NEWSFLASH: It's cold.
The bad news is, it's about to get even colder. Shanghai is set to see its lowest temperatures for 35 years later this week according to some sources, with some areas getting down to -10 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Yikes.
Because we care about the wellbeing of our reders (especially our lovely wechat followers), we've got seven of our top tips for not dying during the cold snap - or at the least, making it though with all your digits and extremities still attached.
1
Buy an electric blanket
You know what they say; warm bed, warm heart. Get an electric blanket and never slip between cold sheets again. Available in jaunty prints on - surprise, surprise - Taobao.
2
Uniqlo's weird warming fabrics
We love Uniqlo. It’s cheap, the stores are everywhere, and come winter they sell high-tech, warming fabric clothes. These ‘heat-generating’ long-sleeve tops and pants fit snugly under outer layers and will keep you that little bit warmer on cold days. Stock up and feel the difference. Look for this label:
3
Wrap yourself in Yak
Have you ever seen a cold yak? Nope. Neither have we, which is why when the temperature drops we go the way of this weather-impenetrable animal and wrap ourselves in as much of their down as possible. Shokay (which actually means 'yak down' in Tibetan) is a one stop shop for clothing and accessories the likes of jumpers (990RMB for a striped sweater), scarfs (from 492RMB), hats and gloves (from 276RMB each). You can even buy some knitting yarn and knit your own yak items (balls from around 150RMB). If you're too cold to get to the store, products are also available online at www.shokay.com.
4
Dip your toes at a bathhouse
While the idea of getting naked during winter isn’t up everyone’s alley, we’re happy to go there if it’s in the name of a good bathhouse. For a relaxing afternoon, head to New Star in Minhang district. This chilled out haven of baths, plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms will keep you entertained (and warm) for hours. Check out our review of New Star plus other bathhouses around Shanghai on our Health & Wellness page.
5
Eat!
Cold weather is as good an excuse as any to chow down on loads of hot food - hot in both senses. You might as well add an extra layer through calories alone. Your body expends a lot of energy trying to keep warm during winter, which is why it’s important to keep your calorie consumption up so you don’t fade away. So be it hotpots or hotdogs, eating is always a good idea when you’re cold.
Check out some of Shanghai’s top hotpots on our Food page, and if you’re in the mood for something really warming, try 17th Dock Hot Pot - even for chilli fiends, this place will make your eyeballs sweat.
6
Drink!
Our motto in winter is, if you’re not eating something hot, you should be drinking something hot. If you’re full, warm water will do the trick, but if you’re after something a little higher on the flavour scale, warm your hands and belly with some tasty tea (check out our favourite spots for a cuppa on our Food page), or indulge in a hot chocolate.
If you’re after the latter, our recent faves include Angelina, Kommune and Farine - all so rich, smooth and chocolatey. It’s drinks like these that make us happy it’s winter.
7
Go somewhere with an open fire
With open fireplaces come some of our favourite things - marshmallows, the smell of smoke, the crackle of wood and being mesmerised by dancing flames. Although Shanghai under-represents in the open fireplace department, there are a couple of solid options. You can head to Flair at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong and alternate between the view of the fire and the view from the 58th floor; or, if you feel like going for something a little more down to earth (literally), try Cotton’s on Anting Lu for a casual and toasty night out.