Escape the city's hustle and bustle with this curated day trip in Minhang district, featuring a European-style town, a Spanish-inspired castle, and a converted industrial park for a heady mixture of architecture, art, and delicious food.

Itinerary:

• Morning: Deqiu Art District
• Lunch: Larmonda
• Afternoon: 79 Creative Park
• Dinner: Uncle Beam

First stop: Deqiu Art District

Spanning 43,000 square meters, Deqiu Art District is China's first illustration-themed town. It hosted the Shanghai International Illustration Fair in 2024.

The moment you step inside, the urban noise fades, with lush greenery and retro architecture providing a calming sense of escape.

A Baroque stone castle anchors the area, its ivy-covered walls giving every photo a cinematic feel. On sunny days, dappled sunlight filters through the vines, casting a dreamy glow.

A nearby lake is home to black swans and white swans that glide elegantly over the water. Visitors can buy feed for the swans and stroll along the willow-fringed shore.

For a refreshing break, head to the Manto Garden Cafe housed inside the stone castle. Its second-floor terrace overlooks a vast lawn — a pleasant spot to sit back and relax before moving on.

Address: No 788 Shenfu Road

Admission: Free

Second stop: Larmonda

Larmonda is a 10-minute drive from Deqiu Art District. Housed inside a Spanish-style castle, the restaurant features warm yellow walls, red terracotta steps, and vintage green stained-glass windows that create a layered, geometric aesthetic.

The restaurant specializes in handmade Italian dishes cooked in an open-flame oven. Recommendations include basil pesto pizza topped with crushed pistachios, crispy roast chicken, spaghetti bolognese, shrimp salad, and pumpkin soup.

Address: No 507 Meizhou Road

Opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm

Third stop: 79 Creative Park

After lunch, head to 79 Creative Park, a space transformed from a 1950s grain warehouse. The old factory structures stand alongside clean white minimalist buildings, while playful art installations, from colorful murals to quirky sculptures, are dotted throughout. It is a trendy spot to snap some photos and take a relaxing stroll.

Address: No 68-79 Guanghua Road

Admission: Free

Fourth stop: Uncle Beam

Located on the street-facing side of 79 Creative Park, Uncle Beam is hard to miss with its bright pink graffiti-covered facade.

The signature dish is the black truffle and porcini pizza. More than 10 other pizza options are also available. Outdoor camping-style seating lets diners enjoy the evening breeze, offering a relaxed way to end the day.

Address: Room 121B, 1F, Building 2, North Zone, No 128 Guanghua Road

Opening hours: 9 am to 9:30 pm

Sources: Minhang district administration of culture and tourism, venues mentioned above