THE road gets quieter as you walk further down Fuxing Road M., as the clamor and commotion gets left behind. Here, the shops and eateries start to peter out, but the slower pace is good for shoppers to take their time to wander into shops that catch their attention. The fewer number of shops is also a good thing as they start to sell more unique items, such as a chocolatier that makes you feel like you're in the "Chocolate Factory" in Roald Dahl's famous story.

And there's a homely store selling furnishings and accessories. Along the way, there are also several eateries that provide options if you're in the mood for some local food delights like crayfish. With the weather getting warmer, wandering along the road and exploring its treats are a good activity for a lazy summer afternoon.


University of Shanghai for Science and Technology

With engineering as its main focus, the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology is a key academic center in the city. The building now housing the university was originally established for the library of German Engineering Technologies College and Shanghai Mechanics Employees College. Built in 1908-1916, this Teutonic-style academic structure was designed by German architectural firm Becker & Baedeker. The two-story construction has a sloped roof and the arched gable at the veranda has a distinct German architectural touch. Continuing the design theme, there is also an arched scuttle somewhere on the roof. With over 100 years of history, the university continues to play a key role in the country's education system.

Address: 1195 Fuxing Rd M.


Rive Gauche seasonal wear

With summer almost upon us, the bright season fashions on sale in this shop make updating your wardrobe an easier task. Sourced from places like Europe and South Korea, the designs of the clothes are more modern and high-end. The garments are simple but chic and some more extravagant pieces are good for parties where you wouldn't face the problem of having the same outfit as someone else. There are also sophisticated and more toned-down pieces, making them suitable for work. Clothes range from 290 yuan to 500 yuan, while the shoes which are from Hong Kong cost between 300 yuan and 400 yuan.

Opening hours: 10:30am-10:30pm

Address: 620 Fuxing Rd M.

Tel: 6466-3988


Art icon Liu Haisu's residence

No. 512 is the former residence of Liu Haisu (1896-1994), a great Chinese painter and teacher who combined traditional Chinese techniques with European methods for revolutionizing art education in China. Liu excelled in oil painting, traditional Chinese painting and played a significant role in the world of Chinese fine art for nearly seven decades. In 1912, together with Wu Shiguang and Zhang Yunguang, he founded the first school of fine arts in China, Shanghai Academy of Chinese Painting, the former Shanghai School of Fine Arts. In the history of art education in China, Liu created several firsts. In the school, Liu opened the first course to use live models in China, which raised a huge controversy. In 1919, he recruited female students, making Shanghai Academy of Chinese Painting the first to take in both male and female students. In 1995, a national art museum in Shanghai was opened and named after Liu in order to provide high-standard exhibitions and international cultural exchange. Most of the collections in the museum are artworks donated by Liu, including his lifetime collection of ancient masters' paintings and calligraphies and his most representative oil paintings, traditional Chinese art works.

Address: 512 Fuxing Rd M.


The Calico Cat's Chinese blue

The shop's display of blue and white fabrics makes it hard to miss as you walk along Fuxing Road. The business specializes in Chinese blue calico, otherwise known as indigo print fabric, an ancient Chinese art of fabric painting and dyeing with blue and white design patterns. Pick an outfit that catches your fancy from among the racks of dresses or get one tailored. There are many different designs and prints available to choose from. While the shop started out by designing and producing women's garments, it has now expanded to include home textiles and furnishings. These include cushion covers, tablecloths and other embroideries too. There are also bags and small pouches that come in various shapes and sizes, as well as shoes and hats.

Opening hours: 10am-9pm

Address: 597-9 Fuxing Rd M.

Tel: 6433-6638


Fomo for crays

Shanghai has never recovered from the craze for the tiny lobster-like crayfish. It has evolved into more than just a dish here and is such a significant part of life for so many local people, with restaurants dedicated to crayfish spreading throughout the city. As for the ways of cooking crayfish, there are countless methods to suit everyone's tastes. Fomo is one of the most popular crayfish restaurants in town, providing 19 different ways of cooking, such as crayfish with 13 spices, marinated crayfish, dry-fried crayfish, curry-flavor crayfish and crayfish with pepper.

Opening hours: 11am-6am

Address: 597 Fuxing Rd M.

Tel: 6437-5805


Pralinor Chocolatier treats

Its window display of chocolate figures of all shapes and sizes is good enough advertisement for this chocolatier. At this one-year-old chocolate shop, the cocoa beans are imported from Belgium before the various chocolates for sale are then made on site by the owner himself. While there are traditional Belgian flavors like Irish coffee, some chocolates have been specially created by the Belgian craftsman, with fillings such as Szechuan pepper or ginger. Such spiciness makes you appreciate chocolate in a different way. The chocolates are 40 yuan for 100 grams (about nine pieces). However there are also various box sets that would make good gifts like the "Discovery Box" of 32 pieces (258 yuan), "Passion Box" (88-228 yuan) or a simple "Square Box" where there are four sizes (48-268 yuan).

Opening hours: 10am-8:30pm

Address: 571 Fuxing Rd M.

Tel: 6445-8703


Mou's design is supreme

The interior of this home accessories shop looks almost like a page straight from a magazine, with its simple but sophisticated shop layout. It's obvious that careful thought has gone into planning the shop's design. The brick walls are matched with dark brown parquet flooring and a fake fireplace on the side. Like the simple sophistication found in its decor, the products Mou sells are of the same minimalist and elegant design and cut. Most of the items - like mosaic plates and coasters, bathroom dispensers, candleholders, vases, cushions and plush toys - are imported from countries like Japan and America. The bathrobes and sleepwear, however, are made locally. Prices are slightly higher than elsewhere but the design and quality of items make them worth the price tags.

Opening hours: 10:30am-8:30pm

Address: 569 Fuxing Rd M.

Tel: 5465-1953