Shielded from the hustle and bustle of the city by dense Chinese parasol trees, 500-metre-long Tai'an Road might seem uneventful but there's more to it than meets the eye...
Red-tiled and white-walled houses loom in the backdrop, some of which are home to celebrities and VIPs, in this residential part of town, which has recently seen a collision of old and new...
From a new internet celebrity bakery to the gorgeous Soho Garden Villa Hotel and so on, this underrated street simply must be visited in person to appreciate it for what it's worth, while also discovering a less touristy side of Shanghai.
A 3-in-1 barber, café and 'museum'
📍33 Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 9 PM
☎️ 132-4831-9637
An antique barber shop established in 2008, Imuse Barber Shop provides services such as haircuts, shaves and more. But that's not all...
The store is a curiosity in itself, and has accumulated an impressive collection of barber shop equipment said to be made between 1890 and 1960.
Therefore, it would be no small exaggeration to call this is a 'barber shop museum.'
Furnished with antiques and curiosities, Imuse has 'retro' as part of its DNA.
Furthermore, the coffees here are unique and 'Instagrammable.' Choose your preferred beans and cup before letting the barista whip up your caffeinated beverage with the Kees Van Der Westen Slim Jim espresso machine from the Netherlands.
Turn left for shopping, right for coffee
📍37 Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 8 PM
☎️ 186-1693-2427
Doubling as a cute coffee shop and a fashion boutique, qiu qiu has walnut and cream tones that give it an old-timey, Japanese vibe. The décor is pared-down with just some wooden furniture and potted plants.
What you wouldn't know unless speaking to the staff is that all the clothes — including the items under the eye-catching rack labelled "Not For Work" — were designed by the boutique owner.
The soft-spoken staff here do not rush curstomers and are very patient as you take your time to try on the clothes, which are suited to casual occasions.
Whether or not you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe, you should at least sample the drinks in this small but relaxing space, and watch the world go by through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Clothes in one hand and coffee in the other? Sounds like a good combo to us.
Community florist with
a loyal following
📍Building 3, Lane 115, Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 7 PM
☎️ 135-0163-1000
Better Together's façade and simple yet stylish floral arrangements are so beautiful that passersby are often caught off guard, coming to a screeching halt.
The florist stands out from its competitors thanks to its retro Japanese appearance, complete with hanging paintings of flowers.
The store owner is very enthusiastic about helping her customers' choose and match their preferred blooms.
Although not large, the store sees a well-thought-out layout that maximises every corner. The combination of old Chinese wooden furniture and high-end flowers makes for an interesting contrast.
In addition to attracting a trendy crowd who specifically seek out Better Together, it is also the 'neighbourhood florist' of nearby residents.
The ritual of picking up a bouquet of flowers will never go out of style, and Better Together keeps this facet of life alive and blooming.
shierbi
A cute space that's as
charismatic as its owner
📍29 Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ Daily, 7 AM - 6 PM
Those who can read Mandarin might be tickled by the Chinese name of this café slash boutique (notice a pattern on Tai'an Road?), as 事儿逼长公主的店 translates to 'eldest princess's shop.'
It was hard not to wonder about the owner, so we wandered inside to meet her and were not disappointed...
A raconteur with a funny sense of humour, said owner has built herself a space that integrates her life, business and coffee.
Inside the store are beautiful clothes, accessories and bags, as well as delicious coffee. We are already looking forward to our next conversation with the interesting 'laoban' on our next leisurely afternoon off.
A 'wanghong' bakery,
but for good reason
📍5, Lane 27, Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ Daily, 8 AM - 9 PM
☎️ 181-2107-2705
One of the most popular bakeries in Shanghai this year is located near the Wukang Building.
What it is about minimalistic industrial-style bakeries with metal and brick walls that seems to have a magnetic pull on stylish youngsters?
Besides the carefully thought-out interior design, the staff too, appear to have been hired for their good looks. The barista named KD, in particular, has been compared to celebrity footballer Wu Lei.
Sacks of imported flour are neatly stacked under the shelves of this bakery, which sells no more than 10 types of bread (most are hard European and sourdough-type loaves), but what Trifle lacks in variety it makes up for in quality.
As you might already know if you've lived here for a while, Shanghai is mad for cinnamon rolls, and the one at Trifle is rather special. Topped with tightly-rolled, thin folds of dough — a bit like a croissant — but dense in the centre, the pastry also comes with wine-soaked raisins.
Prefer something savoury? We suggest the spicy sausage croissant.
Note that all baked goods go on sale at 8 AM sharp and popular items may sell out by early afternoon.
Better Together Coffee
A 'secret garden café'
worth seeking out
📍9, Lane 115, Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ Daily, 11 AM - 5 PM
☎️ 135-0163-1000
You'll find Better Together Coffee deep inside a quiet alley on Tai'an Road.
It is both a restaurant and a café offering tranquility amidst the camphor and bamboo. The sun shines through the gaps of the thicket so it's not too chilly either.
Let your eyes wander before taking your first sip of coffee...
The casual patio with its white walls, wishing fountain, and wrought iron tables and chairs make it the picture perfect place to while away an afternoon.
Neither large nor small, the interior is warm and inviting with wooden floors and old-fashioned leather couches that evoke a bygone era.
By contrast, the signature Rose & Sea Salt Coffee speaks for Shanghai's contemporary coffee culture.
Innovative French-Cantonese eats
📍9, Lane 115, Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | 5:30 PM - 12 midnight
☎️ 173-1730-2622
Canfa, also located at No. 9, Lane 115, is a hidden restaurant specialising in creative cuisine.
The restaurant's name, a portmanteau of 'Canton' and 'Faguo' (Mandarin for 'France,' hints at the fusion flavours at play here.
Full of light and shadows, the old bungalow restaurant serves small dishes for sharing, heartier mains, and wines.
Fusing Cantonese cuisine and French food, Jimmy Luo, a post-90s chef, is meticulous about his cooking and pays great attention to small details. You are bound to be wowed by your beautiful meal here, and the service is impeccable.
One of Shanghai's oldest French bistros
📍139, Tai'an Road, Xuhui
⏰ Daily, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | 5:30 - 10:30 PM
☎️ 021-6281-4891 | 137-8893-8310
Open for over 10 years, La Petanque is named after a ball game invented in and popularised in Provence, France.
Rather like the sport, the restaurant has been less popular in recent years. However, its dishes remain authentic and still set the standard for classic French cuisine.
Although the bistro is not large, its relaxing atmosphere makes it an enjoyable spot for hang-outs with friends or dates.
At this mini portal to Paris, the magic capital of France, the menu lists the likes of duck leg confit, beef tartare and pork pâté — simple but well-executed classics served at reasonable rates.
A set meal (six courses) for two diners costs just 300 RMB, and the freshly baked homemade lava cake clinches the deal.
Soho Garden Villa Hotel
Remnants of Old Shanghai
📍9, Lane 115, Tai'an Road
☎️ 021-6214-7727 / 021-5228-9968
There is something noble about this tranquil garden villa surrounded by French plane trees, especially in the subdued sunlight.
As one of the most beautiful secluded spots in bustling downtown Shanghai, the Soho Garden Villa Hotel is a place to experience glamorous old Shanghai.
Its excellent location makes it very convenient for exploring other popular parts of the former French Concession, such as Hunan Road and Changle Road.
The hotel itself is worth exploring, as its exquisite furniture and finishings are part of history.
In fact, it almost feels as if the well-behaved guests here are afraid that too much movement would sully the quiet beauty of the old bungalow.
Circular arches link every room and corridor, and when pushing open the bedroom windows, the lush greenery makes you forget that you're staying in China's most populous city...
Original article by: Jamie Zheng
Adapted by: Sammi Sowerby
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