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August 19, 2012

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Husizhan Creative Park surprises and delights

LOCATED along Suzhou Creek, Husizhan was originally built in the 13th year during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) on Jessfield Road (present Lane 1384-1424 on Wanhangdu Road) with sponsorship from Huzhou silk merchants. It was initially used for processing and storing cocoon filaments from Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. Husizhan was also the earliest enterprise engaging in silk fabrication. The products were well received in the market and exported to Europe.

With a history of more than 132 years, Husizhan has gone through many changes, but the internal facilities are still well preserved. After a recent revamp, Husizhan has become known as Husizhan Creative Park. It features businesses in creative fields.

The park comprises several brick-wood buildings. One of the outstanding features of these old buildings is that the beams in the attic are made from whole logs. This is rare in Shanghai.

Chain's Sprockets

Chain's Sprockets catches your eye the moment you see it, with four colorful and cool bikes exhibited in front of the store. Mechanics in the store are all bike lovers and the store prides itself on creating a community for serious riders who take part in road races.Here you can find anything you need on a bike including chains, a carbon road wheelset, cog set, carbon pedals, cycling clothes and shoes, a Cycleops Joule Cycling Computer and more. The store sells ready-made bikes as well as custom-made bikes according to special demands. The average price for a bike is 20,000 yuan (US$3,174.6), says owner Chain Zou, who is also a bicycle fan.The store also provides bike fitting services for customers at a price of 150 yuan every time. After a careful measuring with their professional equipment, they will help you adjust your bike based on your physique. The bike fitting lasts 60 to 90 minutes according to the condition of your bike. Visit http://blog.chainssprockets.com/ for more information.

Opening hours: 10am-9pm (Tuesday-Friday); 12:30pm-9pm (Saturday-Monday)

Address: Suit A, 1/F, Bldg 2, No. 12, Lane 1384, Wanhangdu Rd

Tel: 6191-0304

Simba Coffee

If you want to avoid narrow lanes that are filled to the brim with tourists and their cameras, Simba Coffee could be your caffeine and pastry sanctuary.

Simba Coffee opened in 2009 and is on the second floor in a quiet corner of Husizhan Creative Park. To find the cafe, you have to go through a corridor and walk up the stairs to the second floor. The cafe is roomy with two floors and an attic. Animal lovers can enjoy their time here as there are six cats and a parrot in the cafe.

The furniture and decorations have been collected from various places around the world by the owner. The fun cafe and the historical surroundings have attracted many photography enthusiasts and commercial shoots.

As a cafe, Simba is a mecca of single origin brews, excellent espressos and more. It also serves snacks, cakes, tea, wine and cocktails. Prices are around 40 yuan to 50 yuan (US$6.3-US$7.9) per person. Free wi-fi.

Opening hours: 10am-11pm

Address: 2/F, Bldg 1, No. 12, Lane 1384, Wanhangdu Rd

Tel: 6090-0331

Banmoo

The showroom of Banmoo is where you can find some peace and quiet. The original structure is well preserved and a serene Oriental atmosphere pervades the space where Banmoo furniture and accessories are displayed in different living spaces. The Shanghai-based furniture brand was started by Lu Yongzhong with the intention of working solely with wood. The founder and chief designer of Banmoo is perhaps one of the brightest new stars in Chinese furniture design. He has carved out his reputation not by drawing on formal training but by relying on his own sense of aesthetics and composition, as well as a curiosity about art and design. He has strong faith in simple elegance and it shows in the design of his furniture range and lifestyle products. From a "Rolling stone" cardholder and "Fountain" music box to big pieces like a "Shanghai 1930's" triple-seat sofa and "Boat" low table, creativity abounds. The price starts from 200 yuan (US$31.4) for small design products to over 130,000 yuan for big furniture pieces.

Opening hours: 10am-7pm

Address: Bldg 1, No. 12, Lane 1384, Wanhangdu Rd

Tel: 6128-5818

Oshadai

A sense of order and calm pervades the showroom of home-grown lifestyle brand Oshadai tucked inside Husizhan Creative Park. The Shanghainese designer Dai Di launched her own brand Oshadai in 2008 and it already has a loyal following. She started designing elegant fashion and home accessories before expanding to a wide range of products including furniture and ceramics.

Her style is cozy and contemporary with a subtle Asian touch. She uses natural materials including cotton, hemp, silk and cashmere and focuses on the revival of Chinese aesthetics. Dai presents two collections every year with the current range featuring light green, purple and beige. Prices start from 100 yuan (US$15.7) for accessories to over 20,000 yuan for designer furniture. You can browse the product catalogue in the showroom, where the design team works.

Opening hours: 9am-6pm

Address: Bldg 1, No. 12, Lane 1384, Wanhangdu Rd

Tel: 6128-5808


 

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