SHANGHAI'S historic Shiliupu Dock was the focal point for the city's shipping and trading activities in the 1800s. For decades, the focus of attention seemed to be on the restoration of bizarre architectural gems along Shanghai's landmark strip while the city's oldest wharf area, only a stone's throw away from the historic Bund, was neglected.

The dock had been on the decline in the last few decades as the city progressed. But take a stroll along the southern Bund area nowadays and see it has transformed into a water tourism center with stunning views, open green areas and extensive shopping and dining options.

The InterContinental Hotels Group's lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo recently opened its first hotel in Asia Pacific at Shiliupu Dock, which is intended to offer a more individual hotel experience that incorporates local historic, cultural and design elements.

Leisurely stroll along the riverfront to enjoy the grandeur of the Bund, take a ferry ride across the Huangpu River to the Pudong New Area or have a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants at The Cool Docks, there are abundant activities in this area, where old and new converge.

Across Zhangshan Road S. that leads to The Cool Docks is the famous Shiliupu fabric market where tourists and locals have suits and gowns tailor made. Across the Huangpu River is the bustling commercial center of Lujiazui, while to the south is the Nanpu Bridge.

(Contributed by Katie)

Lan Xuan

A smiling, kind, middle-aged woman, highly skilled in "blue batik," opened Lan Xuan a year ago at the Cool Docks. Blue batik has long been a popular hand-woven and hand-printed fabric among Chinese people and the shop owner Cai Lanfang is dedicated to promoting the traditional Chinese craftsmanship to both locals and expats. The shop features a range of Cai's hand-made creations including garments, accessories, arts and crafts, wall hangings and tourist souvenirs in pure cotton and natural dyes. Forget the cheap, cheesy qipao in Yu Garden; the tailor-made blue batik fabric qipao (600 to 700 yuan) is a good choice here. It blends quality natural fabric, Cai's tailoring skills and modern design.

Opening hours: 11am-7pm

Address: No. 103, Bldg 15, 505 Zhongshan Rd S.

Tel: 136-7190-7970

Stiller's

"A good party starts in the kitchen and ends in the kitchen" is a favorite saying of Stiller's Restaurant and Cooking School executive chef and owner Stefan Stiller. This 70-seat restaurant, lounge bar and cooking school is run by husband and wife team Stefan and Yoshi and serves modern European fine-dining fare in a relaxed environment. The signature dish is one of the starters ?ù¨? Cake of Foie Gras ¨? a duck foie gras terrine with truffle and spiced pineapple chutney (175 yuan). It has been on the menu since day one and is a hit with Western and Asian diners alike. Stiller's original concept makes for a classic fine-dining experience, but without the stuffy atmosphere of old. It's a haven for business diners with its spectacular views of the Pudong skyline from the main dining room, balcony or roof terrace and we are told guests entertain themselves politely jostling for window tables at the weekend.

Opening hours: 6pm?10:30pm (last order) Sunday brunch 12am-2:30pm (last order)

Address: 6/F, Bldg 13, 505 Zhongshan Rd S.

Tel: 6152-6501

Kebabs on the Grille

Kebabs on the Grille serves authentic northern Indian cuisine with the fundamental simplicity of the tandoor clay oven. As the restaurant's name suggests, kebabs are their specialties. Try murg malai: tender boneless chicken pieces marinated in cream cashew nut paste (60 yuan), mutton dum biryani: a classic combination of basmati rice, lamb chunks and spices (75 yuan), and the chef's special fish tikka (145 yuan). Finally, don't miss winter dessert gulab jamun which is milk dumpling deep fried and served in a sugar syrup (30 yuan). Bear in mind that these dishes are good to be shared, and the dinner costs 100 to 150 yuan per person without drink. Every Sunday, settle in for a satisfying brunch at the eatery at only 140 yuan for an all-you-can-eat buffet. There is a wide selection of dishes and unlimited wine, beer or soft drinks.

Opening hours: 11am-10:30pm

Address: Bldg 8, 505 Zhongshan Rd S.

Tel: 6152-6567

Mythos

Entering Mythos you'll almost feel as if you are on the Greek coast looking out over the Aegean Sea. The colors of blue and white are rich in Greek history and so is the restaurant, which is tastefully decorated with a blue and white theme to remind you of a whitewashed Greek house. Since Greece is a coastal nation, Greek food has always included a lot of seafood. The most popular seafood items at Mythos include grilled sea bream with mixed vegetables (188 yuan) and Mythos mixed grilled seafood (298 yuan). The traditional Greek staple mousaka is another signature dish at the restaurant. It features layers of ground beef, eggplant, potato, tomato, zucchini and cheese (98 yuan). Besides the food, the window seats have a fantastic view overlooking the Pudong skyline and peaceful river in the evening.

Opening hours: 10am-midnight

Address: Bldg 6, 505 Zhongshan Rd S.

Tel: 6152-6755

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo recently opened its first property in Asia Pacific in Shiliupu, at the southern end of the Bund. The upscale boutique hotel's focus is on informal yet personal service as well as individual design reflecting the local neighborhood. The hotel has views of the river and two spacious suites with extensive private terraces. Each individually designed room provides an intimate haven with unexpected details: the reclaimed Shikumen brick feature wall, the hidden refreshment bar with individually designed tea sets and bath products from Shanghai-based Ba Yan Ka La that presents pure ingredients and Chinese wisdom. On the 29th and 30th floors of the hotel, Char, expected to be opened soon, will be one of the city's top dining and social spots, where guests can sit back, take in the spectacular views overlooking the river and unwind to the relaxing sounds provided by Char's resident DJ.

Address: 585 Zhongshan Rd E2

Tel: 3302-9999

The Waterhouse at South Bund

The Waterhouse at South Bund is a much talked about boutique hotel located on the banks of the Huangpu River and boasting a fantastic view. Originally an army headquarters in the 1930s, it was transformed into a four-story, 19-room hotel with a distinctive architectural mix: old and new. Shanghai-based Neri & Hu Design and Research Office (NHDRO) was up for the challenge of transforming the old building into a chic, unique destination including guestrooms, fine-dining restaurant, rooftop bar and all-purpose event space. The original concrete building has been restored while new additions built over the existing structure were made using Cor-Ten steel, reflecting the industrial past of this working dock by the river. Guestrooms reserve a surprise even for the well traveled visitor. The underlying design concept for each of the 19 rooms is based on the traditional Shanghai alleyway, yet each one is utterly unique in terms of layout and decor. The pillar-free event hall is ideal for a wide range of functions that can accommodate up to 800 people standing. The rooftop terrace has great views of the sparkling Pudong skyline. The overall hotel design is definitely shaking the norm, setting a new standard in Shanghai.

Address: No. 1-3, Maojiayuan Rd, close to Zhongshan Rd S.

Tel: 6080-2988

Table No. 1

World-influenced modern European cuisine is well presented at Table No. 1, located on the ground level of The Waterhouse at South Bund. Jason Atherton, the previous executive chef at Gordon Ramsay's Michelin-starred Maze in London, brings a fresh approach to Table No. 1, his first venture in Asia. Focusing on communal dining, dishes at the restaurant come in sharing portions. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced and the menu is seasonally driven. Both the three-course express lunch and the three-course early supper menu (6pm to 7pm daily) are priced at only 158 yuan. And for Christmas Eve, the set dinner is priced at 688 yuan or 888 yuan with wine parings. The restaurant is also available for private events. The total capacity in the main dining room is 62 seats, with an additional 32 seats in the courtyard.

Opening hours: 12am-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm

Address: No. 1-3, Maojiayuan Rd, close to Zhongshan Rd S.

Tel: 6080-2918