Shanghai Free & Easy ~ Discovering Literary & Artistic Shanghai in the Footsteps of Eileen Chang

The World Expo has continuously brought innovation to Shanghai. The reason why the Shanghai Expo attracts so many people on a "pilgrimage" is not only because of the nearly 100 pavilions and tens of thousands of exhibitions and performances that are highly captivating, but also due to Shanghai’s inherently enchanting charm. If you are packing your bags and getting ready to fly to Shanghai, besides visiting the Expo, be sure to stroll along the bustling and vibrant Bund, explore the unique shops nestled in the alleyways, and indulge in Shanghainese cuisine that brings together the essence of various culinary traditions.

And then, beyond the basic Shanghai itinerary including Xintiandi and Yu Garden, if you’re a fan of Eileen Chang, consider visiting the Eileen Chang Book House on Kangding East Road. In the past, what people were familiar with was Eileen Chang’s former residence in Shanghai—the Changde Apartments—where fans often went to pay their respects. It’s said that the residents of Eileen Chang’s former home didn’t mind visitors, but since other floors were also residential, it was ultimately somewhat inconvenient. At Lane 87, Kangding East Road, there is also an Eileen Chang residence, which was renovated and completed in November 2009 to become the Shimen No. 2 Road Community Cultural Center. In fact, in 1921, Eileen Chang was born here and spent 20 years of her life in this very place. Within this old residence, a special “Eileen Chang Book House” has been set up, featuring imitation Ming-style furniture that conveys Eileen Chang’s delicate and classical aesthetic, as well as her uniquely beautiful and romantic temperament. The space also displays a collection of books, films, artworks, and other materials related to various editions of Eileen Chang’s works, making it a must-visit for fans wishing to trace and imagine the former presence of Eileen Chang.

Day 1
【Itinerary】 Taoyuan – Central Japan International Airport – Shanghai – The Bund
【Accommodation】 Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai

★★★ Recommended Attraction = No. 3 The Bund
Built in 1916, No. 3 The Bund features a Renaissance-style facade and Baroque exterior decorations. It is the first steel-framed building in Shanghai. No. 3 The Bund was the first enterprise mall on the Bund to be owned and developed by the government, marking the beginning of the Bund’s transformation into a vibrant and prosperous hub. Spanning seven floors, the space was meticulously designed by renowned designer Michael Graves, who skillfully blended historical elegance with a modern fashion sensibility using high-quality materials. Currently, it houses four refined Chinese and Western restaurants, stylish boutiques of three premium brands, a spa center...Click to view all attraction information

Day 2
【Itinerary】 International Architecture Exhibition – No. 18 The Bund – Shanghai Museum – Fuzhou Road Book Street
【Accommodation】 Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
【Lunch】 Tanwailou
【Dinner】 Laolongxing Restaurant

★★★ Recommended Attraction = International Architecture Exhibition
In Shanghainese, the upper reaches of a river are called “里” (inside), while the lower reaches are called “外” (outside). The Huangpu River makes one bend near Longhua and another at Lujiazui. Shanghainese commonly refer to the riverside area from Jinling Road to Waibaidu Bridge as “The Bund,” a term that has since gained greater iconic status and is recognized by both domestic and international visitors. The area south of Jinling Road is known as “South Bund,” the riverside district north of Waibaidu Bridge in Hongkou is called “North Bund,” and the opposite Lujiazui area is dubbed “East Bund.” The Bund is acclaimed as the “Exhibition of International Architecture.” Along the 1,500–1,600-meter riverside promenade by the Bund, a continuous array of modern buildings in diverse architectural styles stand in succession. Strolling along the newly renovated riverside viewing platform, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the scenery on both sides of the Huangpu River. As night falls and the lights come on, the Bund’s buildings, rich with international flair, are immersed in a sea of lights, each one appearing crystal-clear like a palace of glass. Click to view all attraction information

★★★ Recommended Attraction = No. 18 The Bund
The Renaissance-style No. 18 The Bund building was constructed in 1923. Originally the headquarters of the British Chartered Bank in China, it has been used by various entities over the years and is now occupied by No. 18 The Bund. The Italian designer Filippo Gabbiani, who was responsible for renovating the building’s façade, approached the project with the mindset of preserving cultural heritage and historic monuments. It’s said that even just the walls...Click to view all attraction information

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Fuzhou Road Book Street
The Renaissance-style No. 18 The Bund building was constructed in 1923. Originally the headquarters of the British Chartered Bank in China, it has been used by various entities over the years and is now occupied by No. 18 The Bund. The Italian designer Filippo Gabbiani, who was responsible for renovating the building’s façade, approached the project with the mindset of preserving cultural heritage and historic monuments. It’s said that even just the walls...Click to view all attraction information