Shanghai Shengjian Bun Guide

World Travel Editorial · 2026-09-10 · 4 min read

This Shanghai Shengjian Bun Guide is a practical guide for first-time visitors. Follow the route section by section rather than trying to cover everything at once.

Shengjian mantou, shengjian bao, or shengjian for short, are small, pan-fried baozi which are a specialty of Suzhou and Shanghai. The buns are typically filled with pork and gelatin that melts into liquid or soup when cooked. Within Shanghai, shengjian mantou typically have thin, crispy skins, while those sold elsewhere usually have thicker, bread-like skins. The buns originated and became popular in Suzhou at the beginning of the 20th century; their popularity spread to the Yangtze River Delta. They have been one of the most common breakfast items in Shanghai since the early 1920s.

Itinerary summary

• 底脆肉香、一口爆汁的上海早餐代表
• 代表老字号：大壶春、小杨生煎
• 建议时长：1 小时

How to plan your visit

Below is a section-by-section walk; skip or extend sections to suit your schedule. Check the 'Practical info' section before you set out.

Shanghai Shengjian Bun

Address: 上海市黄浦区云南南路（大壶春）；连锁店多家

Practical info

• 人均：15-40 元
• 早餐时段最地道
• 现煎现卖，注意烫口

Photographs

2022-09-03 Sheng Jian Bao - Shanghai Pan-Fried Pork

Photo: Maksym Kozlenko · · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Shengjian mantou shop by ToastyKen in Shanghai

Photo: ToastyKen from Sheng jian bao shop in Shanghai · · Source · CC BY 2.0

Sheng Jian Bao at Xiao Yang Sheng Jian in Shanghai

Photo: Metaphox · · Source · CC BY 2.0

Sources

• Shanghai Shengjian Bun: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shengjian_mantou