IT might be hard to discerne the rich character of Xinhua Road beneath the rows of robust, dark green, plane trees and wedged between European-inspired villas of German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian persuasion. But be assured, it is there -- and discovering its nuances is a rewarding experience.

The grand building of Shanghai Film Art Center -- the first five-star cinema in Shanghai -- stands towering over the intersection; down the road half a kilometer away, old European-style villas engender a certain kind of mellowness.

Foreigners sip coffee in stylishly decorated cafes; aged local residents stroll leisurely in the lanes. Roadside stores never fail to impress with their stunning exhibitions; window shopping becomes an exciting journey full of surprises.

Starting from Huaihai Road E. and ending on Zhongshan Road W., this famous street known for housing a good number of foreign migrants in the 1930s and 1940s and the architecture they brought in is now a distinct landmark in Shanghai.

Dotted with sites of heritage architecture and relief sculptures, Xinhua Road was first built in 1925 and named Amherst Street by local foreign merchants. As long as you have the gusto to walk and the curiosity to discover, the road will spark your senses because here the classical flows into the modernist and East blends with West, providing a vivid rendition of Shanghai's past and present.


Marco Polo

The chain store's Xinhua Road branch is housed in an impressive bakery with a tantalizing storefront that allows you to see the day's "bake" through wooden-framed glass. Not only is this an excellent source of fresh bread, pastries and cakes, but also next door is a Marco Polo cafe -- with a fully stocked bar -- that serves basic Western food like sandwiches and spaghetti as well as a range of alcoholic beverages. The tiny cafe is known for its old Shanghai atmosphere and its selection of beers. Over 10 years ago, famous Taiwanese architect Deng Kunyan designed the cafe and counts it as his first masterpiece of interior design in Shanghai.

Opening hours: 11am-11pm

Address: 186 Xinhua Rd

Tel: 6281-4448


Frank'n Sense

Lilli Makinson, founder of Lilli's Shanghai, discovered the healing properties of crystals and various stones through her jewelry business. The Swiss-Japanese started to learn about the stones afterwards. The result of her research was the opening of Frank'n Sense urban retreat, a home of true healing and sanctuary for the international community in Shanghai. The philosophy is to provide the ultimate facial therapy and professional aromatherapy by using only natural products, essential oils and healing crystal stones. Other treatments you can hardly find anywhere else in Shanghai include reiki, sekhem, universal healing, crystal healing therapy and ayurvedic marma point head massage. It is a rediscovery of the ancient and forgotten healing arts that use crystals, oils, herbs, meditation and the merging of oneself with nature. As more people look for alternatives, the ability of ancient healing to help is becoming more evident.

Opening hours: 9:30am-8:30pm (weekdays); 9:30am-7:30pm (weekends)

Address: 24 Xinhua Rd

Tel: 6280-6075



Wu Jin Shop

Like a wasp to light, it's difficult to exercise restraint when confronted with beautiful handmade jewelry. Consider yourself warned because Wu Jin Shop, a fusion jewelry boutique that opened three years ago, has a charming, eclectic collection of must-have pieces. The local designer mixes crystals, rocks, seashells, pearls and other natural products to create what she calls, "versatile, colorful and elegant pieces." These items exude a young, earthy vibe, with just enough bling to catch someone's attention without trying too hard. Some pieces come in sets of mixed jewelry with compatible color schemes and since the clasps are magnetic, you can often rearrange various pieces to create longer necklaces. Most items are decently priced but if you're seeking a better rate there is also a sale section with items marked down half price.

Opening hours: 11:30am-9:30pm

Address: 335 Xinhua Rd

Tel: 5230-1529



Xinhua Villas

Back in the 1930s and 1940s, wealthy businessmen settled a group of houses now known as Xinhua Villas. Designed according to the owners' specific requirements, various styles such as British, Italian and Spanish emerged. Ownership changed over time, some becoming state properties or offices. Although tourists are not allowed into these buildings, simply appreciating their outward appearance is enjoyable and inspiring. Of the two five-unit townhouses and one independent villa, most were designed by legendary Hungarian architect Laszlo Hudec. Their classic beauty captures attention from every angle, and impresses with every detail.

Address: Lane 211, 329 Xinhua Rd



Xinhua Garden Hotel

Among the many European villas that adorn this street, the Xinhua Garden Hotel is a beautifully preserved German villa converted into a hotel. Built in 1925, the villa was originally the private residence of a German expat before becoming state property during World War II. Ironically, it served as a police station before it was renovated into the present boutique hotel in October last year. It is three stories high and built from a combination of wood and brick, covered by a marvelous red-tiled roof, and with a large, squared garden courtyard. The hotel offers 14 executive suites, one of which has an outdoor patio and a slanted rooftop window. There are three banquet rooms and 24-hour room service that offers both Chinese Huaiyang and Western cuisine. The Xinhua Garden Hotel serves a rather loyal base of customers from all parts of Europe and China.

Address: 179 Xinhua Rd

Tel: 6282-2299



Yang Yang Chopsticks

With over 1,100 different variations of the iconic Chinese eating utensil, it is needless to say that the store was properly named. Chopsticks founder Yang Yang started the shop with the belief that each pair of the utensil had a story to tell about Chinese culture and its traditions. And since there are quite a lot of stories to tell about China, Yang Yang Chopsticks carries an incredibly wide array of their staple product -- ranging from chopsticks made from bamboo, clay, porcelain, steel, traditional Chinese redwood, silver, deer bones, bull bones and more. Also available are random chopstick-inspired accessories which include bags, holders, pouches and even umbrellas.

Opening hours: 10am-9:30pm

Address: 81 Xinhua Rd

Tel: 5554-0102