Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
🦀 Shanghai · Classic Shanghai Cuisine
Lao Zheng Xing (Classic Shanghai Cuisine)老正兴菜馆
⭐⭐⭐⭐ · ¥80–150/person
⭐⭐⭐⭐ · ¥80–150/person
Lao Zheng Xing has been serving classic Shanghai cuisine since 1862, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Shanghai. This is where to eat the authentic Shanghainese dishes rarely found in tourist areas — hongshao rou (red-braised pork), drunken chicken, smoked fish, and the seasonal hairy crab. Frequented by Shanghai families for generations.
['No English menu — bring Google Translate for photos', 'The hairy crab season (September–November) is when this restaurant is at its peak', "Ask for a private room (包间) if you're a group — they're much more comfortable", 'This is a cash-preferred restaurant — have WeChat Pay or Alipay ready']
Recommended by serious Shanghai food hunters as the authentic alternative to tourist-facing restaurants
Address (English): 556 Fuzhou Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Address (Chinese — show to driver): 黄浦区福州路556号
Take Didi (China's Uber equivalent) and show the Chinese address above. Or use the metro — all major Shanghai attractions and restaurant districts are well-connected.
Most restaurants in Shanghai accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both apps now accept international credit cards — set up Alipay before arriving in China. Some traditional restaurants prefer cash.
Citizens of 54+ countries can visit China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa. This restaurant is fully accessible during a visa-free transit stay in Shanghai.
Read the Full Visa-Free Guide →Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings
Local Xiaolongbao
Shengjianbao Pan-Fried Dumplings