You made it all the way to Shanghai to attend this year's CIIE, and – let us guess – within the first day you're tired of the convention center food already, craving a taste of all this culinary destination of a city has to offer. Well, we've got you covered with a handful of restaurants – from casual fare to splurge-worthy cuisine – all within a few minutes walk of the expo center.

And... if you're not new to Shanghai, this article will still be of interest (and highly shareable). We're going to take you through the new (absolutely stunning) development near the National Exhibition and Convention Center coming to us from the same developers who created Xintiandi. Except... wow, just... the pictures speak for themselves.

What is it?

Panlong Tiandi is a heritage-laden marvel, breathing new life into Shanghai's b. Expect carefully preserved burgeoning Hongqiao business area. Shikumen buildings mingle with modern structures, each housing a curated collection of specialty restaurants, upscale cafes, and retail spaces. What's different about this development compared to Xintiandi, is these Shikumen-style buildings are built around small waterways, reminiscent of a water town. The design transports you to a bygone era, while the dining options range from contemporary Chinese bistros to international cuisine, making it a dream destination for those craving culture and cuisine in equal measure.

Check out these pictures to see how this place transforms from dawn to dusk.

Gaga – A café with a terrace and all-day brunch.

This Shenzhen chain, Gaga, unveils another Shanghai location at Panlong Tiandi, bringing a chic cafe vibe and a charming outdoor terrace perfect for savoring life's special moments, from family gatherings to business discussions. The menu features a delightful array of all-day dining and classic cafe dishes, thoughtfully crafted with a focus on seasonal ingredients and wholesome eating.

From health-conscious smoothie bowls to hearty steak and eggs to fusion-forward shrimp and Sichuan sausage avocado toast, the brunch menu is a must-try (and fortunately, it's available at all hours). Savory mains – such as spring chicken, fish and chips, and grain-fed steaks – provide equally satisfying dining options. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing selection of Gaga fruit teas, a creative blend inspired by the rich traditions of Spanish sangria and Eastern tea culture.

If you go:

Gaga, Panlong Tiandi

PL106, No. 8, Lane 123 Panding Rd 蟠鼎路123弄8号-PL106号

(70-150 yuan/person)

Lenbach Riverside – Bavarian flavors and brews.

Lenbach Riverside, a German restaurant and tap room, brings elevated Bavarian cuisine and a diverse selection of imported beers to Panlong Tiandi in Qingpu District. The original Lenbach menu, crafted in collaboration with a two Michelin-starred European consulting chef, features an array of imported seafood, steaks, gourmet salads, burgers, flatbreads, pasta, risotto, and a spread of savory snacks that pair perfectly with a frothy beer.

The space feels inviting by its design reflecting the restaurant's signature teal and yellow color scheme. Guests can enjoy a refreshing beer or opt for one of over 100 wines, with varietals spanning Europe, New Zealand, and the USA. Come for the brews, but trust us – stay for the food.

If you go:

Lenbach, Panlong Tiandi

BW118, No. 1, Lane 123 Panding Rd, 蟠鼎路123弄1号蟠龙天地滨水市街BW118室.

(140-220 yuan/person)

LOKAL – Your neighborhood spot for international bites & fresh bakes.

LOKAL, an everyday dining concept from Wagas Group (a chain born in Shanghai!), has become a staple in Shanghai's dining scene, offering a blend of international dishes and bakery delights. This welcoming spot feels like your favorite neighborhood sandwich and salad shop, complete with a selection of pastries, all best enjoyed on the spacious terrace.

The extensive brunch menu includes eggs benedict, French toast, omelets, and tartines, alongside salads, pasta, soups, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and heartier mains. Beverage options are abundant, featuring specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, and juices. For something stronger, LOKAL serves a variety of wines and cheeky cocktails to complete the experience.

If you go:

LOKAL, Panlong Tiandi

#Y10, BW128, No. 2, Lane 123 Panding Rd, 蟠鼎路123弄2号蟠龙天地BW128, Y10室.

(80-160 yuan/person)

Tapa Tapa – Spanish coastal flavors.

Tapa Tapa, a beloved boutique Spanish restaurant chain here in Shanghai, brings the spirit of the Spanish coastline to Panlong Tiandi. In the warmer months, enjoy the sunny patio under leafy trees with views of the river. When the weather cools, retreat indoors to a setting inspired by Andalusian architecture, featuring textured walls, elegant archways, and a striking curved ceiling.

The menu is a collaborative creation by renowned chefs from Spain and beyond. Signature dishes include the richly flavored paella, garlicky gambas al ajillo, tender Galician octopus, Spanish-style crab meat potato tortilla, and creamy Basque cheesecake. The extensive wine list offers hundreds of selections to perfectly pair with your meal, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

If you go:

Tapa Tapa, Panlong Tiandi

BW210, No. 1 Panding Rd, 蟠鼎路123弄1号蟠龙天地滨水市街2层BW210号.

(150-230 yuan/person)

How bout some drinks?

Interested in carrying your CIIE business meetings into the evening but not sure where to check out? We stumbled upon a handsome bar also in Panlong Tiandi. We didn't drink there, but... it looks nice. Check it out.

Alley Whiskey Cocktail Bar – A place for spirits cocktail lovers not too far from CIIE.

Alley Whiskey Cocktail Bar stands out as a destination for spirits enthusiasts. Designed with earth tones, dark wood, and gold accents, the bar has a backlit display lined with dozens of bottles, creating a lounge-meets-club ambiance. The cocktails, curated spirits list, and plush seating make it a worthwhile place to visit.

With enticing daily specials, like free red wine for ladies on Mondays, 15 percent off whiskey bottles on Tuesdays, and buy-one-get-one-free cocktails on Wednesdays, there's always a reason to return throughout the week.

If you go:

Alley Whiskey Cocktail Bar, Panlong Tiandi

PL201-2, No. 1, Lane 123 Panding Rd, 蟠鼎路123弄1, PL106号.

(90-220 yuan/person)