2021 Shanghai WOW! BEST 50 Unveiled!

Since 2013 until today, Shanghai WOW! has been publishing a BEST 50 list, covering the most popular spots in Shanghai across categories such as restaurants, bars, hotels, and commercial real estate.
Video Tour of the 

2021 Shanghai WOW! BEST 50 Award 

Shanghai WOW! has been publishing a BEST 50 list for nine years. For the past nine years, we have selected the newly opened businesses or the innovative and outstanding businesses that led the high-end lifestyle that year. We have personally experienced all the listed merchants, and the list is examined by professional media professionals, senior editorial teams, industry professionals, and data evaluation.This list is our important brand. It represents the new trend of internationalization, high-quality, urban modern lifestyle that we have always admired, and it is worth viewing!

Hotel of the Year

J Hotel Shanghai Tower

J Hotel is a high-end hotel brand which belongs to JJI. J Hotel Shanghai Tower is currently the tallest hotel in Shanghai with modern oriental elements.

Shopping Mall of the Year

- Editor's Pick -

Taikooli Qiantan

It is the first Taikooli in Shanghai and the third in the country. It covers nearly 120,000 m² and includes over 250+ luxury and popular brands. 

- Reader's Pick -

GRAND OCEAN @ 1000TREES

Created by Thomas Heatherwick, GRAND OCEAN @ 1000TREES is a creative leisure complex located on the banks of the Suzhou River in Shanghai, and it  opened at the end of 2021. It has a "floating forest", and features artists’ works worth more than RMB 100 million.

Teahouse of the Year

 hidden stream

hidden stream presents the most beautiful integration of China and the west to the world, advocates a minimalist aesthetics and comfortable space to convey tea culture, and cooperates with Gu Yi and other well-known architectural designers to create 26 different spaces for you to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the noisy city.

Best New Restaurant

NEW WAVE

by DA VITTORIO BISTROT

NEW WAVE by DA VITTORIO is the second restaurant by DA VITTORIO in Asia, and Cerea family’s first foray into art museum restaurant.  The name "NEW WAVE" was inspired by the opening exhibition "'85 New Wave: China's First Contemporary Art Movement" presented at UCCA Beijing in 2007, based on an important turning point in Chinese art history.

Best Banquet Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

Di Jing Jing Cai Xuan

After three years in the making, the restaurant located on the 30th floor of The Panorama, Shanghai, and designed by Zhao Rui, offers excellent river views. It displays more than 20 pieces of art and provides high-quality Cantonese cuisine.

- Reader's Pick -

J Hotel Shanghai Tower Heavenly Jin

The restaurant located on the 120th floor of J Hotel Shanghai Tower is currently the highest in Shanghai. It focuses on a fusion of modern European and Jiangnan cuisine.

Best Nightclub

- Editor's Pick -

1 OAK Shanghai

1 OAK, a legendary international nightclub loved by global stars, expanded its operations from New York and opened in Shanghai in 2021. 

- Reader's Pick -

AKOMA

It is jointly created by Modern Sky and the entertainment group Shigoo Symbole, and it has live performances by hip-hop stars every week.

Best Nightclub Hub

TEAM TAXX

TAXX has three immersive spaces, TAXX ANGLE, hood, and CHANCE at FOUND 158, offering a variety of entertainment formats.

Best Private Banquet

- Editor's Pick -

Club Whisper

Located on the top floor of Three on the Bund, Club Whisper provides cuisines from its four restaurants. It features COCO DE MER bar cabinets and rare wines.

- Reader's Pick -

Hiding in The Kitchen

Hiding in The Kitchen is a brand-new fine-dining masterpiece by Chef Ling, the owner of Stone Sal, and it features an international menu. It is a two-story building of nearly 100 m², with 18 dining seats, an open kitchen, and a private wine cellar room.

Best Omakase

- Editor's Pick -

yuusawa

yuusawa is a sushi restaurant at RMB 2000+ per pax with 12 seats in the main dining area and one private tatami room. It is equipped with two Japanese-style whiskey bars and wine cellar-themed private rooms.

- Reader's Pick -

Sushi Aoki The New Bund

Located in Taikoo Li, New Bund. Sushi Aoki @ New Bund is a new omakase restaurant under Sushi Aoki with limited 8 counter seats and a private room. Dining with reservations only.

Best Fusion Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

KIINA

KIINA means China in Nordic language. KIINA is a minimalist restaurant, and it offers a menu made of local Chinese ingredients and displays modern dining aesthetics.

- Reader's Pick -

Obscura by TangXiang

As a new project by famous husband and wife Chefs DeAille and Simon, the restaurant won a Michelin star in 2021. Chef DeAille Tam also won the 2021 "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants" Award for Best Female Chef in Asia.

Best Boutique Store

- Editor's Pick -

HAUS SHANGHAI

It is the second experiential consumption space under the Gentle Monster Group, exclusively occupying a four floor building on Middle Huaihai Road. It challenges the traditional business models, and includes art museums, technology exhibitions, and retail spaces, providing young generation with a new shopping experience.

- Reader's Pick -

HARMAY（Wukang Road Store）

The new warehouse-concept store opens on Wukang Road, and it combines old Shanghai style with modern industrial-style designs.

Best Pekingnese Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

ShengYongXing Duck&Wine（Pudong）

The one-Michelin-star roast duck restaurant, ShengYongXing Duck&Wine, has been popular in Beijing for 14 years, and its branch store opened on Bund Five at the end of 2020.

- Reader's Pick -

SHIHEYUAN

SHIHEYUAN is a project of one-Michelin-star restaurant, Yong Fu, and the founder of new Pekingnese cuisine, Duan Yu. It serves a menu of classic Beijing delights blended with international flavors. 

Best Art Museum

- Editor's Pick -

UCCA Edge

UCCA Edge is the third venue of the UCCA installation, and it showcases outstanding Chinese and international art resources and public projects.

- Reader's Pick -

Museum of Art Pudong

Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) is located in Lujiazui Central Business District in Shanghai and has been designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel (AJN). Aims to establish itself as an international cultural landmark for Shanghai and an important platform for global cultural and art communication. For its inaugural program, the museum had presented three major exhibitions: Light: Works from Tate’s Collection; Joan Miro. Women, Birds, Stars; Cai Guo-Qiang: Odyssey and Homecoming.

Best Whiskey Club

- Editor's Pick -

GOLDEN EXPRESS

The high-end membership-only whisky club in Shanghai provides more than 1,000 products from all over the world. The bar restores the famous "Venice Simplon Orient Express” theme.

- Reader's Pick -

MINING EMPIRE Whisky Club

It is a high-end nightclub built by the MINING Enterprise Management Group - a whisky club exclusive to members. 

Best Luxury Afternoon Tea

- Editor's Pick -

THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI

In the summer of 2021, The Peninsula Shanghai partnered with LINE FRIENDS to  launch the Art Themed Afternoon tea, inspired by the crossover art collaboration between The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and LINE FRIENDS.

- Reader's Pick -

The Harrods Tea Rooms

The Harrods Tea Rooms by Harrods, the world's leading department store, the first Tea Rooms destination in China, is located on the first floor of Cha House, Shanghai, a cenury-old building.

Best View Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

Light & Salt High

On the 65th floor of Qiantan Center, Light & Salt Group has built its brand new restaurant, Light & Salt High, offering panoramic views of Xuhui Riverside and Lujiazui. 

- Reader's Pick -

ROOF P.M. Moderning Dining

ROOF P.M. is located on the top floor of the Museum of Art Pudong featuring an expansive 270-degree view of Shanghai. Serving delectable modern dishes, the restaurant showcases a unique dining experience with art and class.

Best Nightclub Center 

- Editor's Pick -

EKO

EKO in Hongkou District is the first immersive nightlife and entertainment complex in China. It is a five-story experiential space with a total investment of RMB 120 million. The overall building covers a total of 8000 m².

- Reader's Pick -

NRG

New Radiation Group creates a 4000 m² immersive interactive space, ranging from nightclubs to experiential stores and interactive luxury private rooms.

Best Design Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

Shanghai Tang Cafe（xin tian di）

After a two-year hiatus, Shanghai Tang Cafe has returned to Xintiandi this year with a unique fusion of local cuisine.

- Reader's Pick -

RED MANSIONS

RED MANSIONS is an oriental-theme space based on Jia Mansion. The restaurant occupies a double-story ancient building of 3000 m² in the site of St. Mary’s Hall, Raffles City, Changning District. 

Best Shanghainese Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

Hai Wei Guan（Huangpu）

Established in 2015, Hai Wei Guan（Huangpu）use modern cooking technique to redefine shanghainess cuisine. Its new place is located in Fuxing Place, Laoximen.

- Reader's Pick -

JINGAN SUHE FEAST

JINGAN SUHE FEAST, a restaurant that has been six years in the making, offers a creative fusion of traditional dishes,  located in the original Zhu family’s residence.

Best Creative Western Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

BONICA

BONICA has a Mediterranean style, and its Chef Marco Chávez once held important positions in Paul Pairet's restaurant. 

- Reader's Pick -

CAMINETTO 

A modern Italian restaurant, created by Shanghai’s famous Chef Chai Kelvin, has a 360° wine cellar and incorporates local ingredients into its traditional Italian cuisine. 

Best Southeast Asian Restaurant

Siam Memory

Siam Memory, created by the famous Chef Noom Chantrawan, has won the "Michelin One Star" award in Thailand for three consecutive years. They opened a new store located in Shanghai BFC in 2021. 

Best Sichuan Restaurant

NAN XING YUAN

NAN XING YUAN specializes in traditional Sichuan cuisine. The restaurant is served by the famous Chef Deng Huadong, and has three floors and nine private rooms.

Best Streetside Bistro

- Editor's Pick -

MAVIS

MAVIS is the first bistro in Shanghai that combines a French bistro with a natural bar.

- Reader's Pick -

Bar à Vin

Founded in 2020, Bar à Vin is a casual wine bar by Jeff and Peter.

Best Cantonese Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

100 Century Avenue Cantonese 

at Park Hyatt Shanghai

Located on the 91st floor, 100 Century Avenue Cantonese offers an array of classic Cantonese dishes in authentic flavor. 

- Reader's Pick -

102 HOUSE

102 HOUSE, Foshan, once rated as the “Essence of Asia” by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, has opened its branch store in Shanghai.

Best Cocktail Bar

- Editor's Pick -

KAISHA

KAISHA was built by the same team behind the Japanese bar Suzu. It combines the American Western bar and the Japanese Higashi bar concept. 

- Reader's Pick -

Lieben

Lieben provides cocktails, Mezcal, wineries, and private pop-up kitchens.

Best Boutique Hotel

ZHotel The Somekh Building

ZHotel The Somekh Building is located in Somekh Building, a century-old historical building. It is a new lifestyle brand under the Atour Group.

Best View Bar

 J Hotel Shanghai Tower 

Yi Lounge

The Yi Lounge on the 84th floor of J Hotel Shanghai Tower  is a semi-open design that occupies half a floor.

Best Chinese Fusion Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

Charcoal Player

Charcoal Player is a creative Chinese fusion restaurant where each dish is grilled on charcoal, and the flavors here are a blend of Chinese and Western.

- Reader's Pick -

Hong

Hong restaurant is served by a chef who formerly worked at a Michelin restaurant.

Best Terrace

- Editor's Pick -

Magicroof

The Alice-in-Wonderland-themed bar is located on the top floor of Blossom House. It includes a stunning maze terrace of over 600 ㎡.

- Reader's Pick -

LE JARDIN de JR

LE JARDIN de JR is located in one of the villas in Hunan Road. The open-air swimming pool and French cuisine promise you a pleasant time.

Best Villa Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

Oriental Sense & Palate

The new-style Chaoshan cuisine restaurant by the Yidao brand is located in the Sinan Mansions. It features high-end Cantonese delights prepared by Guangzhou’s two-Michelin star Chef Huang Jinghui. 

- Reader's Pick -

The Grand Boat (Julu Road)

The restaurant is located in a three-story English garden villa on Julu Road. It was once the private residence of the Shanghai tycoon Du Yuesheng. The European-style architecture presents a calm and elegant vibe. Its cuisine is well received by its customers.

Best Kaiseki Cuisine

- Editor's Pick -

seiku

The food concept of seiku is inspired by Tokyo's two-Michelin star kutan restaurant, and it opened its first store in Shanghai BFC last fall.

- Reader's Pick -

J Hotel Shanghai Tower Kinnjyou Inaka

Located on the 104th floor of J Hotel Shanghai Tower, Kinnjyou Inaka provides views of the Shanghai skyline from 484 m high. 

Best Japanese Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

T0 shibuyanakasushi

Served by Hayashi Akira, this sushi omakase restaurant is about RMB 3,000+ per pax.

- Reader's Pick -

YUZU お箸や&BAR by山蒙

Located at The Roof, the restaurant’s Omakase creative set meal by Chef Yamano combines Chinese, Japanese, and European elements.

Best Yakiniku Restaurant

- Editor's Pick -

Ember

The extreme popular yakiniku restaurant Nakahara in Tokyo, renowned for its Omakase service style, opened a franchise in Shanghai called Ember, which locally is the first Japanese restaurant using beef as its main component in every dish. Immersed beneath the abundant culture within Japanese cuisines, the Wagyu is cooked in various ways, revealing its glamour along every inch of the beef. It is worth a special visit. 

- Reader's Pick -

DAIMU YAKINIKU

DAIMU YAKINIKU, a high-end Yakiniku restaurant from Shenzhen, has opened its chain store in Shanghai Hang Lung Plaza. 

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Wu You Da Mei

The restaurant is on Pucheng Road, Lujiazui, and provides ancient Song Dynasty banquets.

Best Mall with Food Court

- Editor's Pick -

Raffles City The Bund

Shanghai's third Raffles City takes tourists back to the 90s old Shanghai. 

- Reader's Pick -

HALL OF THE SUN, RUIHONG TIANDI

It is a large-scale commercial complex in Hongkou District, covering 5,000 m², with a farm, a wine cellar, a kitchen and a garden.

Best Izakaya

- Editor's Pick -

TORISAWĀ

TORISAWĀ is a modern Izakaya restaurant created by Zhiting Hospitality which not only maintains the high standard of the food but also enhances its beverage list by cooperating with Speak Low - one of the Asia’s  50 best Bars , through working with Jubin’s Horizontal Design , Zhiting brings fabulous interior design into shanghai !

- Reader's Pick -

Mikawa lzakaya（Tongren88）

It is a new version of the high-end Torii Izakaya.

Best Staycation Hotel

- Editor's Pick -

Hilton Shanghai Songjiang Guangfulin

The hotel is located in Guangfulin Park and designed by GOA. It integrates modern architecture with traditional Chinese elements, providing various cuisines and entertainment facilities.

- Reader's Pick -

Hyakumangoku Onsen Resort

The high-end resort hotel under the famous Japanese hot spring brand Gokurakuyu spans 18,000 m² and is located in the central area of the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone. 

Best Beauty

- Editor's Pick -

NAN SPA

The first Monaco luxury spa in Shanghai is committed to a Natural & Noble concept.

- Reader's Pick -

Rubis SPA （TAIKOO LI）

Rubis SPA, a luxury Chinese spa brand, attracts more and more young middle-class women who recognize an exquisite lifestyle with its natural skincare products derived from the Swiss Alps, quality massages, elegant and soothing environment, and customized consumption concept.

Best Dessert

- Editor's Pick -

LENÔTRE（TaiKoo Li Qiantan）

The legend of French contemporary pastry-LENÔTRE, opened its largest store in Shanghai and the first store in Pudong,  continuing classic French design and meanwhile, setting up private VIP room and outdoor seats for the first time. Together with LENÔTRE's classic French pastries and all-day light dishes, Taikoo Li gets a touch of French flair.

- Reader's Pick -

L'Éclair de Génie（ifc）

L'Éclair de Génie, was founded by the "Godfather of French Desserts," Christophe Adam, and is the world's first eclair specialty store. 

Best Brunch

- Editor's Pick -

The Living Room

It is a cafe that serves brunch and is located in a century-old villa with an outdoor terrace seating.

- Reader's Pick -

Something

It is a super popular brunch restaurant on Wukang Road.

Best Chinese Bistro

- Editor's Pick -

SHAN

A freshly upgraded restaurant, Shan, is created by the BLOOM team in Taikoo Li, New Bund and serves unique Dai-ethnic cuisine.

- Reader's Pick -

Dianfu Yunnan Bistro

The Yunnan cuisine restaurant is located in the century-old historical building, Somekh Building, and serves new Yunnan cuisine.

Best Banquet Room

- Editor's Pick -

Dong Lin Guan Hai · He Xing 1913

It is a brand new project by the Pujianghui Group and Taizhou Shunji Catering Group, with nearly RMB 100 million investments. The restaurant contains 30 private rooms and provides high-end Cantonese cuisine and Taizhou seafood.

Best Seafood

- Editor's Pick -

Xi Yu Seafood Hot Pot

Xi Yu Seafood Hot Pot , created by Jing Cai Xuan, is located in Shanghai Times Square. Designed by Zhao Rui, its decor incorporates garden landscaping techniques. 

- Reader's Pick -

LOONG DOCK CRAB HOUSE

（ONE EAST）

The legendary LOONG DOCK CRAB HOUSE has opened its branch store in One East Plaza.

Best Hotpot

- Editor's Pick -

SHEUNG FONG HOTPOT On The Bund

SHEUNG FONG HOTPOT On The Bund blends vintage Hong Kong style with the classic Metropolitan Museum designs. 

- Reader's Pick -

YanShanCheng

CHONGQING BANQUET originates from the Qing Dynasty and serves guests a century-old double-flavored pot recipe. 

Best French Bistro

- Editor's Pick -

BLAZ

The French Bistrot Blaz on Donghu Road serves classic french fares and more creative dishes by Chef Chris Zhu. Wine list is eclectic proposing a serious selection of natural wines as well as the classic appellations.

- Reader's Pick -

BISOU

BISOU, located on Middle Jianguo Road, offers classic French dishes at a budget-friendly price and is served by the French Chef Rembrandt.

Best Chocolate

- Editor's Pick -

Laderach

Laderach, which started in 1962 in Switzerland，has opened a flagship store in Shanghai, which is the first store in China.

- Reader's Pick -

Venchi（Taikooli Qiantan）

Venchi, a high-end Italian chocolate brand with over 140 years of history, brings unique treats to chocolate lovers worldwide. 

Exhibition of the Year

- Editor's Pick -

GUCCI GARDEN ARCHETYPES

The first stop of the “GUCCI GARDEN ARCHETYPES” tour exhibition is at the Shanghai Exhibition Center,  designed by Archivio Personale. 

- Reader's Pick -

CHANEL CORRESPONDENCES - A PERFUME EXHIBITON

Chanel's Classic No. 5 perfume celebrates its 100th birthday with the "CHANEL CORRESPONDENCES", a perfume exhibition at the Shanghai West Bund Art Center.

Best Nearby Luxury Hotel

- Editor's Pick -

Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo

It is the first Banyan Tree brand hotel in Jiangsu located in the Jiangsu Garden Expo, 13 km away from Tangshan Hot Spring. 

- Reader's Pick -

THE CHEDI XINCHANG

Located in the scenic spot of Nineteen Peaks, The Chedi Xinchang covers 45,000 square meters along the Han Fei River and colonize a hilltop overlooking the hotel facilities in the canyon. Designed by a famous architect, the resort blends in with the surrounding nature without compromising its personality, either back against the cliff, or facing the Hanfei river or on the hilltop.

- Reader's Pick -

QIUSHUi VILLA

The new luxury brand launched by The New Hotel, Hangzhou has become a landmark building along the West Lake. It includes a 180-degree terrace and has a semi-open infinity pool. 

Best Brand Pop-Up

- Editor's Pick - 

 Martell Gourmet Theater 2.0 with the theme of‘The New Imperial Banquet through the Millenniums’

Martell cooperated with Forbidden City Culture Development Company and hosted a 15-day gourmet theater for Shanghai customers.

- Reader's Pick -

Plaza 66 GO GLAMPING

The podium garden on the top floor of Plaza 66 not only gives you a glimpse of Shanghai's prosperity but also is transformed into a glamping campsite to offer a relaxing getaway right at the city center.

Best High-end Foodie Mall

- Editor's Pick -

Shanghai ifc mall

Shanghai ifc mall features 200+ brands, including high-end dining options from all over the world. 

- Reader's Pick -

The Bund Finance Center

The popular commercial landmark, The Bund Financial Center, integrates food, fashion, art, and design.

Best Trendy Mall 

- Editor's Pick -

Grand Gateway 66

Grand Gateway 66 spans more than 70,000 m², and over 400 brands are featured.

- Reader's Pick -

iapm mall

It is a trendy shopping landmark in the Middle Huaihai Road business district. 

Video Tour of BSP's First Store in China