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SEO Title: Shanghai During Golden Week? Surprising Empty Streets & Hidden Gems: A Flow Travel Guide

Meta Description: Think Shanghai is a nightmare during Golden Week? Think again. Discover hidden pink cafes, empty streets, and the art of "flow travel" in this unexpected travel diary.

Shanghai During Golden Week? Surprising Empty Streets & Hidden Gems: A Flow Travel Guide

A Foreword: The Spontaneous Impulse

It was seven o'clock on a weekend morning. Sunlight streamed through the balcony. I had just finished a run, taken a shower, and stood by the window, lost in thought. In that moment, a strong urge came over me—I had to write about this trip. No particular reason, just a feeling that some experiences deserve to be remembered. This is my first travel journal, so please bear with me.

I visited Shanghai once before, during last year's May Day holiday. I squeezed through popular attractions with tens of thousands of other tourists, experiencing the full spectacle of a "sea of people." This year, I ended up going again during National Day Golden Week—but the reason was almost theatrical.

I had originally planned to go to Chongqing with a friend to "join the crowds." Then, on the 30th, my friend suddenly informed me: she had to work overtime during the holiday. OMG, the horror was almost like a thriller movie.

Just as I was sinking into the despair of a "ruined vacation," my friend 500, who works in Shanghai, sent me a message: "You can come to Shanghai." I said I'd already been there. She said, "If you come, I'll cover your food and lodging and cook for you."

With that one sentence, I immediately opened the train ticket app. Lucky me—I snagged a sleeper ticket for the outbound trip, but the return ticket was completely unavailable. Whatever, I thought—go with the flow. If I can't get back, I'll just beg on the streets of Shanghai, or sleep under the stars.

Day 1: October 2nd | On the Road

At 5 a.m., I boarded the train from Jinan to Shanghai. A 12-hour journey, rocking and swaying, arriving at the station at 5 p.m. I chatted with passengers in the neighboring berths, watched a movie, played with a little kid in the next compartment, and dozed off. Time passed quickly.

I've known 500 for six years. Even though we hadn't seen each other in four years and our lives had changed a lot, I've always believed that some things time can't change—like her nearsightedness, and her stubbornness: she absolutely refuses to wear glasses.

Sure enough, when she came to pick me up at the station, she walked right past me. I called out, but she didn't hear me. She was supposed to be the one meeting me, but in the end, I was the one chasing after her. Six years of friendship's 默契 (unspoken understanding) shattered in that moment.

When we got to her place, I was eagerly anticipating a welcome feast. What did she serve? Leftovers from lunch! The battleship of our six-year friendship sank completely in that second. I was so angry I wanted to buy a ticket back to Jinan on the spot.

Day 2: October 3rd | Half a Day at the Market

500 is so down-to-earth it's almost ridiculous. She dragged me out of bed early in the morning, saying we had to go to the market to buy groceries. So I traveled all the way from Jinan to Shanghai just to experience "daily life"?

There was nothing worth photographing at the market—it looked exactly like the one downstairs from your place. No difference.

After a busy morning, she finally presented a table of "results." I tried my best to adjust the filters to make the dishes look less like "dark cuisine." Honestly, I suspect she tricked me into coming from Jinan just to be her taste-testing guinea pig.

Day 2: October 3rd | Wukang Road & Xingfuli (Happiness Lane)

In the afternoon, I figured we should get out and do something. Not sure where to go, so we decided to wander around Wukang Road. We strolled, stopped for a coffee, and tried to digest that lunch of dark cuisine.

On the way to Wukang Road, we walked for almost half an hour without finding a single coffee shop or bubble tea place. I lost all interest in taking photos. I didn't even bother adjusting the settings, letting the pictures get overexposed—I figured I'd call it "artistic effect."

We finally reached the landmark building on Wukang Road, but unfortunately, it was under renovation. I recommend walking here—the street has a unique style, but there's basically no parking. A big thank you to the stranger across the street; her presence instantly gave my two photos some soul.

We found a coffee shop with a Scandinavian style, which was right up my alley. There are plenty of similar shops on Wukang Road. Since I've been to too many streets with this vibe, I didn't feel much urge to take photos. Summary: Worth a visit—stroll, stop for a coffee, and two hours is just right.

On the way, I heard a photographer say Xingfuli was nice, also Scandinavian style. So I hopped on a shared bike and arrived at Xingfuli 20 minutes later. Unfortunately, it was getting dark. This place is better for photos during the day. At night, I could only record it casually—better to be a shattered jade than an intact tile.

In the bottom left corner, a foreign friend sat quietly, seemingly pondering life. My friend ordered a rose-flavored drink, took a sip, and said, "It tastes like shower gel." I couldn't look at that drink the same way after that.

Summary: You absolutely have to come during the day, preferably on a cloudy day. The white buildings, blue glass, blue sky, and white clouds complement each other, creating a scene as beautiful as a painting. I'll definitely have to come back to capture Xingfuli in daylight.

Day 3: October 4th | A Pink Day

Last night, I was browsing travel apps and saw a set of very unique photos: an abandoned church and a pink bubble tea shop. Special thanks to @Xi Ge—a beautiful girl who lives in Shanghai, is great at photography, loves life, and has her own distinct attitude. She's discovered many niche and unique spots in Shanghai, and thanks to those photos, I had the chance to get to know her.

I woke up naturally, ate breakfast, and by 8 a.m., I had taken a two-hour subway ride to Baoshan District. As soon as I stepped out of the station, I could smell the sea. Our destination was Zhongcheng Zhigu (Zhongcheng Smart Valley)—even during National Day Golden Week, it was deserted, so barren that I wondered if I'd taken a wrong turn.

I have a terrible sense of direction, and my friend is a complete idiot. In this tiny Zhongcheng Zhigu, we walked around three full times before finding the pink coffee shop. It was actually just behind a building—thank goodness I took a few extra steps on the last lap and discovered a hidden world.

Being in an environment with a uniform color scheme, a few simple props actually made my thoughts clearer and my ideas more plentiful. The only pity was the lack of a model—everyone posing for photos here was a beautiful girl, and I was so envious. I'll definitely have to come back for a photoshoot here sometime.

Since I didn't have a model, I started eyeing the basketball hoop nearby. My first-ever dunk—I felt like I was flying! After a few dunks, I caught the attention of the staff. Afraid I might break the hoop, I had to retreat. I'll come back and dunk again next time.

Summary: This is probably the only pink American-style shop in Shanghai right now. Even a tough guy like me had his heart melted by the pink. Girls, it's absolutely worth a visit. Dress up nicely, bring your best friend, boyfriend, or photographer, and head over on a weekend or holiday. Including travel time, it takes about half a day.

[Link: Best Instagrammable Cafes in Shanghai]

Day 3: October 4th | M50 Creative Park

During lunch, we decided on the afternoon destination on the fly: M50 Creative Park.

When you walk onto a bridge and see the "Hanging Gardens of Babylon" under construction, you're almost there. Go straight, take the first left turn. I don't remember the rest of the route—either straight or another turn. When you see a lot of graffiti walls, you've arrived.

The head of this graffiti crew is an Italian guy—not an "old man," but "bald." I chatted with him briefly. The art here is raw, urban, and constantly changing. If you're into street photography or contemporary art, this is a must-visit.

[Link: Top 10 Art Districts in China]

The Scare: Empty Streets During Golden Week

Here is the biggest surprise of the trip: Shanghai was empty.

I kept waiting for the crowds. I prepared for the "sea of people." But everywhere I went—from the Baoshan District outskirts to the creative parks—the city felt calm, almost abandoned. It was a scare at first. I thought I had made a wrong turn. But then, it became the highlight of the trip.

Why was Shanghai empty during Golden Week? - Local Exodus: Most locals left the city to visit their hometowns or travel abroad. - Tourist Clusters: Tourists tend to flock to the "Big 3" attractions (The Bund, Disneyland, Yu Garden). They avoid the niche spots I visited. - Timing: Early morning and late afternoon are quiet even on busy days.

This was the ultimate "flow travel" moment. By not planning, I accidentally discovered the quiet side of a megacity.

FAQ: Traveling to Shanghai During Golden Week

1. Is Shanghai really crowded during National Day Golden Week?

Yes, but only in specific areas. The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Disneyland are packed. However, if you visit niche spots like M50 Creative Park, Xingfuli, or Zhongcheng Zhigu, you might have the place to yourself.

2. How do I avoid the crowds in Shanghai?

Go against the flow. Skip the main tourist traps. Use shared bikes to explore side streets. Visit in the early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). Focus on districts like Xuhui or Baoshan rather than the city center.

3. What is "flow travel"?

Flow travel means traveling without a rigid itinerary. You follow your instincts, adapt to circumstances, and embrace surprises. It’s the opposite of checking boxes. It works best when you have a flexible schedule and a sense of humor.

4. Is it worth visiting Wukang Road during Golden Week?

Yes, but manage expectations. The landmark building was under renovation when I visited. The street itself is beautiful for a stroll, but parking is impossible. Go for the Scandinavian coffee shops, not the landmarks.

5. What is the best hidden gem in Shanghai for photos?

The pink coffee shop at Zhongcheng Zhigu in Baoshan District is currently the most unique spot. It’s an American-style pink paradise that looks like a movie set. Go on a cloudy day for the best lighting.

Conclusion: The Art of Going with the Flow

This trip taught me a valuable lesson: the best travel experiences are often unplanned.

I went to Shanghai expecting chaos. I found peace. I expected crowds. I found empty streets. I expected a feast from my friend. I got leftovers.

And you know what? It was perfect.

If you are tired of rigid itineraries and tourist traps, I challenge you to try flow travel on your next trip. Pick a city. Book a ticket. Leave the rest to chance.

Your Turn: Have you ever experienced an empty city during a major holiday? Or have you discovered a hidden gem by accident? Share your story in the comments below. And if you want more tips on traveling against the crowd, [subscribe to our newsletter] for weekly offbeat travel guides.

Ready to book your spontaneous trip? Click here to find last-minute train tickets to Shanghai. The city is waiting—and this time, it might be empty just for you.