Choosing the right serviced apartment is the crucial first step for any long-term stay in Shanghai. But once the boxes are unpacked and the Wi-Fi is connected, the real adventure begins: transforming this sprawling metropolis into your new home. The best way to get your bearings and feel the city's pulse is to embrace the local trend of "Citywalk." Forget rigid itineraries; a long-term stay affords you the luxury of aimless wandering, discovering the unique character of each neighborhood at your own pace.

Start your explorations along the city's magnificent waterfronts. The徐汇滨江 (Xuhui Riverside) is a local favorite, especially in the early morning or on a weekday evening. The gentle river breeze and sprawling lawns offer a therapeutic escape from the urban hustle, and you might even encounter talented street artists adding to the serene atmosphere. For iconic skyline views, head to the 北外滩滨江 (North Bund Riverside) at sunset. Watching the sky change colors behind the futuristic silhouettes of the Lujiazui financial district is an experience that never gets old. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your new life in this dynamic city.

Away from the river, Shanghai's inner streets are a treasure trove of history and charm. Take a stroll down roads like 武康路 (Wukang Road), famous for its lush plane trees that form a leafy canopy in spring and summer. The area is brimming with a chic, bourgeois atmosphere, dotted with independent coffee shops and boutique stores perfect for a leisurely afternoon. You can also explore historic residences, many of which are freely accessible, such as the stunning 何东旧居 (He Dong's former residence), centered around a magnificent old tree. Architectural gems like 上生新所 (Columbia Circle) blend historic buildings with modern life, offering a glimpse into the city's layered past and present. These walks are more than just sightseeing; they are how you build a mental map of your new city, finding your favorite corners and making it feel truly like your own.

One of the greatest perks of a serviced apartment is a fully equipped kitchen, offering a taste of home-cooked comfort. However, to truly live in Shanghai is to eat in Shanghai. With an extended stay, you have the time to move beyond tourist traps and embark on a deep, delicious dive into one of the world's most exciting food scenes.

Your culinary education should start with the classics. Seek out beloved local eateries for an authentic taste of Shanghai. You'll find institutions serving up:

• 排骨年糕 (Páigǔ Niángāo): Crispy fried pork chops served with soft, chewy rice cakes, all smothered in a signature sweet and savory sauce. It's a comforting staple you'll return to again and again.
• 小笼包 (Xiǎolóngbāo) & 生煎 (Shēngjiān): These aren't just for tourists. Find a neighborhood spot like Lai Lai or Da Hu Chun and experience these juicy soup dumplings and pan-fried buns the way locals do.
• 本帮菜 (Běnbāng Cài): Dive into Shanghai's native cuisine, known for its red-braised dishes. A hearty plate of red-braised pork belly (红烧肉) is a must-try.

But Shanghai's palate is vast. Your long-term residency is the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse flavors from across China that have found a home here. Discover a Yunnan restaurant for a fragrant wild mushroom hotpot, or find a small shop serving authentic Jiangxi-style stir-fried rice noodles. For a taste of the northeast, seek out a restaurant offering specialties like 海肠捞饭 (hǎicháng lāofàn), a savory dish of sea worm stir-fried and served over rice.

Beyond Chinese cuisine, Shanghai is a global food hub. You might find yourself at a chic, automotive-themed restaurant on the Bund, enjoying exquisite Spanish ham brioche with a soft-boiled egg or a flavorful crab roe ink pasta. The city also hosts a vibrant calendar of food events. The Shanghai Hamburger Festival, for example, brings together creative vendors from across the country, serving up decadent creations like a焦糖鹅肝牛肉堡 (caramelized foie gras beef burger) and a fiery 湖南樟树港辣椒和牛汉堡 (Hunan Zhangshugang chili wagyu burger). Living here means you'll never run out of new flavors to discover.

A long-term stay is about more than just exploring; it's about building a life. Shanghai offers a wealth of resources for personal growth and social connection, allowing you to build a community and enrich your time here. Many of these opportunities are surprisingly accessible and often free.

For the intellectually curious, the city is a hub of knowledge-sharing. Keep an eye out for free public lectures and salons hosted by prestigious institutions like the Shanghai Library and Fudan University. You can find information by searching for "上海公益讲座" (Shanghai Public Welfare Lectures) on platforms like WeChat and Xiaohongshu. The government also sponsors public training courses (公益培训) through official channels like the "上海发布" (Shanghai Fabu) WeChat account, offering practical skills in everything from the digital economy to short-video editing.

Beyond formal learning, Shanghai has a thriving community for hobbyists and social butterflies. The city's themed reading clubs are incredibly diverse, catering to every interest. You can find groups discussing the works of specific authors, delving into philosophical texts like The Courage to Be Disliked, or even hosting "职场干货局" (career-focused sessions). These gatherings are a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals from all walks of life. For those looking to expand their professional network, the city has embraced modern social concepts like "Coffee Chats," where you can connect with people from different industries for one-on-one information exchange. There are even curated social events like "盲盒酒局" (blind box dinner parties) that match small groups based on personality and professional background for a fun and efficient way to meet new people.

With your weekdays potentially filled with work or study, weekends are your golden ticket to explore Shanghai's vibrant entertainment and cultural landscape. The city is a constant whirlwind of events, exhibitions, and seasonal festivities, ensuring there's always something new to experience.

Immerse yourself in art and history at the city's world-class museums. Many of the best are free to enter, including the renowned Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai History Museum, and the expansive China Art Palace. Be sure to book your time slot in advance via their official WeChat accounts, especially for popular special exhibitions. The city's art scene is dynamic, with major institutions like the Pudong Museum of Art frequently hosting international blockbusters, such as exhibitions on Picasso or treasures from the Louvre.

When the weather is pleasant, escape to one of the city's beautiful parks. Gongqing Forest Park is a vast green oasis perfect for a picnic, while Chenshan Botanical Garden offers stunning landscapes and impressive greenhouses that feel like a tropical rainforest. These spots are beloved by locals, and on a sunny weekend, you'll see parks full of small tents as families and friends enjoy the outdoors.

Perhaps most exciting for a long-term resident is the ability to experience Shanghai's seasonal celebrations. As winter approaches, the city comes alive with festive markets. The Bund Source German Christmas Market is a highlight, transforming the historic neighborhood into a European winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, a carousel, and stalls selling hot mulled wine, German sausages, and handcrafted gifts. These events, along with pop-up festivals celebrating everything from bread to coffee, are a core part of the city's social fabric.

And of course, there's Shanghai Disney Resort. Living here allows you to visit during less crowded periods and enjoy its fantastic seasonal overlays. From the spooky fun of the Halloween season, where Disney Villains take center stage, to the enchanting Christmas festivities that blanket the park in snow and yuletide cheer, there's always a new reason to experience the magic.