Xintiandi Area

» Shanghai, Jiang Su

Xintiandi Area Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Most of the cafes and restaurants feature both indoor and outdoor seatings. Xintiandi has an active nightlife on weekdays as well as weekends, though romantic settings are more common than loud music and dance places. Xintiandi means "New Heaven and Earth", and is considered one of the first lifestyle centers in China.

Where Xintiandi area locate

Located at the City Centre of Shanghai, and only one block south of the prestigious Huai Hai Zhong Road and its Metro station, the project has a site area of 30,000 square meters and a gross floor area of 60,000 square metres. Xintiandi is near the site of the First Conference of the Communist Party of China.

What used to be

Xintiandi covers two city blocks in the French Concession district of Shanghai, an area that was originally developed in the 1920's, during Shanghai's colonial period, when the city was a cosmopolitan, louche trading port. The French Concession is distinguished by tree-lined streets of two-story, gray-brick houses that have stone arches for doorways and terra-cotta tile roofs. Narrow alleyways intersect the streets, giving passage from one to the next.

After 1949, the buildings in the French Concession were turned into communal dwellings, with as many as 10 families living in a house intended for one, and the area became known for overcrowding and poor sanitation. Much of the neighborhood still consists of multipledwellings, and a walk through its streets invariably involves navigating laundry lines strung between lampposts, ducking under flapping shirts and, in winter, dripping pairs of thermal long johns (buildings in Shanghai, as in all Chinese cities south of the Yangtze, have no central heating, and the winters are cold and damp), and skirting chairs draped with quilts that, according to Chinese custom, have been brought outside for a daily airing.

Nowadays in Xintiandi area

Xintiandi, however, displays none of the messiness of real lives being lived. Owned by a developer from Hong Kong and designed by the New York-based architecture firm of Wood & Zapata, it follows the festival marketplace formula established in America at Quincy Market in Boston and the South Street Seaport in New York. Ades of the most significant buildings have been preserved, and design elements from the original structures have been incorporated into the new ones.

To make way for Xintiandi, hundreds of residents were compelled to relocate to suburbs or high-rise apartment blocks, the kind of housing that has proliferated in Shanghai as far as the eye can see,which, given the pollution and typically misty, moist weather, isn't very far. Xintiandi is a kind of Shanghai-land, alleys run between buildings just as they did in the old days, although rather less narrow spaces have also been opened up to allow for open-air cafes selling French pastries in an atmosphere of rather more graciousness than is historically accurate.

One of major attractions in Shanghai

The area was developed by the Shui On Group during the re-development of the surrounding area, when similar shikumen houses were demolished wholesale. The houses in Xintiandi were then restored, and now house an art gallery, cafes, and restaurants. The marketing of xintiandi is mainly targeted towards overseas visitors, especially visitors from Hong Kong, who seek to experience the romanticised atmosphere of old Shanghai. As a result, prices in this area are high, even by international standards. Eating or shopping in this area is seen as a status symbol by affluent local residents. Many tour groups both domestic and from abroad also visit Xintiandi as one of the main attractions in Shanghai.

Getting around

Shanghai Xintiandi features a multitude of specialist F&B, retail, entertainment, cultural, recreational, commercial and residential facilities. Xintiandi is divided into the North and South Blocks.

North Blocks

In the North Block, antique buildings with their modern interior design, decorations and equipment play host to a dazzling array of restaurants specialising in French, American, German, British, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, Taiwanese and Hong Kong cuisine, putting on display the full international dimension of Shanghai Xintiandi. The dividing line between the two blocks, Xingye Road, is the site of the First Congress Hall of the Chinese Communist Party.

South Blocks

In the South Block, modern architecture is the motif while Shikumen is an accompaniment. A shopping, entertainment and leisure complex of 25,000 square metres in the South Block opened in mid 2002. Aside from a series of international restaurants representing the flavors of the world, there are classy boutiques, accessory shops, a food court, a movie cinema, a great one-stop fitness centre as well as 88 Xintiandi Executive Residence, which offers luxurious serviced apartments. There is also an underground carpark with 220 parking spaces.

Shikumen

"Shikumen", meaning "stone gate" , is a special old form of residence in Shanghai. In many ways, it is indeed a gateway to the fascinating history of this largest coastal city of China. In the middle of the 19th century, the uprising of the "Taiping Heavenly Kingdom" forced a large number of residents from Shanghai and its neighbouring Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces to take refuge in the city's foreign concessions. To meet the needs of the rapidly increasing population, "Shikumen" houses were built in the foreign concessions on an unprecedented scale. A typical "Shikumen" house is built along narrow alleys (or "long-tangs") and features a stone gate framing a black wooden front door that leads into a small enclosed courtyard. This unique architectural setting provided residents with a feeling of security in a turbulent era, and as most of them were developed by foreign companies, "Shikumen" houses had gradually become a symbol of East meeting West in Shanghai.

Shopping and Entertainment

There are boutiques selling jewelry and boutiques selling scented candles,signature objects of late capitalism. There's even a Starbucks at Xintiandi, serving grande lattes, indistinguishable from those available in the States,to a nation of tea drinkers. The only place at Xintiandi where there aren't any stores is directly opposite the museum, political sensitivities having determined it inappropriate to place commerce and Communism in such close juxtaposition. There are art galleries on that block instead, a peculiar substitution, since Mao was about as fond of artists as he was of businessmen and landlords.

Night life

Bars and Discos in Xintiandi Area

People say Xintiandi is more a tourist area than a bar area. But Xintiandi is undeniablly the favorite haunt of many local professionals as well as foreigners. The Shikumen architectural style is attractive and the area resonates with the milestones of history. Beer gardens and street cafes meet the need of most foreigners here in finding a place that feels more or less like bars at home.

Tips: Drinks here are cheaper than the food.

• ARK Live House
  Address: House 15, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Rd, near Huangpi Rd S. Opening Hour: Daily 17:30 - 01:00
  
• KABB
  Address: 5, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Rd, near Madang Rd.
  Opening Hour: Sun-Thu 07:00 - 01:00, Fri-Sat 07:00-02:00.
  
• La Maison
  Address: Unit 1, House 23, North Block, Xintiandi, Lane 181, Taicang Rd.
  Opening Hour: Daily restaurant :11am-11pm, bar: 7pm-2am.
  
• Le Club
  Address: Unit 1, House 23, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Rd, near Madang Rd.
  Opening Hour: Daily 07:00-02:00
  
• Rendezvous
  Address: 2/B, No 22, North Block Xintiandi, 181 Xingye Rd.
  Opening Hour: Daily 10a.m. - next 2a.m.
  
• Soho Pub
  Address: Unit 5, House 3, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Rd, near Madang Rd.
  Opening Hour: Daily 13:00 - 02:00
  
• The Moon
  Address: Unit 2, South Block Xintiandi, 6, Lane 123 Xingye Rd.
  Opening Hour: Daily 11:30-02:00
  
• Tou Ming Si Kao (TMSK)
  Address: Unit 2, House 11, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Rd, near Madang Rd.
  Opening Hour: Daily 13:30-1:00
  

Getting there

By subway

The closest metro station to Xintiandi is South Huangpi Road, on Line 1, walking down South Huangpi Road or Madang Road for about 5 minutes.

Attractions around » Shanghai, Jiang Su

Natural Scene

• Huangpu River
• The Bund
• Port Wusongkou
• Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Historical Site

• Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang
• Jade Buddha Temple
• Town God Temple
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower
• Old Town of Xitang
• Zhujiajiao Old Town
• Former French Concession
• Qibaozhen Ancient Town
• The First National Congress of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Site
• Longhua Temple
• Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen

Cultural Site

• Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
• Shanghai World Financial Center
• Shanghai Museum
• Yuyuan Garden
• Shanghai History Museum
• Nanpu and Yangpu Bridges
• Guyi Garden

Nightlife

• Night Club Street on Hengshan Road
• Shanghai Concert Hall
• Shanghai Grand Theater
• Xintiandi Bar Street
• Maoming South Road Bar Street
• Tongren Road Bar Street
• Yandang Road Bar Street
• Sasha's Bar
• Bourbon Street Bar
• Julu Road Bar Street
• Mexican madness night at Zapata's Bar

Day Entertainment & Sports

• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
• Sheshan Golf Club

Shopping & Leisure

• Nanjing Road
• Shopping Heaven on Xujiahui Street
• Dongtai Road Antique Market
• Shopping on Fuzhou Road
• Pudong New Area
• Yandang Road Bar Street
• Xintiandi Area

Xintiandi Area Highlights

Shopping Street in Great China

• Wangfujing Walking Street
• Tunxi Ancient Street
• Nanjing Road
• Shopping Heaven on Xujiahui Street
• Barkhor Street
• Foreign Tourist Street
• West Street
• Liulichang Culture Street
• Central Street
• Hefang Street
• Grand Bazaar
• Panjiayuan Collection Market
• Quanyechang Bazaar
• Dongtai Road Antique Market
• Shopping on Fuzhou Road
• Kaili Sunday Market
• Wai Chai
• Moslem Street
• Shiban Street
• Kundu Bar Street
• Lhasa Carpet Factory
• Shuyuanmen Street
• Fishermans Wharf
• Ancient Culture Street
• Pudong New Area
• Yandang Road Bar Street
• Kashgar Bazaar
• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Xi'an Antique Market
• Stanley Market
• Binhai Road
• Chunxi Road
• Senado Square
• Nanshi Food Street
• Xintiandi Area
• Wenbaozhai Tourist Shopping Center
• Red Market

Xintiandi Area FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What should we need to know when visiting Shanghai in different seasons?
2. What's the best season for traveling there?

  Transportation

1. What about the transportation between Shanghai and its surrounding cities?

  Food

1. What's the specialty of Shanghai cuisine?
2. What are the must-eat Shanghai snacks? And what to notice?

  Shopping

1. Where is the most famous area for shopping here?
2. Where can we visit on our spare time?

  Travel

1. How about Shanghai's nightlife?

  Other Hints

1. How many airports do Shanghai have?
2. What is the city code of Shanghai?

• What should we need to know when visiting Shanghai in different seasons?

  The four seasons are easy to tell apart. The weather is pleasant, and the number of all kinds of products is large in Spring and Autumn.

  Every June and July is the mold rain season, so it is usually humid in hotel rooms. Umbrella is a necessary thing to bring with during the rainy weather.

  The coldest time is from late January to early February. Even though there is not much snow, warm clothes are still needed, because cold wind is always unendurable. Hotel rooms are equipped with air-conditions, so please stay warm in the room.

  It is usually super hot in July and August. Weather with higher than 35 C usually stays for about ten days, so that prevention from overheat is very necessary.

- Top -



• What's the best season for traveling there?

  After humid mold rain season and cold winter, there comes the Spring with blooming flowers, or the Autumn with falling red leaves, which are the best the seasons for trevaling.

- Top -



• What about the transportation between Shanghai and its surrounding cities?

  Travel line in the east China includes Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. It usually takes about 2C3 hours to travel between cities. Medicine that prevents car-sickness is necessary.

  Multi-city traveling usually requires travelers to put up each night in different cities. Please take care of your belongings when checking out.

- Top -



• What's the specialty of Shanghai cuisine?

  Shanghai cuisine is a mixture of five different cuisines and western food. Apart from its local food, it also has Beijing cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, Guangdong cuisine, Hunan cuisine, Yangzhou cuisine, Chaozhou Cuisine, Anhui Cuisine and vegetarian cuisine, etc.

  Of course, Italian food, Russian food, French food, Vietnamese food, Korean food and Japanese food can also be found in Shanghai.

  Local people like food with light seasoning and light sweetness. Rice is their main food. People that like strong seasoning can prepare their own seasonings.

  Travelers with special needs please give us notice before hand, so we can prepare for you earlier according to your requirements.

- Top -



• What are the must-eat Shanghai snacks? And what to notice?

  Shanghai Nanxiang Dumplings, Crab Roe Dumplings, Steamed Dumplings Filled with Minced Meat and Gravy, Fermented Rice with Pigeon Eggs, Rib Rice Cakes, Eggs Boiled with Five Ingredients, Five Ingredients Beans, etc. There are a lot of delicious local food.

  Please mind the sanitation when enjoying the tasty food.

- Top -



• Where is the most famous area for shopping here?

  The shopping heaven in Shanghai is Nanjing Road. It has a name of 'the number one shopping street in China.' Now all kinds of stores have been opened by all kinds of business people. There are not only old stores that have hundreds of years, but also modern shopping malls like Friendship Europe Shopping Mall, Mancton Square, HUalian Shopping Center, etc.

  Huaihai Road is as famous as Nanjing Road. Shopping malls are standing at each side of the road: Guangna World Center, Paris Spring, Meimei Shopping Center, Parkson, etc. World famous brand can all be found in the shopping malls, which make Shanghai a shopping center of world class.

  Sichuan North Road's stores offer reasonable prices, which attracts a lot of common people. Xizangzhong Road had developed food and travel industry.

- Top -



• Where can we visit on our spare time?

  Shanghai is where Chinese movie originated. It is also where a lot of international movie festivals take place. There are world-class theaters. Famous movies and latest movies can all be found in Shanghai's movie theaters.

  Huanyi Movie Theather on Nanjing West Road, Yongle Palace on Anfu Road are the most famous movie theathers in Shanghai.

  You can also go to teahouse. Different from traditional teahouse, the teahouse in Shanghai adds more modern atmosphere that attracts more and more young people.

  New theme parks and amusement parks in Shanghai are good choices too. Modern equipments and beautiful natural scenes will bring you to the ideal land.

- Top -



• How about Shanghai's nightlife?

  Bars, KTV and DISCO are indispensable in a busy city like Shanghai. Beautiful lights are like the reflection of the stars, lightening the whole city and bring the city endless liveliness.

  Blue Belt Night Club, Night Paris and the famous Big World are all well known and loved by young people. Dancing people and fragrant martini will make you forget about tiredness and start to enjoy the charm of Shanghai city.

- Top -



• How many airports does Shanghai have?

  There are two international airports in Shanghai, which are Hongqiao Aireport and Pudong International Airport.

  Hundreds of airlines are in service, which can reach to every big and medium city in China and some cities in each country.

  Air traffic is very convenient. Pudong International Airport is mainly for international airlines, while Hongqiao Airport is mainly for national airlines.

- Top -



• What is the city code of Shanghai?

  Shanghai's area code: 021

- Top -