Recently, I have been enjoying a unique environment in Taikang Road or Shanghai`s Soho with multi functions to serve human soul and stomach..

Art, craft, painting, small yet stylish boutiques and coffeehouses-restaurants.. Thanks to some visionary biz-people, artists and government`s efforts to make the site more enjoyable for tourists, expatriates, white collars and senior citizens who keep sharing top floors usually to remain the veteran residents of the site...

The site is described as the "Chic Slice of Old Shanghai" per Chinadaily article published in Feb 2008 and continues :

"Less than 10 years ago, Taikang Road was a typical Shanghai lane community, full of the noise and smells of families living within whispering distance of each other. Housewives haggled over the price of live chickens at outdoor markets; men smoked cigarettes and slapped cards down courtyard tables. Neighbors shared taps, toilets and a sense of the working-class struggle.

Today Taikang Road "Creative Park" is booming. New galleries, cafes and boutiques are opening like clockwork, and a massive expansion program is under way to fully exploit the thousands of visitors seeking to experience the earthy atmosphere of old Shanghai. Residents are also cashing in on the action, in some cases moving out so they can rent their homes for substantial sums."

So far, I have had a chance to enjoy the site during different time periods including daytime, night and weekend..  Very much enjoyed chatting with shop owners, waiters and visitors who seemed to be extra friendly probably due to relaxing mood of the location..

It is the place to experience the  ‘functional simplicity'..

Note: Most favorite photo that I made during yesterday tour is the above one showing a very creative "chair" model to enjoy Japanese food in front of a tiny cafe.

< Prev		Next >