Xintiandi: A Fusion of Old and New Shanghai

Xintiandi, located near Huaihai Road, has been transformed from old Shanghai Shikumen alleys into a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists, as well as a popular haunt for local youth. During the day, visitors can enjoy street fashion photography and leisurely afternoon tea, while nights offer the chance to explore various bars and experience the vibrant life of Shanghai at night. Compared to the crowded and narrow lanes of Tianzifang, Xintiandi presents a more spacious and grand atmosphere. A wide range of dining, commercial, entertainment, and cultural shops are neatly arranged along a straight pedestrian street. Strolling through Xintiandi, one can still find the traditional brick pavements, red and blue brick walls, and heavy lacquered doors, creating an illusion of time travel back to the 1920s and 1930s Shanghai. However, stepping inside each building reveals a very modern and fashionable interior. You can also take a detour into the smaller alleys where fewer tourists venture, making it an excellent spot for photography. Many professional photographers come here for the perfect shot. Xintiandi is divided into two parts: South Block and North Block. The South Block, adjacent to Xintiandi Station on Line 10 of the subway, is mainly modern architecture with a mix of old Shikumen buildings. It houses several distinctive merchants, including the Chinese cuisine restaurant Din Tai Fung, the always-crowded Koy Shabu Shabu Japanese restaurant, the Italian Mamnoon Pizza, and Godiva Chocolate Beverage Store. In addition to dining options from around the world, a Xintiandi Fashion Shopping Center has been built, a modern glass-walled building that gathers well-known trendy shops such as Vera Wang’s flagship store in China, Jay Chou’s StayReal, Stefanie Sun’s Smudge, and Show Lo’s Stage. It also includes a food court, UME Xintiandi Cinema, and a comprehensive fitness center. The North Block, close to the Huaihai Road business district, features a ‘Fountain of Happiness’ in the North Block Plaza, with a bronze statue of the ‘Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity’, making it a great spot for commemorative photos. Composed of several old Shikumen houses combined with modern architecture, decoration, and facilities, it has been transformed into numerous consumer venues and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from around the world, fully displaying Xintiandi’s international elements. In addition to well-known restaurants like South Beauty and Butterfly Pavilion, the North Block also boasts many bars to enrich your nightlife. Xintiandi is open all year round and accessible 24 hours a day. Key tips: 1. Compared to the Western-style dining and bars along the street, there are more dining options at the Xintiandi Plaza (South Block No. 6) at the end of the street. 2. Some well-known bars and restaurants in Xintiandi are usually fully booked every day, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
If you have some extra time, it is highly recommended to explore the historical site of the ‘First Congress’ located on Xingye Road, which serves as the dividing line between South Block and North Block, as well as the Taipingqiao Park adjacent to the South Block.

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