Avoid the Winter Chill

Shanghai cold snaps can leave you dreaming of tropical sunshine, but if a Bali-beach break isn’t on the cards, fret not – there are plenty of ways to beat the chill. Rug up and get toasty with these tried-and-tested winter warmers. 

Nothing says cosy like a soothing spa treatment, particularly if it’s at dreamily decadent The Peninsula Spa. A calming oasis of Art Deco-inspired decor, inviting fireplaces and elegant soft furnishings, once inside, you won’t want to leave. The spa menu uses a blend of traditional Chinese methods with contemporary techniques, administered by the team of expert therapists. Forget the chilly outside world with the signature Ayurvedic Experience; a dreamy four-hour journey that combines a skin-brightening facial with a Chakra balancing volcanic stone ritual. Bliss. 

Culture vultures need not worry about shivering all winter, either. Airport hanger turned contempo art gallery Yuz Museum, in the West Bund Cultural Corridor, is perfect for an arty afternoon; the 9,000 square-metre space is one of the city’s best for checking out the latest additions to Asia’s art scene. Afterwards, hang out with creative types at the all-white, minimalist cafe. 

Also located in the Corridor, a skip along from Yuz, is Long Museum for more cultural hibernation. Renowned for its internationally acclaimed exhibitions that span centuries of art, the museum also can offers a programme of creative workshops; channel your inner artist and who knows, you might find you’re the next Zeng Fanzhi. We’ll take that over frostbite any day of the week. 

When evening falls, snuggle up with your beau and check out the silver screen in style. Forget stale popcorn and overpriced soft drinks, Shanghai’s Cinker Cinema and dining experience takes things up a notch. Sup on elegant Euro-inspired plates like steak tartare and prawn bites while you watch the latest blockbuster from the comfort of the elegant lounge area. With its contemporary mirrored glass walls, multi-hued spotlights and backlit ceilings, this is an Oscar-worthy venue – be sure to frock up accordingly.

The Peninsula Spa / 3/F / No 32 The Bund / 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd /  Jing’an / +86 21 2327 6599 / 11am-midnight Mon-Fri, from 10am Sat-Sun / shanghai.peninsula.com

Yuz Museum / No 35 / Fenggu Rd / Xuhui / + 86 21 6426 1901 / 10am-9pm, Tue-Sun 

Long Museum / No 210 / Lane 2255 / Luoshan Rd / Pudong / + 86 21 6877 8787 / 10am-5.30pm, Tue-Sun / thelongmuseum.org

Cinker Cinema / 3/F-4/F / 789 Nanjing W Rd / Taikoo Hui / Huangpu / s-mu.com