The scent of freshly steamed xiaolongbao mingles with espresso aromas as you step through a weathered stone gate. Welcome to Xintiandi - Shanghai’s iconic 25,000㎡ labyrinth where 1920s Shikumen residences transform into Asia’s most stylish cross-cultural playground.
The Xintiandi Dichotomy
By day, watch fashion influencers pose against crimson brick walls where laundry once hung. By night, follow neon trails to speakeasy bars hidden behind mahogany doors that once sheltered communist revolutionaries. Unlike Tianzifang’s cramped lanes, Xintiandi’s broad pedestrian avenues allow leisurely exploration between preserved firewalls and avant-garde installations.
Must-Experience Zones
South Block (Underground train Line 10 Exit 6)
-
Culinary World Tour: Queue for pillowy dumplings at Ding Tai Fung, artisanal sushi at Koya Restaurant, or truffle pizza at PizzaMarzano
-
Fashion Pulse: Browse Vera Wang’s bridal fantasies, snap streetwear at JJ Lin’s Smudge Store, then catch indie films at UME Cinema
-
Hidden Gem: The glass-encased Shikumen Open House Museum (Free entry) reveals original hearths and revolutionary meeting rooms
North Block (Huaihai Road Entrance)
-
Snap blessings at the Happy Fountain with its trio of Fortune Gods
-
Sip lychee martinis where Zeitgeist jazz bar occupies a 1924 opium den
-
Taste modern Cantonese at Zen Chinese Restaurant under exposed wooden beams
Time-Travel Photography Tips
-
Golden Hour Magic: 4:30PM sunlight gilds brick facades near Lane 181 Taicang Road
-
Rainy Day Mood: Wet cobblestones mirror neon at Cross Lane 123
-
Local’s Secret: The unmarked alley behind Godiva Café hides intact Qing Dynasty carvings
Why Locals Love It
“Xintiandi captures Shanghai’s soul - we come for weekend brunches at Green & Safe organic farm-to-table, then stay for live DJ sets at CÉ LA VI skybar,” says photographer Li Wei, whose #XintiandiMoments hashtag has 180M+ views on Douyin.
