阿嬷手作)
This trendy beverage chain draws South Korean tourists to its locations at People's Square, Xintiandi, and iapm Mall.
Long queues of 1-2 hours are common for their handmade milk teas and fruit teas, though pre-ordering via the WeChat mini program saves time. Many visitors capture Instagram-worthy moments holding their drinks against Shanghai's iconic backdrops.
Ah Ma Handmade's Xintiandi Store is popular with tourists.
People usually wait for 1-2 hours in long queues to order the handmade milk tea or fruit tea.
Posing for photos holding the tea cups at the city's landmark spots has become a fad.
Tea drinks captured for posterity
Entertainment Highlight
"Era – Spirit of Shanghai"
The multimedia spectacular "Era – Spirit of Shanghai" has seen a surge in South Korean audiences, who now account for one-third of the weekend crowd.
Known for its stunning acrobatics and immersive storytelling, the show has become a favorite among foreign visitors. According to Chen Tao, deputy general manager of "Era," the performances reflect the vitality of Shanghai's entertainment market, bolstered by the city's thriving tourism industry.
"Era – Spirit of Shanghai" at the Shanghai Circus World is a witness to the inbound tourism boom.
A South Korean family is interviewed while attending the "Era" performance.
The expansion of the visa-free travel policy has stimulated the vitality of Shanghai's entertainment market.
Pro Tips
- Dianping (大众点评): Use this app for restaurant ratings, discounts, and food package deals. Many venues offer perks for reviews and check-ins.
- Delivery Apps: Ele.me (饿了么) and Meituan (美团) provide convenient food delivery services for those short on time.