A Few Cool Finds at Columbia Circle, Which Recently Expanded

Named after the former Columbia Country Club, a social hub for Shanghai’s American community in the 1920-30s, Columbia Circle (上生新所 or 哥伦比亚公园) has retained the club’s old facilities and features — American-style clubhouse, gym, and outdoor pool included — but has been a mixed lifestyle development since 2018.

This summer saw the unveiling of the second phase of the semi-open-air space.

While Phase I is about blending colonial heritage and modern design, Phase II introduces more greenery and places sustainability and community at its core.

Columbia Circle intends to highlight a well-curated and niche portfolio of brands to elevate the overall visitor experience.

From a respected Japanese brand of cameras and lenses to a Tibetan lifestyle café, below are a handful of our favourites!

📍 Unit 101B, 1/F, Block 15, Columbia Circle, 1262 Yan'an West Road, Changning

⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 9:30 PM

☎️ 17511674949

Popular tea chain Kaiji Teahouse has just opened at Columbia Circle, and the teahouse couldn't look more 'at home' amidst the lush greenery of the new complex.

Kaiji Teahouse aims to revitalise traditional Chinese tea culture and capture a youthful audience by putting tea heritage in a contemporary setting.

You can try classic as well as contemporary takes on tea, and pair your drinks with interesting snacks and affordable bowls of noodles.

📍 Unit 102, Block 16, Columbia Circle, 1262 Yan'an West Road, Changning

⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 9 PM

Renowned Japanese camera accessories brand SIGMA has opened a conceptual retail space in Columbia Circle. 

Not only does the space showcase SIGMA's entire product portfolio, but it also explains the brand's rich history and its founder's philosophy, while displaying a photography collection.

Whether you're a professional photographer, a hobbyist or just passing by, anyone can appreciate the artistry behind SIGMA's craftsmanship and the well-curated exhibition.

📍 N4-L105, Columbia Circle, 1262 Yan'an West Road, Changning

Inspired by the adventurous spirit of rock climbing, JUMP+JOY is a lifestyle sports apparel brand designed for children.

The centrepiece of the store is a four-metre-high indoor climbing wall. The brand hosts regular climbing events for kids; details and sign up information can be found on the JUMP+JOY mini programme.

📍 Columbia Circle, 1262 Yan'an West Road, Changning 

⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 10 PM

☎️ 02160193126

Shanghai's inaugural Tsutaya Bookstore, a beloved bookstore chain from Japan, occupies what was once the heart of Columbia Country Club: the clubhouse itself. 

Designed by Japanese architectural firm TONERICO:INC., the two-storied space retains much of its historic charm.

The first floor is now dedicated to books and stationary, while the second floor sees more books and an exhibition space.

📍 Block 3, Columbia Circle, 1262 Yan'an West Road, Changning

⏰ Mon - Thu, 11 AM - 8 PM | Fri + Sat, 10 AM - 10 PM | Sun, 10 AM - 8 PM

☎️ 15601839181

Meaning "take it slow" in Tibetan, Klee Klee is committed to a slower lifestyle and champions appreciating the simpler things in life.

The first floor of the retail space carries sustainable products and houses a coffee counter called Coffee Shed (featured in our list of hybrid cafés) while the second and third floors stock more products and apparel.

From organic cotton T-shirts in eco-friendly dyes to small batch sauces in biodegradable packaging, every item here has less of an environmental footprint than most.

FUN FACT: Earlier this year, Klee Klee adopted Xiangxiang, a capybara at the Hongshan Forest Zoo in Nanjing!

📍 Unit 101, 1/F, Building 15, Columbia Circle, 1262 Yan’an West Road, Changning

Located off to one side of kleeklee&friends, Shardaa is a Tibetan café and boutique that is also about slow living and enjoyment.

Order a warming cup of Yak Milk Tea, take a seat on one of the outdoor benches, and watch the world go by...

But first, peruse Shardaa's fully made-in-Tibet inventory: think lovely woolen blankets and wall-tapestries, carved wooden boxes, yak butter lip balms, and more charming, hand-made items that make for thoughtful souvenirs.

Not mentioned in this article but also worth a visit in Columbia Circle: Naif Coffee Bistro, which we recently mentioned in our guide to Wuyi Road; Lenbach Poolside, sister restaurant to Lenbach Fountain; a branch of Blue Bottle Coffee; Spanish eatery Casa Baja; an upscale version of Pizza Hut; and more.

Happy hunting!

Jiangsu Road: Lines 2 and 11

Jiao Tong University: Lines 10 and 11

Hongqiao Road: Lines 3, 4 and 10

West Yan'an Road: Lines 3 and 4

All images were shot by the writer, sourced via the respective establishments or public domains. This article is not to be replicated without prior consent.