IN this city, change is happening at a rapid pace. We've seen the increase in lifestyle hubs as old buildings, disused factories and warehouses have been given a facelift and a new lease of life.

Strolling along Shaanxi Road S. from the corner with Yongjia Road, walk past Shaoxing Road and you will discover Lane 550 on the right side. A local neighborhood including a small wet market and local food stalls unfold as you make your way down the lane to Jiashan market.

The complex was established in 1979 as the Shanghai Knitting Factory 25 and became a food market in 1984 until 2009. Today, Jiashan market is an integrated work/life/recreation urban garden community with mixed-use spaces such as loft residences, studios and offices, restaurants and shops, all surrounding an open-air courtyard and completed by rooftop gardens.

A total of six old factory buildings have been renovated using sustainable practices such as reclaimed wood, double-glazed windows and insulation with the rooftop gardens growing fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and herbs. As a community space, the market's outdoor pavilion hosts the Shanghai Eco Design Fair, some community outdoor events and a kids' club.

With a massage place, a cashmere boutique and five restaurants and bars scattered in the space, Jiashan market is undoubtedly a must-see lifestyle destination in one of the world's most exciting cities. Melange Oasis - city calm

Melange Oasis is a new cafe/restaurant/bar that promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Cuisine ranges from Italian and Mediterranean to Thai and Middle-Eastern - and soon Chinese. It's mostly homemade, all is fresh, some is organic and it's all freshly prepared.

Popular dishes include Thai green curry with rice (58 yuan), organic vegetable couscous (58 yuan), chili con carne (65 yuan), and home-made desserts such as nut brownies (30 yuan) and blueberry cheesecake (35 yuan). The coffees are made from organic, fair trade Yunnan coffee beans. The comfy interior is constructed with customized compressed bamboo, including the bar, chairs, tables and the floor. Water is heated by solar panels. All plastics and papers are collected and recycled every month. According to manager Matteo Ferraboschi, the cafe will soon have name-cards and menus made from recycled paper and printed with soy-based ink. "Melange Oasis aims to create a relaxed and loving environment, very much like a melting pot for all people sensible of the environmental problems. We're child-friendly, family-friendly, pet-friendly, overall people-friendly," Ferraboschi said.

Opening hours: 9am-8pm

Address: Bldg D, No. 37, Lane 550, Shaanxi Rd S.

Tel: 6433-7727

Venus Spring - relax here

The environment at this massage venue has a soothing, healing feel to it with enchanting mood melodies and the scent of aromatherapy oils wafting through the air. Its massage therapies are a fusion of East and West. Visitors can select from five different essential oil blends for the signature aromatic oil massage that promote relaxation, rejuvenation and therapeutical benefits. Since the majority of customers complain of neck, shoulder and back pains, an aromatic oil back massage is priced at 150 yuan/30 min; a back and arm massage can be had for 300 yuan/50 min, and a full body massage for 600 yuan/60 min. In addition to its soothing interiors and quality massage treatments, the air you breathe at Venus Spring is ensured to be fresh, clean and pollution free.

Opening hours: 12am-2am

Address: No. 102, Bldg E, Lane 550, Shaanxi Rd S.

Tel: 5109-3279

Utsuwa Meshi - old Japan

Since its opening four years ago, Utsuwa Meshi has gained a devoted following for its authentic Japanese cuisine with the feel of an old Kyoto house. It was recently moved from the Tianzifang area to Jiashan market, with a much bigger space featuring hip decor and a refreshingly charming vibe - lofty ceilings, open spaces and eclectic design. Owner Tang Zhaohui said Utsuwa Meshi serves innovative new-style Japanese cuisine paired with secret ingredients. The menu is extensive with signature dishes such as sesame bean curd (50 yuan), smoked duck with organic salad black sesame taste (50 yuan), yakitori combination plate (60 yuan). The restaurant is also famous for its faultlessly fresh sashimi and rolls and other warm dishes, notably Japanese hot pot. For antique or Japanese ceramics lovers, follow Tang to the "secret" underground room where a wide collection of Chinese antique accessories, Shigaraki ware and Bizen ware are displayed.

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

Address: B103, No. 37, Lane 555, Shaanxi Rd S.

Tel: 5465-2908

Cafe Sambal - dream food

How many times have you dreamed of an authentic Malaysian restaurant in Shanghai with modern, sleek decoration, and well-known Malaysian dishes to sink your teeth into? Pick yourself up, because the newly opened Cafe Sambal in Jiashan market may fulfill that fantasy. The cafe has thrived in Beijing serving authentic Malaysian cuisine in a cozy courtyard house for eight years and it recently opened its first outlet in Shanghai. The old, two-floor loft space is turned into a stylish, modern restaurant and lounge, with a spacious, lovely outdoor terrace on the second floor and a rooftop garden. The first floor is primarily laid out for dining, with two separate rooms providing a more personal and quiet space. The second floor is designed as a lounge area with dining possibility. But back to the most important factor here: food. The restaurant owner Cho Chong Gee said Malaysian cuisine reflects the multicultural aspects of the country and includes Malaysian Chinese food, Malaysian Indian food and Nyonya food. The menu offers signature dishes such as otak-otak (60 yuan/US$9.03), satay chicken (50 yuan), ox tail soup (40 yuan), butter prawn (20 yuan), beef rending (78 yuan), and kapitan chicken (68 yuan). You need to call a day in advance for the incredibly fresh chili crab, served on a bed of curry leaves, dried shrimp and chili paste, or the superb double-braised Australian lobster in Nyonya sauce. A two-kilo Alaska or Australian king crab costs around 1,800 yuan for four to six people to share and an 800-gram lobster costs about 1,500 yuan.

Opening hours: 12am-12pm (restaurant); 12am-2am (lounge)

Address: Bldg A, No. 37, Lane 550, Shaanxi Rd S.

Tel: 3368-9529