Summary
- Mihoyo HQ was a small but really good place to visit that has tons of figures and unique exhibitions.
- The area around Nanjing Rd is really crowded but features both traditional and modern shops that offer all kinds of food and items we need. Nanjing Rd looks like a combination of Paris, Tokyo, and Las Vegas, and it's not just an imitation but has a truly authentic design. You never get bored walking around there.
- The area around Xújiāhuì is a modern shopping district with many interesting places, such as the Shanghai Library and Jiao Tong University nearby.
- In addition to those places, there are many excellent architectural sites, such as Lukong Soho and Longhua Temple.
Highlights
Mihoyo HQ
- Mihoyo HQ is located at No. 519 Cangwu Rd, and some people have posted details online. The opening hours are very limited.
- The exhibition is only on one floor, but it features all the trophies that Mihoyo has won and many cute figures from Genshin, Honkai, and ZZZ.
- There is also a movie showing the work at Mihoyo, which is hard to find on the internet.
Xújiāhuì
- It has many shopping malls connected by overpasses.
- Jiao Tong University is close to that area, and many European-style buildings can be seen in its neighborhood.
- There is also a library with a tall research institution building.
- I have never seen such a crowded Apple Store, and it was the first and only time I saw the real Apple Vision Pro.
Interesting Architecture
- Lukong SOHO is a huge office space with four large buildings and bridges connecting them. It was designed by Zaha Hadid and has a stunning presence and beauty.
Longhua Temple
- Longhua Temple is one of the most famous temples in Shanghai
- Renowned for its tall tower, but it also has a series of very large temples. My friend recommended burning incense there.
Nanjing Rd
- Nanjing Rd is a long commercial street that features all kinds of commodities and architecture.
- It ranges from traditional offerings like local food and European-style architecture to modern department stores and anime shops.
- It's directly connected to the Bund and is always really crowded, but the scenery is ever-changing, so you never get bored.
The Bund
- The Bund is the best place to view skyscrapers.
- The buildings turn into gigantic structures and are truly spectacular.
Conclusion
- I have complained about walkability in Shanghai before, but some places do have it.
- There are many Japanese food options and anime goods in Shanghai, but that doesn't mean the people there speak Japanese. I truly believe I need to reach HSK level 5 soon.
- Mihoyo HQ was really impressive because I could feel the craftsmanship in the design through the videos and figures. Genshin is amazing because it revitalized traditional art with gaming culture. I also want to learn about traditional art in Japan and reproduce it in a modern format.
- I like futuristic design, but more chaotic places like Nanjing Rd are more popular and affordable for people. I think it's because there is enough density of people, and the open-air environment gives us a sense of safety. I want to design a really comfortable place using this experience.
