Xintiandi, Shanghai (must see)
Xintiandi in Shanghai blends East and West, with traditional Shikumen houses alongside modern Western-style buildings, creating a unique pedestrian district. The area is distinctly divided into two blocks, each offering a different experience to visitors. The Southern block is characterized by its modern architecture, incorporating a few well-preserved Shikumen houses amidst a sprawling 25,000 square meter area dedicated to shopping and entertainment. This modern enclave boasts a sprawling mall, established in 2002.
In contrast, the Northern block is a nostalgic journey back to Shanghai in the early 20th century. It is exclusively composed of preserved Shikumen houses and narrow streets, meticulously maintained to offer a glimpse into the city's historical ambiance. The exteriors of these houses may retain their original charm, but the interiors have been transformed into luxurious spaces housing high-end boutiques and cafes. These establishments serve a variety of global cuisines, catering to the tastes of a diverse clientele.
The two blocks are separated by Xingye Lu, a road of historical significance as it is the site of the memorial for the first congress of the Communist Party of China. This adds a layer of historical depth to Xintiandi's already rich cultural tapestry.
Xintiandi, which translates to "New Heaven and Earth," lives up to its name by being a bustling hub of activity. The district is renowned for its trendy restaurants and bars, many of which feature live music and outdoor seating that extends into the plazas, creating a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and a large expatriate community. Beyond the bustling nightlife and shopping, the area offers serene escapes like a small lake bordered by trees and surrounded by exclusive residential towers, providing a tranquil contrast to the lively urban environment.
Why You Should Visit:
Elegant, beautiful and of great ambiance; one of the best places for a chilled out meal any time of day – European style.
Tip:
Eat first and burn off the calories with a long walk around the area to explore the bars, designer boutiques, art galleries, specialty stores, etc.
In contrast, the Northern block is a nostalgic journey back to Shanghai in the early 20th century. It is exclusively composed of preserved Shikumen houses and narrow streets, meticulously maintained to offer a glimpse into the city's historical ambiance. The exteriors of these houses may retain their original charm, but the interiors have been transformed into luxurious spaces housing high-end boutiques and cafes. These establishments serve a variety of global cuisines, catering to the tastes of a diverse clientele.
The two blocks are separated by Xingye Lu, a road of historical significance as it is the site of the memorial for the first congress of the Communist Party of China. This adds a layer of historical depth to Xintiandi's already rich cultural tapestry.
Xintiandi, which translates to "New Heaven and Earth," lives up to its name by being a bustling hub of activity. The district is renowned for its trendy restaurants and bars, many of which feature live music and outdoor seating that extends into the plazas, creating a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and a large expatriate community. Beyond the bustling nightlife and shopping, the area offers serene escapes like a small lake bordered by trees and surrounded by exclusive residential towers, providing a tranquil contrast to the lively urban environment.
Why You Should Visit:
Elegant, beautiful and of great ambiance; one of the best places for a chilled out meal any time of day – European style.
Tip:
Eat first and burn off the calories with a long walk around the area to explore the bars, designer boutiques, art galleries, specialty stores, etc.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Xintiandi on Map
Sight Name: Xintiandi
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai
Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...