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April 6, 2012

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Home » Sunday » City Scene

Charming discoveries in an elegant location

DOMINATED by colonial architecture and plane trees, Wukang Road retains the past flavor of Shanghai, and is widely considered one of the most fascinating and beautiful streets in the city. There is no shortage of old buildings, carved pillars and archways along a street where the origins and character remain intact. If you want to forget the stresses and pressures of the busy city, just take a stroll in this amazing part of the former French concession. Along this road, the eclectic architecture representing the influence of different periods and cultures on the city creates a unique charm. Here you can find newly-opened bistros, chic fashion and lifestyle boutiques and are also very near to the intersection with Huaihai Road, where the historical Normandie Apartments are located.

Catie Lo

This is a new and cute boutique - and more - that in just a few months has established itself as an innovative lifestyle store. The owner is a Beijing woman who studied fashion marketing in London and wanted to bring to Shanghai the things she likes - not only clothes, but also objects that represent her moods and tastes. She has filled her small but refined boutique with a mixture of objects and labels. The eclectic range includes clothes - both from local and Western designers, books, small cards, ambience fragrances and even antique furniture. The most popular items are clothes and shoes aimed at women aged between 20 to 40, but the range is wide. Customers can even order customized furniture that takes only two weeks to be delivered. And with new items arriving every week, the owner says there's always something new to see. Prices range from 15 yuan (US$ 2.3) for small items to 50,000 yuan for a piece of furniture. The boutique also has a small garden, an intimate space for coffee and cakes in springtime. Don't miss it.

Opening hours: noon-8pm

Address: 105-3 Wukang Rd

Tel: 6473-4198

Sense of Touch

Award-winning spa operator Sense of Touch has opened its first location on Chinese mainland at Ferguson Lane on Wukang Road. The day spa has six treatment suites, a pedicure lounge and a spacious balcony overlooking the leafy residential area. Street-savvy spa treatment, a cool vibe and good service are staples of Sense of Touch, say management. The extensive menu includes its signature Brazilian wax at 300 yuan, manicure and pedicure ranging from 100 to 380 yuan, body treatments starting at 380 yuan and anti-aging facials using Aromatherapy Associates and Kerstin Florian products. The spa also provides some of its signature treatments for a total experience. Sense of Renewal (990 yuan/120 min) uses exotic ingredients from the Amazon rainforest and Africa in a massage that helps you de-stress and relax. An anti-aging facial keeps the skin invigorated. Another treatment, Sense of Romance (1,880 for two/120 mins) is inspired by the aromas of Paris. Couples indulge in a bath, followed by a rose body scrub for her and a lavender scrub for him and then a massage for both. Sense of Touch says its Shanghai branch features treatments unique to its location and sense of place.

Opening hours: 10am-9pm (Monday to Saturday); 11am-7pm (Sunday)

Address: 5/F, Ferguson Lane, 376 Wukang Rd

Tel: 6126-7800

Petite Jasmine

Located in a converted old house facing Wukang Road, this easy-to-miss restaurant is indeed petite. Divided into three dining rooms, the interior has a cozy, quintessentially European feel, with small antiques everywhere. With light, soothing music in the background, the dining experience is intimate and pleasant compared to more commercial options in the former French concession. The Mediterranean menu changes every season and must-try dishes include an Italian seafood appetizer platter with lemon juice (185 yuan), Jasmine signature salad (68 yuan), risotto lobster (285 yuan) and tapas, such as Tuscany-style snacks (38 yuan) and Italian lemon garlic shrimp (38 yuan). A bottle of wine costs between 208 and 358 yuan. The food is delicious, the only downside being that there are no lunch deals, so it costs around 250 to 300 yuan per person.

Opening hours: 11am-11pm

Address: 214 Wukang Rd

Tel: 6403-8550

IPLUSO

IPLUSO is a stationary shop with a great choice of items, such as pens, notebooks, must-have iPad bags and even glasses - everything for the business person looking for something practical but at the same time fashionable. The shop started out with just notebooks, but each year expands its range. You can find everything you need for work and also some great gift ideas, from cute boxes to different stickers and ribbons that you can combine as you wish. The glasses - very cute for businesswomen - are a new line at the shop and are selling very well, say staff. The price of glasses ranges from 580 (US$92) to 1,300 yuan for the more ornate pairs. The store also has a good range of bags, both in felt and leather, at prices ranging from 160 to 600 yuan. Items on sale are made by Western - mostly Italian and Australian - and local designers. IPLUSO also carries a wide range of practical everyday items, such as small pens for 35 yuan and some very functional notebook inserts.

Opening hours: 11am-6pm

Address: 202 Wukang Rd

Tel: 5465-0931






 

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