Though Tadashi Shoji was born and raised in Sendai, Japan, he now spends a considerable amount of time racking up frequent flier miles between his home in Pasadena, California, and Shanghai, where he has had a studio since 2005. The notoriously colorful designer has plenty of favorite spots in the Chinese metropolis and shares some insider tips here.

FAVORITE THING: My favorite thing about Shanghai is the food and flavors.

LEAST FAVORITE THING: The traffic.

MUST DO: Visit the many different art galleries and museums, particularly the Shanghai Museum.

MUST SEE: The Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Spot. The careful attention to detail and scale of the Grand Buddha statue is something that everyone can appreciate.

WHERE TO EAT: Fu He Hui is a great vegetarian restaurant with options that everyone will enjoy — even non-vegetarians.

WHERE TO CHILL: Happiness 42 is a fun club for those nights when you need an upbeat environment while enjoying the company of great friends.

BEST STREET STYLE: The best street fashion can be found at 10 Corso Como.

LIFE AS A JAPANESE-AMERICAN DESIGNER IN SHANGHAI: It’s exciting to be exposed to a different market outside of the U.S..

ON MISSING THE U.S.: Morning walks along the Arroyo Seco Trails near my home in Pasadena.