Feature |  Vibe

Mansions sprinkled between malls and offices on Nanjing Road

By Yang Di and Li Pudi  |   2009-11-22  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION


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Financial crisis


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Shanghai stock market


Housing price

NANJING Road W. extending from Jing'an Temple area eastwards toward People's Square, is one of the most flourishing streets in Shanghai. The history of this former Bubbling Well Road reverts to the early years of 20th century. This section previously featured a number of Western-style mansions and estates but today, the road is brash, modern and caters more to the status-conscious luxury shopper. It boasts a number of upmarket shopping malls, office buildings, European-style mansions, and five-star hotels. Take a stroll down Nanjing Road W. and you will be surprised by its amalgam of historical, cultural and commercial themes. And beware, a visit will stimulate your shopping gene.

Brothers' Brethren Buildings

At the corner of Tongren Road and Nanjing Road W. are the two houses known as the "Brethren Buildings," so called because they are almost identical. Designed by Tug Wilson of Palmer & Turner, the French-style buildings were originally the homes of Guo Le and his younger brother Guo Shun. The Guo brothers, originally from Guangdong Province, owned the former Wing On (Yong An) Department Store on Nanjing Road. Guo Le died in 1956 in the United States and Guo Shun lived in Hong Kong in his late years and was eulogized for his support for the construction of Zhongshan City by people from his hometown.

Address: 1418 Nanjing Road W.


Gourmet Cafe's succulent options

Modern, upbeat and fun, Gourmet Cafe offers a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers, steaks, international style breakfasts, decadent shakes and a selection of beers. Burger highlights include Figaragras, the English Patient, Crouching Thaiger and the King of Salsa, ranging from 65 yuan to 88 yuan. Figaragras, for example, is served with prime beef, homemade sweet fig chutney, pan-seared foie gras, and caramelized onion jam. All steaks are imported Australian Angus beef and priced at 198 yuan. The 25 varieties of milkshakes are also worth trying, including four alcohol shakes. The setting is sleek and contemporary featuring orange tones and comfortable seating. This outlet features a spacious outdoor terrace hardly found in Shanghai.

Opening hours: 7:30am-12pm (weekdays); 8am-12pm (weekends)

Address: Suite 111, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Rd W.

Tel: 6289-5733


Relaxing therapies of Green Massage

Entering the newly opened Green Massage in Shanghai Center is like stepping through a spiritual gateway. This new outlet was created to be a modern version of the old massage retreat with the use of contemporary Chinese-style decor, providing a considerate touch in a comfortable and restful environment. The treatments include aromatherapy, traditional Chinese massage, Chinese foot reflexology, and additional cupping and gua sha treatments, combining centuries-old Chinese medicine methods of unique massage techniques to promote healthy well-being throughout the body. Energizing Revitalization (498 yuan/105 minutes) is highly recommended in the city's freezing winter season. This highly detoxifying massage uses heated stones to help release tight muscles, allow the toxins to rise to the surface of the skin and improve circulation. The package also includes a special foot scrub to soften the skin and balance the entire energy flow. Muscles are relieved and mind and body merge to enjoy a natural, harmonious balance. Guests can leave their worries behind when they step into the embrace of Green.

Opening hours: 10:30am-2am

Address: Suite 202, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Rd W.

Tel: 6279-7776


Zhang's Textiles gems


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