SITUATED on the fringe of Xintiandi, Taicang Road is a mix of old and new Shanghai. Starting from the junction of Madang Road, you cannot help but be in awe of the rich and elegant building styles of old Shanghai.

Within these buildings, however are establishments catering to tourists and expatriates.

Leaving behind the symbols of the city's history, you then step into the Shanghai of today where you will be intrigued by the sight of a small, inconspicuous general store on the same street as a boutique hotel. Taicang Road is a short street, often ignored because of its neighboring, bustling Xintiandi.

Nonetheless, we hope that these quirky finds will give you a quick insight into the changes Shanghai has undergone over the years.


Oshadai revives Chinese aesthetics

Oshadai is a relatively new boutique opened on Taicang Road focusing on the revival of modern Chinese aesthetics of using rich details and beautiful colors. After leading the design thrust of Shanghai Trio for eight years, Dai Di launched Oshadai, as her own brand which was born from a desire to return to elegant authenticity. The brand uses the best natural materials, including cotton, hemp, silk, cashmere and some hand-made fabric that is hand-printed and hand-dyed. The products include household items and fashion accessories. Strongly rooted in Chinese daily philosophy, each design finds its origin in the rich depths of Chinese culture and everyday life. The dedicated production workshop is located in Jiangsu Province where specialist craftsmen are recruited and trained locally to ensure the finish of top-quality products matches the company's ethos. The brand is constantly developing new products with prices ranging from 100 yuan (US $14.60) to 2,200 yuan. Most items cost around 500 yuan.


One Xintiandi retains glory of bygone days

History gives us an insight into the past, but buildings leave us the vestiges of a bygone era. One Xintiandi, also known as Clubhouse, was designed in the early 20th century as a residence. Unlike the popular shikumen styled houses of the time, this mansion took on the "alley mansion" or lilong approach. During the war with Japan, it was converted into a primary school. A stationery businessman, Mao Baoyong, later used it as his home and converted the northern fa?￠ade into a shop. In 1949, the government took over the place and renovated it to house more than 40 working-class families. When the Shui On Group took over the building in 2001, the timber beams had rotted and the insulating rooftop tiles were no longer effective against the chilling winters. The foundation of the mansion was elevated and extended to more than 9 meters underground, the walls were waterproofed and the roof retiled. Despite restoration efforts, the pebbled pavement and wooden staircases could not be salvaged. All the stairways leading to the courtyards and skylights that we see now are replicas of the original design. The external garden, garage and driveways however were not restored as that would have affected the commercial appeal of the premises. Although this building is now used as a private clubhouse, its exterior still retains the original design, aside from the addition of piping and electricity. A balance between the new and old Shanghai has thus been achieved.

Address: Unit A, House 1, Lane 181 Taicang Rd

Tel: 5382-9898


Shanghai Trio's modern simplicity

Shanghai Trio showroom sells a wide range of soft furnishings, including table cloths, cushions and blankets, as well as fashion and daily accessories such as bags, clothes, purses, scarves, shawls, mobile phone holders and cardholders. Since it was opened in 1998 by Frenchwoman Virginie Fournier, the brand has gained a strong following, especially in the expat community, over the years. The products are created based on traditional Chinese fabrics and patterns with a twist of modern simplicity. The colors of the coming spring/summer collection are vibrant: brown sugar, desert beige, blue feather, grey sepia, Chinese red, orange post-it, yellow fluo and grey London stone. Shanghai Trio is a great spot to pick up elegant little gifts to bring home. Before the new collection launch in March, you can find discounted products in the shop, including children's clothes, accessories, bags and scarves. The product line also can be found in France, Japan, Singapore, the United States and Germany.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: Unit 4&5, 181 Taicang Rd

Tel: 6355-2974


Lotos Spa for essence of Zen

Tranquil and secluded, Lotos Spa boasts an interior design that truly captures the essence of Zen. Tucked away on the corner of Taicang and Shunchang roads, the dimly-lit setting takes you aeons away from the chaos just outside. Offering a holistic approach to health and well-being, Lotos Spa provides a health-enhancing spa experience that combines detoxifying treatments and relaxing healing techniques. Inspired by ancient rituals, its therapies are a fusion of East and West. Each of the 10 treatment rooms is decorated in a different style to suit a person's mood and preference. Its signature treatment Lotos Massage (560 yuan/90 minutes) combines the best of Chinese and Swedish massage to create the ultimate soothing and pampering experience. Herbal Massage (680 yuan/80 minutes) is another must-try as herbal compresses are steamed to the proper temperature and administered onto the skin. This helps the pores to open in order that the herbal mixture can penetrate and provide a rejuvenating experience with an antiseptic effect. The facial treatments utilize French brand Phytomer and German brand Biodroga.

Opening hours: 10am-midnight

Address: 2/F, 8 Jinan Rd

Tel: 3308-0088


Take a break at Lapis Casa

Shanghai is a city that never sleeps. But, if you are looking for a quiet place to catch 40 winks without leaving Xintiandi, you might want to consider Lapis Casa Boutique Hotel. Located at 68 Taicang Road, it is an enclave where one can enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Furnished with baroque chairs and Art Deco antique tables, you are transported to another time period without even realizing it. With a total of 16 rooms and two suites, guests are assured of privacy and personalized service which may not be found in bigger luxury hotels. Each room is decorated with a different theme and guests are allowed to choose their rooms. And, should any of the hand-crafted furniture catch your eye, you can purchase them, as all the fixtures are for sale. Hence, the setting of the place is never constant, always changing from time to time. Room rates start from 1,500 yuan/night for a double room to 2,500 yuan/night for a suite. For the upcoming Spring Festival, guests will enjoy a 50 percent discount if they reside at the hotel from February 6 to 21.

Address: 68 Taicang Rd

Tel: 5382-1600


Japanese Tenya a tuna specialist

You will find a large selection of sashimi and sushi here at Tenya which specializes in toro (tuna fish). Tuna is often called "the diamond of Ocean" but it can be good or bad due to the way it's been caught and handled afterward. At Tenya, it's always the freshest catch due to their supply line straight from Tsukiji market in Tokyo. Tenya built its own special refrigerator for imported containers in Orient International Seafood Market where tuna can be maintained fresh at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius below zero. Sashimi style is highly recommended, including O-toro (the fattiest part of tuna), priced at 98 yuan, Chu-toro (well-balanced consistency of both lean and fatty) at 98 yuan and Toro-shio (toro marinated with Japanese sea salt and fresh lemon juice) at 78 yuan. Toro sushi and hand roll cost from 38 yuan to 68 yuan. Japanese-style hotpot and shabu-shabu styles are also popular, such as King Taraba crab pot (138 yuan) and Maguro toro shabu-shabu (138 yuan). For dinner, sets priced at 280 yuan and 380 yuan are good options as both include sashimi, hotpot, noodle or rice porridge and dessert. Of course, one would expect sake to be the natural accompaniment to raw fish. Choose Azure (cold sake) (420 yuan/720milliliters) or Tosatsuru (hot sake) (110 yuan/300milliliters).

Opening hours: 11:30am-2:30pm; 6pm-11pm

Address: 68 Taicang Rd

Tel: 5383-6886


Open a bottle at Enoteca

Enoteca, an Italian word which means wine repository, was originally used to refer to a local or regional wine shop. Although this wine bar, located at 58 Taicang Road, does not carry Chinese wines, it offers a good selection from South American and European vineyards. In its second year, the outlet is the second branch in Shanghai. What is unique about Enoteca is its open bar concept which allows patrons to open a bottle or two and have a relaxing drink. The wine prices are kept competitive as they are imported directly from the wine makers. For less than 200 yuan, you can enjoy a bottle of Chilean or Argentinean wine. Finger food such as tapas and paninis are available to compliment your drinks. On weekends, set brunches starting from 75 yuan are available to 4pm. Although it is promoted as a wine bar-lounge, two-course weekday set lunches at 90 yuan are a good option. In support of the Haiti earthquake reconstruction efforts, Enoteca will contribute 10 yuan for every bottle of wine sold, from January 25 to February 1.