Introduction:The Manner store in Shanghai’s North Bund was once a popular photography spot for enthusiasts aiming to capture the “Four Great Sights of Shanghai,” but temporary stalls set up outside during the May Day holiday blocked the view, drawing complaints from visitors. This article details the incident, analyzes the balance between urban public space and festive events, and provides alternative photo spots nearby along with practical information about the Coffee Culture Festival to help you plan the perfect check-in trip.
On the eve of the May Day holiday, the Manner branch in Shanghai’s North Bund became a sought-after photo hotspot because it offered a view of all four of the “Four Great Sights of Shanghai” — the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower, and Shanghai Tower. However, recently, many visitors found that temporary stalls set up outside the store blocked the originally perfect framing, leaving those who had come especially for the photo opportunity sorely disappointed.
Photos shared online show that by simply standing inside the Manner store and looking through its three walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, one can easily capture all the landmarks of Lujiazui in the frame. Depending on the time of day, one can also catch the afterglow of the sunset or the glittering night scene of Pudong as the lights come on — nearly no professional skills are needed to take magazine-cover-worthy shots. Because of this, the spot quickly went viral, attracting large numbers of visitors.
However, recent visitors were surprised to find that the previously clear view of the “Four Great Sights of Shanghai” had been obstructed. Photos from the scene showed that a new row of temporary stalls set up just outside the Manner entrance not only blocked the river view but also covered up most of the landmark buildings within the frame. Many visitors who had come full of anticipation left disappointed, and numerous posts on social media now warn: “Don’t go to the Manner viral photo spot in the North Bund.”
Although some photography enthusiasts have shared alternative spots in the comments under “warning posts,” some visitors who came specifically for the original view still expressed frustration. They believe the organizers should have adjusted the position of the stalls instead of blocking the main view, causing visitors who came a long way to be let down. Netizens complained: “I went there yesterday just to take photos, but everything was blocked by the stalls,” “It’s really unfriendly to people who actually did their research,” and “Blocking the view is really a mood killer.”
In contrast to the disappointment of the visitors, local residents are actually looking forward to these temporary stalls. It turns out, they’re being set up for the upcoming Shanghai International Coffee Culture Festival. Residents said they were excited for the annual coffee event to be held right in their neighborhood.
According to official plans, these temporary stalls are expected to be removed after May 3, and the blocked viral photo spot will be restored. Photography enthusiasts are advised to wait until after the festival concludes before visiting to ensure optimal photo conditions.
If you’d like to explore more coffee photo spots in Shanghai, you can also check out other cafés with wide views nearby, or visit the North Bund during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and the impact of the stalls. When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check the official schedule in advance and stay aware of the on-site situation to ensure the best possible experience.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
