Step into a time machine and experience the glitz, glamour, and intrigue of 1920s Shanghai—an era when the city was known as the “Paris of the East.” From jazz-filled nightclubs to qipao-clad socialites, this was a decade of cultural fusion, decadence, and revolutionary change. Here’s how to immerse yourself in the roaring ‘20s Shanghai vibe today.
🎷 The Soundtrack: Jazz, Blues & Gramophone Dreams
Shanghai in the 1920s was the jazz capital of Asia, where American swing met Chinese folk melodies. Key spots to relive the music:
✔ The Paramount Ballroom (百乐门) – The most famous dance hall, where big bands played for elites and spies alike. Today, restored venues like Cotton Club Shanghai keep the jazz spirit alive.
✔ Gramophone Records – Hunt for vintage 78rpm discs at Dongtai Road Antique Market.
✔ Modern Throwbacks – Bars like JZ Club host live jazz nights with a 1920s flair.
Try this: Sip a “Shanghai Sidecar” (cognac, Cointreau, lemon) while listening to a jazz quartet cover The Peony Pavilion.
👗 The Fashion: Qipaos, Suits & Art Deco Elegance
1920s Shanghai style was a daring mix of East and West:
For Women:
- High-collar qipaos with daring side slits and intricate embroidery.
- Finger-wave hairstyles and dark lipstick à la Ruan Lingyu, China’s first movie star.
- Art Deco accessories: Jade bracelets, feathered headbands, and beaded clutches.
For Men:
- Western three-piece suits with pocket watches.
- Traditional changshan robes for formal occasions.
- Panama hats and round spectacles for a scholarly touch.
Where to find it: Custom qipaos at South Bund Fabric Market, or rent outfits at Old Shanghai-themed photo studios.
🎭 The Culture: Cabarets, Cinema & Literary Salons
Nightlife & Entertainment
- Dance halls like Del Monte were hubs for gangsters, artists, and foreign diplomats.
- Golden Age cinema thrived—catch silent film screenings at Shanghai Film Museum.
Intellectual Movements
- Lu Xun and other writers debated modernity in cafés like Deda Café (德大西菜社).
- Sassoon House (now Fairmont Peace Hotel) hosted high-society soirées.
🏛️ Time-Travel Experiences in Modern Shanghai
- Stay at the Fairmont Peace Hotel – Soak in the Art Deco lobby and live jazz at the Dragon Phoenix Bar.
- Dine at Lost Heaven (花马天堂) – Yunnan cuisine in a moody, 1920s-inspired setting.
- Take a “Old Shanghai” walking tour – Explore the Bund’s colonial buildings and hidden alleyways.
- Visit the Shanghai History Museum – See opium pipes, rickshaws, and vintage posters.
Why the 1920s Still Captivate
This was Shanghai at its most freewheeling and cosmopolitan—a city of contradictions and creativity. Whether you’re a history buff, jazz lover, or fashion enthusiast, the spirit of the ‘20s lives on in:
✔ Architecture (Art Deco masterpieces along the Bund)
✔ Food (Western-Chinese “Haipai” fusion cuisine)
✔ Attitude (That unshakable Shanghai mix of hustle and elegance)
