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Soup dumplings

DAY 2

Soup dumplings

No trip to Shanghai would be complete without sampling xiaolongbao, the quintessential local snack.

Jia Jia Tang Bao is arguably the city's most renowned hole-in-the-wall institution for this soup dumpling.

Another beloved Shanghainese snack is the shengjianbao. Like xiaolongbao, it also contains a delicious broth but it is considerably larger, has a thicker skin and is pan-fried instead of steamed.

Locals swear by those made at Fengyu, which has multiple stores across the city.

Shanghai Old Town

Admire architecture that dates back to dynastic rule in Shanghai Old Town, between Remin Road and Zhongshan Road.

You'll also find street vendors selling snacks, souvenirs and antiques.

Have lunch at Jian Guo 328, a popular Shanghainese dining establishment that serves hearty, home-cooked fare at very affordable prices.

If Shanghainese cuisine is too sweet for your liking, head to Canton 8, which was in 2016 crowned as the world's cheapest restaurant with two Michelin stars.

The establishment serves Cantonese cuisine and a sumptuous dim sum spread.