Shanghai, According to Xiaohongshu
Let’s pose and take some photos.
Paid street photographers are taking photos of tourists at Wukang Mansion, a historic apartment building in the French Concession. The building has drawn over 400,000 visitors in three days. At peak times, there are as many as 5,000 tourists present at once. For many out-of-town tourists, the building has replaced the Bund as their first stop.
Where to go? Ask Xiaohongshu.
How to take photos at an attraction? Ask Xiaohongshu.
Don’t know how to pose? Don’t worry, ask Xiaohongshu.
For its 376 million users, this Chinese lifestyle app is a gospel. Want a good restaurant? A fun weekend plan? A trending photo spot? Just search on the app, and you’ll find posts titled things like “Highly recommend for good photos,” “High photo success rate,” or “Best photo spots here.”
What you see in the feed is actually well-curated photos in front of viral spots.
With 52% of Chinese travelers using it to plan trips, Xiaohongshu isn’t just part of the travel experience; it has become the experience. Fueled by the need to take the perfect picture, the app is reshaping how people pick destinations and what they do once they get there, even though sometimes the destinations are …unexpected.
In Hong Kong, the basketball courts in Kennedy Town, with views of the Hong Kong skyline, are listed as a must-visit spot on Xiaohongshu. The courts were locked due to the surge of Chinese tourists.
In Copenhagen, Chinese travelers skip the Little Mermaid and Tivoli Gardens to pose on the graphic white lines of Black Square, a public space in the quiet Superkilen Urban Park.
In Shanghai, popular spots like Wukang Mansion, the Gentle Monster glassware store, Anfu Road, and the new Louis Vuitton ship landmark have become must-visits on Xiaohongshu. Viral fame brings crowds, lines, and street photographers charging 25–80 yuan per shot. Anfu Road, dubbed “网红街” (Internet-famous street), has faced increasing criticism for promoting the male gaze, as pedestrians often find their photos, taken without consent, shared on social media.
Look into how Xiaohongshu has influenced photo-driven tourism:
“Shanghai Bund Citywalk — Stunning Photo Route for ¥0! 📸 (With Locations❗️)
Coming to Shanghai?
You can take 800 Insta-worthy photos in one day — without spending a dime!
Here’s a route I’m sharing with you 👇
“One-Day Citywalk Around the Bund – Free & Gorgeous Photo Spots 📸”
These hidden gems will help you avoid the tourist crowds and skip the wasted detours.
Grab a cup of Trung Nguyên Vietnamese coffee, stroll for an hour ⏳,
and you’ll walk away with a full album of cinematic shots of the Magic City.
#ShanghaiBund #CitywalkShanghai #FreePhotoRoute #InstaSpotsShanghai #HiddenGemsShanghai
#ZeroYuanTour #ShanghaiOnABudget #PhotoSpots #MagicCityShanghai”
“Wukang Mansion in Shanghai just oozes story and character.
If you’re visiting, make sure to shoot from the front of the building — that’s the only way to capture the full view!
Zoom in 1.5x to 2x to bring yourself and the background closer together — then move around freely and snap away.
It does get pretty crowded, so timing your shot or editing people out later helps.
There are also tons of street photographers with their cameras.
If you’re not confident in your photo skills, don’t be shy — ask one of them! With that many pros around, you better go home with some good shots.
#WukangMansion #StreetStyleShanghai #ShanghaiOOTD #CityWalkShanghai #PhotoTipsShanghai
“Best Photo Spots: Intersection of Wukang Road and Huaihai Middle Road: Perfect for capturing the entire Wukang Building. The building’s iconic triangular facade against the bustling street creates a vibrant, atmospheric shot.”
“Sidewalk Across from Wukang Building: A popular spot where you’ll see many photographers. Use the street signs and greenery as a blurred foreground to add depth to your shot. For a storytelling vibe, have your subject interact with the signs—it makes for a dynamic, layered composition.”
“Y2K Nostalgia Pop-Up @ Gentle Monster, Shanghai
This adorable giant doll is a must-take photo op!
Love the color palette—total Y2K vibes.
The interactive installation is super cute—you can even generate an “alternate universe” version of yourself!
📅 Dates: May 30 - July 10 (10:00-22:00)
📍 Location: HAUS NOWHERE, Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District
Don’t miss this dreamy throwback experience! ✨ #Y2KVibes #ShanghaiPopUp”
“Karina’s Shanghai Visit & the Ultimate Photo Op!
Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Gentle Monster’s latest installation pulled me back in—this time with aespa’s Karina gracing Shanghai! The new Bratz x GM collab is a visual feast, but my social anxiety skyrocketed because there are so many fashionistas here!
Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning—zero queues, no crowds, and you can take your sweet time posing with the giant Bratz doll and even snap a pic with your AI-generated twin.
#GentleMonster #ShanghaiPhotography #ExhibitionVibes #Karina #OOTD #BratzCollab #PhotoDiary #PoseLikeAPro”
“Shanghai Citywalk — the sun was shining, and so was I ☀️
Anfu Road is packed with street photographers. For an introvert like me, it’s instant social anxiety 😅
But as the saying goes: “Since you’re already here, might as well take the photo.”
And honestly? Anfu Road is perfect for street-style citywalk shots.
Love the vibe of snapping as you go — it’s relaxed, spontaneous, and full of life.
Here are a few easy, natural poses to bring out that everyday charm 💃
#AnfuRoad #StreetStyleVibes #OOTD #RomanticLifeDiaries #EverydayAesthetic
#StrikeAPose #CitywalkShanghai #PhotoSpotsShanghai #SunshineAndStyle
“Hi, I’m a street photographer —
Can I take a few photos of you?”
I got asked while walking… and turns out, I’d already been snapped 😆😂
Anfu Road really is surrounded by cameras from every angle.
I ended up getting photographed for like 10 minutes straight —
One of the uncles even gave me tips on how to walk for the perfect candid.
Not gonna lie… the photos actually turned out pretty lively!
#WhenThePhotographerBecomesTheModel
#StreetPhotography
#WaitLetMePoseFirst”
“The Dark Side of Street Photography on Anfu Road
I went to Anfu Road on a weekend evening and witnessed a disturbing scene — a group of so-called "photographers" scouting out women.
And yes, scouting is the right word.
Several male photographers were huddled together, talking about which woman looked “hot,” complaining that two “hot” women ahead refused to be photographed.
I even saw one guy pushing in close, adding girls on WeChat — literally getting within inches of them. The distance was less than a fist away. Totally inappropriate.
Let’s be real: buying a decent camera today is way cheaper than it used to be. With continuous shooting, you're bound to get a few decent shots — not because of talent, but because gear has improved.
So girls, protect yourselves. Don’t let creeps take advantage under the excuse of “street photography.”
Of course, not all are like this — some photographers are respectful and professional.
But some? They’re just camera operators hiding behind a lens to cross boundaries.
#Women #StreetPhotography #AnfuRoad #PhotographerEtiquette #EverydayLife #InfluencerCulture #Shanghai”
“Successfully checked off the Louis Vuitton Cruise Ship in Shanghai — with no crowds! 🚢
Want to avoid the sea of people?
Simple: wake up at 4 a.m. and get to the Louis Vuitton ship by 5. There was barely anyone there — I could take photos however I liked, and it wasn’t hot at all 🫠
Tips:
The Louis Vuitton ship is huge, so either shoot with a phone or bring a wide-angle lens — you’ll need it.
☀️ The ship in the early morning has a special charm. If you don’t want to deal with crowds, just get up early! It’s also stunning when the sun starts to rise.
🚴 There were lots of cyclists and joggers stopping by for photos too. Made me realize — mornings without work are actually kind of chill.
While taking photos, I met a guy who asked to try taking a few shots — borrowed our camera and even snapped some great pics of me! This was around 6 a.m., so there’s an older man in the background 😅 but I really love the composition and angle (see pic 8).
🕐 Best time for empty shots: 5:00–6:00 a.m. After 6, it fills up with early risers out for a stroll, so you’ll have more background people. But the light after 6 is also better. (For night shots, you’ll need to come after 11 p.m.)
📍 Location: South Plaza, HKRI Taikoo Hui, Shanghai
📷 Camera: Sony (with two lenses)
#LouisVuittonShip #FashionHotspot #NewLandmark #ShanghaiCitywalk #WeekendPlans #LVShanghai #TaikooHui #PhotoWorthySpots #ShanghaiNewLandmark”
“The Louis Vuitton Cruise Ship in Shanghai is insanely photogenic.
Can’t believe how stunning it looks in every shot. It’s unreal, girls.
Here are some photo tips if you’re planning to shoot at the LV ship:
1️⃣ Go after 11 p.m. — that's when the crowds die down and you can shoot in peace.
2️⃣ There are 5 key photo spots:
Front of the ship: great for full-body shots, and holding onto the side railing adds a dramatic touch.
Zebra crossing next to the side of the ship: perfect angle to capture the entire ship.
Right side of the ship: ropes hanging there make for a cool background.
Left side of the ship: has the iconic LV logo.
Also on the left side: a bunch of stainless steel LV cases — super stylish for pics.
3️⃣ Camera gear: bring at least a 24mm lens — wide angle or fisheye will take your shots to the next level.
4️⃣ If you need help with photos, feel free to hit me up!
#ShanghaiLVShip #LouisVuittonCruiseShip #LVTips #LVPhotoshootIdeas #IconicShanghaiSpot
#EveryAngleIsGood #LateNightPhotoSpots #LVLogoShots #LVShipShanghai #PhotoReadyLandmark”
“Are you sure you’re going to skip the giant mirror at the Pudong Art Museum?
I’d heard the mirror hall always has long lines,
but when I went on a Sunday afternoon — it actually wasn’t bad!
Just waited a bit for people to clear out, and I got photos with no one in the background.
📍 Location: Pudong Art Museum
There are mirror halls on both the 2nd and 3rd floors — just follow the signs.
✨ Best time to go: Afternoon! The sunlight shines through perfectly, making your photos look amazing.
#MuseumGlowUp #ExhibitLookOfTheDay #PudongArtMuseum #ShanghaiCitywalk #MirrorHallShots #MuseumOOTD #AfternoonLightMagic #ShanghaiPhotoSpots”
“📌 Best Hidden Spot to Shoot the Lujiazui “Big Three” — Crowd-Free & Stunning!
If you’ve ever tried taking photos in the middle of Lujiazui with your friends, you probably know the struggle — too many people, and random passersby always end up in your shots.
Try this location instead — it’s a game changer.
Directions:
Exit Lujiazui Metro Station from Exit 6, then turn around — you’ll see the escalator in Photo 5.
Take the escalator 🛗 up to the pedestrian bridge, and keep walking inward.
When you reach the very end, that’s the perfect spot!
Low foot traffic, amazing skyline, and a clear view of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
#ShanghaiSkyscrapers #LujiazuiBigThree #ShanghaiPhotoTips #HiddenPhotoSpots #MobilePhotographyTips #LujiazuiPhotographyGuide #OrientalPearlTower”