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Why It's Good:
On top of its bustle and bling, Shanghai also offers intrepid travelers quiet corner cafes, très chic boutiques and art deco architecture galore, all set within verdant lanes.
Why It's Green:
Some encouraging recent developments include the debut of URBN Hotels Shanghai (pictured, right), carbon neutral and constructed from recycled materials, and the addition of four new subway lines, for a total of eight, to move the city's 20 million residents without the use of cars. Restrictions on plastic bags set to go into effect on June 1 have inspired a new market for hipster canvas totes.
Eco-Chic Shanghai Surprises
Shanghai is famous for being an amazing destination for cheap shopping sprees, but there are earth-friendly options. For unique and chic earrings and bracelets made from discarded pieces of antique porcelain, visit La Vie Jolie. Scent junkies will want to sniff out Ba Yan Ka La for lotions and soaps crafted with pure Tibetan water and seasonally harvested goji berries and lotus; Urban Tribe offers unique cotton and hemp clothes dyed with traditional Chinese herbs and teas; and Paper Tiger's festive 100% recyclable wrapping paper provides perfect gift packaging. Bag up goodies with a tote from the Else Seven line (pictured, left), which features cute Shanghai-inspired motifs and is available at Ushigokoro. You can also pick up totes at Salt —and why not get a hemp pencil case to store your reusable chopsticks while you're at it.
With post-shopping appetites roaring, you'll want to head to Zaozi Shu (Jujube Tree), a sleek yet casual modern eatery serving up flavorful vegetarian creations and strong organic teas. Sample a savory mushroom casserole or sweet and tangy pumpkin soup. On the way out, pick up organic goodies in the grocers.
Finish your day with an organic facial at Frank *n Sense and greet the Shanghai night with jasmine-scented skin.
Other things you'll want to do: Grab fresh air with the locals as well as a ballroom dancing partner at Fuxing Park. Skip down the street and buy a second-hand bike on Xiangyang Road for less than $15 (cycling's a great way to see the city); then pay it forward by giving it away on your last day. Or buy a tree from the local environmental club Roots & Shoots. They'll plant it in Inner Mongolia for you.—Megan Shank
