Xintiandi is a fully pedestrianized dining, retail, and entertainment district situated in the heart of the city. This haven of urban regeneration is centered on meticulously restored Shikumen (stone-gate) courtyard houses, linked by narrow, cobblestone alleyways that evoke the romance of old Shanghai. Within a few blocks, you can transition from admiring the traditional grey-brick facades and heavy wooden doors to stepping inside ultra-modern glass atriums. Stop for an alfresco brunch under sweeping parasols, sip artisanal cocktails at award-winning speakeasies, or enjoy world-class international dining. Saunter through the lively North Block to people-watch from a street-side cafe, then head to the contemporary South Block for premium lifestyle brands and independent designer boutiques. Take a break from the sensory stimulation with a quiet stroll through the manicured, French-style gardens of nearby Fuxing Park.
Don't Miss
- Exploring the Shikumen Open House Museum to see exactly how a middle-class Shanghainese family lived in the 1920s
- Claiming an outdoor terrace table in the North Block for golden-hour cocktails and unparalleled people-watching
- Browsing the flagship stores of cutting-edge Chinese fashion designers tucked into the historic lanes
How to Get There
Xintiandi is highly accessible and sits at a major nexus of the Shanghai Metro system.
For direct access to the heart of the district, take Line 10 or Line 13 to Xintiandi Station and use Exit 1 or 6. Alternatively, you can take Line 1 to South Huangpi Road Station and take a short, pleasant walk south along Madang Road.
Quick Facts
- Xintiandi translates directly to "New Heaven and Earth," reflecting its role in redefining modern Shanghai's urban landscape.
- The district is famously split into two distinct areas: the heritage-focused North Block (dining and nightlife) and the modern South Block (retail and lifestyle).
- It is widely considered China's first and most successful premium commercial development utilizing historic architectural preservation.
Home to Shanghai's most successful urban regeneration
Since the early 2000s, when developers took the visionary step to preserve rather than demolish the area's decaying mid-19th-century housing, Xintiandi has been an enclave long synonymous with international prestige. From the area's iconic carved stone lintels to the groundbreaking integration of modern glass extensions, Xintiandi's love of architectural juxtaposition sees the district serve as a living museum of the city's East-meets-West identity.
The district's unique atmosphere has been featured globally as a masterclass in urban renewal. And while its success has brought big-name international hospitality brands and Michelin-starred dining, the neighborhood hasn't forgotten its structural roots, ensuring the Shikumen identity remains the star of the show.
The North and South Blocks—where old gracefully meets new
The pedestrian alleys form Xintiandi's main arteries. Entering from Taicang Road, you'll immediately see lines of historic brick buildings housing everything from premium espresso bars and artisanal gelaterias to high-end bistros spilling out onto the paving stones.
Jam-packed with a stylish local crowd, expatriates, and discerning travelers, the district is a fascinating melting pot of history and contemporary luxury that's sure to give you a taste of Shanghai's most polished lifestyle.
Satisfy your appetite for global gastronomy
Behind almost every wooden door are Xintiandi's celebrated dining rooms and lounges. A must-visit for gourmands, these beautifully designed spaces offer everything from refined contemporary Chinese cuisine to authentic Italian and modern French fare. Whether you're after a classic-style weekend brunch at Cobra Lily or dim sum in a sophisticated setting like Hakkasan's nearby outposts, there's something for every elevated taste.
These dining terraces are essentially Xintiandi's social staple, and you can't leave without securing a table, ordering a drink, and absorbing the energetic, cosmopolitan hum of the city around you.
A paradise for luxury lifestyle and homegrown design
Xintiandi is arguably Shanghai's showcase for premium lifestyle, and what's lifestyle without impeccable retail? No matter your aesthetic, you can find an incredible, highly curated selection in the South Block and the adjacent Xintiandi Style shopping mall.
Stores that call the area home include prestigious international names like Tom Ford and Jo Malone, but if you're hoping for something more unique, be sure to check out the myriad of independent boutiques championing China's rising vanguard of fashion, jewelry, and fragrance designers.
Taking to the surrounding lanes
Thanks to its flawless execution, the main plazas of Xintiandi are heavily trafficked hotspots. Though the atmosphere here is essential for any itinerary, if you really want to immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of the surrounding neighborhood, don't be afraid to wander away from the central blocks.
If you head down Madang Road or towards the tree-lined avenues of Sinan Road, you'll find a network of streets connecting some of the most charming residential architecture in the Former French Concession. Crossing over to Danshui Road, you'll find yourself in a quieter, more intimate stretch of tiny, hole-in-the-wall cocktail bars, craft beer taprooms, and independent coffee roasters favored by the neighborhood's creative class.
