SOCIAL life and leisure activities in Minhang often involve around clubs or similar businesses that cater to providing people with particular interests a place to meet, relax, improve their health, do sports, eat fresh foods or just plain have some fun.

Social clubs can be traced back to 17th century England, often forming around the emerging coffeehouse culture. Once the purview of the wealthy, clubs have proliferated throughout the world to encompass all classes of people in all sorts of activities.

There are sports clubs, health clubs, business clubs, community service clubs, women's clubs, hobby clubs and entertainment clubs. Some are membership only; some are open to the public for fees.

In most cases, what are called clubs in Minhang District are profit-making businesses offering meeting places, wedding venues, dining facilities, holiday retreats or specialized services, either in European or Chinese styles.

One of the most high-profile clubs in the district is Min Mansion, located in an eye-catching building on Laohumin Road. It is considered one of Shanghai's top clubs. The facility features a combination of Western and Chinese decor and culture, styled with traditional red stoneware, modern calligraphy and paintings.

In the main hall of Min Mansion is the Chinese calligraphy for wei wu de xin (???áμ?ü°), which roughly translated means "by upholding virtue, it is easy to catch a visitor's attention."

"It's a work by Zhao Cheng, master monk of the Longhua Temple in Shanghai," said Huang Zhenyu, general manager of Min Mansion. "It symbolizes the virtue of the house's owner."

Min Mansion operates on a reservations-only basis as a private club. It has three banquet rooms, and two restaurants - one Chinese, one Western. The Western-style restaurant is one of the largest in the city.

Healthy lifestyle

The club also offers one of the city's largest selections of wines, with two cellars and many vintage selections.

And what better way to enjoy a glass of fine wine than with a fine cigar? The club is proud of its excellent selection of tobacco products.

Another popular club, with a different theme, is the Silver City Club on Yindu Road. It offers fitness facilities and entertainment in what it calls an environmental setting. The green theme is enhanced by interior colors and use of water and plants. The club offers personal coaches to help those who need a nudge when it comes to creating a healthy lifestyle.

"Nowadays, clubs prefer to promote the recognition of lifestyle and culture," said Wang Gang, operations manager of Silver City Club. "It is this pursuit of modern tastes and styles that keeps them growing."

Yet another example is the Hanxiang Water Museum Garden, a social club set in a traditional rock and garden design. There, one can enjoy the serenity of ancient trees, picturesque bridges and quiet lanes. Visitors can enjoy hearing the history and stories behind the garden treasures.

At Maqiao Countryside Garden, which is a renovated old residence, visitors can enjoy rural arts such as pottery, embroidery, handmade shoes and bamboo woven articles.

Many clubs in Minhang, including Min Mansion, Silver City Club and Business Park Club, offer services such as healthcare and childcare.

Dining is an obvious centerpiece for most clubs. There are so many culinary styles to choose from, and the cost doesn't have to be prohibitive. Combining dining and the tranquility of a rural setting has proven to be popular.

Liansen Rural Garden is one example. The farm covers 13 hectares of woodland, boasting water views and rural scenery. Meals produced with locally grown produce, meat and fish are cooked from traditional recipes.

Another example is Benmuyuan Farm. It offers local specialties such as Huacao mutton in a traditional classic Chinese garden setting.

In Minhang District, there's a club to capture everyone's fancy. We look at a few:

Feifan Yindu Wedding Club

Offering: Wedding-photo backdrops, banquet halls, floral arrangements, video and sound facilities and nuptial planning services. Despite the relatively high cost, newlyweds and their parents don't have to lift a finger to stage an unforgettable wedding.

The club also features restaurants, a café and a gym. There are guest rooms, squash and tennis courts, and a tropical swimming pool said to be patterned on a site in Bali.

Address: 555, Lane 759 Yindu Rd

Tel: 6328-5658

Liansen Rural Garden

Offering: Rural relaxation amid 13 hectares of woodlands, fishing spots, fruit orchards, barbecue sites and entertainment. Dining facilities specialize in local products and recipes. The club is open to the public after the annual Spring Festival which runs from February 10-24 this year.

Address: 3369 Lianhua Rd S. (near

Yuanjiang Rd)

Tel: 136-0173-9178

Business Park Club

Offering: This club boasts excellent gym facilities, a swimming pool, indoor tennis court, yoga room and other popular exercise activities.

Address: Bldg 1, 888 Tianlin Rd

Tel: 5445-3988

Blossom Dream Garden

Offering: Entertainment, dining and conference facilities are beautifully tucked into the décor of a classical garden theme.

Address: 1398 Luheng Rd

Tel: 150-2658-9780

Deqiu Garden

Offering: This is a comprehensive club combining business facilities, accommodation and health-care services.

Address: 788 Shenfu Rd

Tel: 5180-1144

Hanxiang Water Museum Garden

Offering: This club combines the themes of water conservancy and the cultural history of the Huangpu River, including the ancient Maqiao civilization. It is a large ecological park that seeks to combine environmental education with fun and entertainment.

Address: 3805 Jiangchuan Rd W.

Tel: 5472-4907

Benmuyuan Farm

Offering: A great place for a relaxing fishing trip. The farm is abundant in rare plants and trees. On the north end of its central lake is an outdoor dining area styled in southern China décor. The Jingfu teahouse is crafted in native woods. There are accommodation suites, a card room and a tennis court.

Address: 268 Jiyou Rd

Tel: 138-1722-7967

Xiangshuiwan Farm

Offering: The farm features orchards and a vegetable-growing area, a rural education center for children and fishing facilities. It was developed to promote the concept of the "urban countryside" – giving club members the opportunity to explore healthy lifestyle in an stress-free environment.

Address: 41 Xianxin Rd

Tel: 6491-6970

Shark Ecological Manor

Offering: This farm was designated an "Expo touring farm" during the World Expo Shanghai 2010. It features rural scenery, fishing, a wedding venue and dining facilities.

Address: 110 Liansheng Rd

Tel: 6411-7717