NANJING Road W. extending from Jing'an Temple area eastwards toward People's Square, is one of the most flourishing streets in Shanghai. The history of this former Bubbling Well Road reverts to the early years of 20th century. This section previously featured a number of Western-style mansions and estates but today, the road is brash, modern and caters more to the status-conscious luxury shopper. It boasts a number of upmarket shopping malls, office buildings, European-style mansions, and five-star hotels. Take a stroll down Nanjing Road W. and you will be surprised by its amalgam of historical, cultural and commercial themes. And beware, a visit will stimulate your shopping gene.

Brothers' Brethren Buildings

At the corner of Tongren Road and Nanjing Road W. are the two houses known as the "Brethren Buildings," so called because they are almost identical. Designed by Tug Wilson of Palmer & Turner, the French-style buildings were originally the homes of Guo Le and his younger brother Guo Shun. The Guo brothers, originally from Guangdong Province, owned the former Wing On (Yong An) Department Store on Nanjing Road. Guo Le died in 1956 in the United States and Guo Shun lived in Hong Kong in his late years and was eulogized for his support for the construction of Zhongshan City by people from his hometown.

Address: 1418 Nanjing Road W.


Gourmet Cafe's succulent options

Modern, upbeat and fun, Gourmet Cafe offers a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers, steaks, international style breakfasts, decadent shakes and a selection of beers. Burger highlights include Figaragras, the English Patient, Crouching Thaiger and the King of Salsa, ranging from 65 yuan to 88 yuan. Figaragras, for example, is served with prime beef, homemade sweet fig chutney, pan-seared foie gras, and caramelized onion jam. All steaks are imported Australian Angus beef and priced at 198 yuan. The 25 varieties of milkshakes are also worth trying, including four alcohol shakes. The setting is sleek and contemporary featuring orange tones and comfortable seating. This outlet features a spacious outdoor terrace hardly found in Shanghai.

Opening hours: 7:30am-12pm (weekdays); 8am-12pm (weekends)

Address: Suite 111, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Rd W.

Tel: 6289-5733


Relaxing therapies of Green Massage

Entering the newly opened Green Massage in Shanghai Center is like stepping through a spiritual gateway. This new outlet was created to be a modern version of the old massage retreat with the use of contemporary Chinese-style decor, providing a considerate touch in a comfortable and restful environment. The treatments include aromatherapy, traditional Chinese massage, Chinese foot reflexology, and additional cupping and gua sha treatments, combining centuries-old Chinese medicine methods of unique massage techniques to promote healthy well-being throughout the body. Energizing Revitalization (498 yuan/105 minutes) is highly recommended in the city's freezing winter season. This highly detoxifying massage uses heated stones to help release tight muscles, allow the toxins to rise to the surface of the skin and improve circulation. The package also includes a special foot scrub to soften the skin and balance the entire energy flow. Muscles are relieved and mind and body merge to enjoy a natural, harmonious balance. Guests can leave their worries behind when they step into the embrace of Green.

Opening hours: 10:30am-2am

Address: Suite 202, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Rd W.

Tel: 6279-7776


Zhang's Textiles gems

Zhang's Textiles is a true gem tucked away in the Shanghai Center. A superb collection of extremely elaborate textiles from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are delicately framed and displayed in this museum-like shop, with the prices starting from 500 yuan. The most amazing piece is an exquisite Qing Dynasty Dragon Robe stitched with gold and silk thread and priced at 1.8 million yuan. From December 1 to 31, these elaborately patterned textiles will be displayed at One Xintiandi in North Block. Anyone interested in the exhibition needs to make a reservation by phone (5382-9898).

Opening hours: 10am-9:30pm

Address: Suite 202A, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Rd W.

Tel: 6279-8587


Shanghai Exhibition Center

Shanghai Exhibition Center was once called the Sino-Soviet Friendship Mansion. It is a grand and magnificent Russian architectural compound with motifs reflecting the Russian Art Deco style. However, some details embody the political symbols of the time with traditional Chinese elements. When built in 1955, it was the first exhibition center of its type after establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It has since hosted a number of important political, economic and cultural events.

Address: 1333 Nanjing Rd W.


Bargain basement Italian at Specchi Cafe

The recently opened Specchi Cafe & Restaurant, tucked in the basement of posh Plaza 66 shopping mall, is decorated in a quirky, fun, contemporary style. Sleek, modern Kartell design tables and chairs create the right ambience for this modern, fashion-conscious Italian restaurant which is dedicated to fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. The chef from Hong Kong has 40 years of experience cooking Italian food and brings his specialties here such as the seafood main courses (fish and lobster is cooked fresh from its tanks every day) as well as a large selection of delicious desserts. The restaurant is always packed during lunch and afternoon tea time. The lunch set starts from 98 yuan for choice of starter and pasta, 128 yuan for choice of starter and main course to 168 yuan for choice of starter, pasta and main course. Each set includes a free coffee, tea or dessert. Special recommendations include angel hair with lobster and asparagus in saffron sauce (178 yuan), linguine pasta with lobster and urchin in chili olive oil hot sauce (178 yuan) and squid ink spaghetti with lobster in tomato cognac sauce (178 yuan). The 88-yuan afternoon dessert buffet goes from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. You can choose one glass of alcohol and select from 20 varieties of food items elaborately presented on the extensive buffet table.

Opening hours: 10am-10:30pm

Address: B130, Plaza 66, 1266 Nanjing Rd W.

Tel: 6288-2658


Tea exhibition celebrates Pu'er

Pu'er tea, a fermented variety from southwestern Yunnan Province, has a long history based on its fame as a medicinal tea. It has been celebrated since the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) for its health benefits and curative powers in certain diseases. It can reduce cholesterol in the blood stream, reduce body weight, detoxify the liver, and help to reduce high blood pressure. The ongoing exhibition in Shanghai JC Mandarin Hotel is all about Pu'er tea. It exhibits some of the top-level Pu'er varieties such as Dingxing Raw tea produced in the 1930s, as well as Pu'er tea sets and other utensils. Declared a tea for emperors during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Pu'er's popularity today is driven by China's new rich for whom it is a trapping of the good life.

Address: 1225 Nanjing Rd W.