Nanjing
Shang­ Hai Lu

Lose yourself in this eclectic neighbourhood of nanjing with a wealth of trendy galleries, shops and eateries

By Yini Zhang

Key
01. Behind the Wall  
02. Max Lady Style  
03. Les 5 Sens  
04. Qingliangshan Park  
05. Swede & Kraut  
06. Sculpting in time Café  
07. Librairie Avant-Garde  
08. Stone City Modern Art Creation Gallery  
09. Grand hotel  
10. Nanjing Normal University  
11. People’s hospital  
12. Wulongtan Park  
13. Bank of Nanjing

Nanjing is known as a cultural and academic city. Nowhere is this evidenced more clearly than among its universities, where bookstores and independent cafés lure talent to present exhibitions and perform live music, and where students foreign and Chinese as well as local professionals all congregate for fun and entertainment. Bordering glitzy Xinjiekou, Shanghai Lu area is a world apart but definitely worth the effort in order to discover charming and unique boutiques selling designer knock-offs, international cuisine and contemporary galleries regularly featuring new talent and discoveries. This area is an eclectic mix of cosmopolitan restaurants attracting local Chinese and foreigners alike, with affordable, trendy cafés nestling next to sophisticated restaurants hidden down alleys and back streets.

Behind the Wall
 With a comfortable courtyard, it serves as a pre-club drinking place to enjoy tempting
sangrias or margaritas. The food is mostly Mexican accompanied by live music, creating
the perfect place for a casual evening.
150 Shanghai Lu
+86 25 8391 5630

Max Lady Style
Rows of boutiques selling funky and original imports attract crowds of trendy young girls searching for interesting knickknacks along tree-lined boulevards. Among these boutiques is Max, where fashionable, urban clothes are imported from Korea, Japan and Europe – of huge interest to stylish Nanjing patrons.
124 Hankou Xi Lu

Les 5 Sens
The atmosphere is contemporary yet cosy – just as you would expect from a French bistro – with an inviting feeling of intimacy conducive to enjoying secluded meals in a sophisticated atmosphere. It features French dishes and popular drinks – and you’ll also want to sample a glass of wine or two.
52-1 Hankou Lu, +86 25 8359 5859

Qingliangshan Park
Here you are reminded of the city’s ancient past. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than wandering for hours exploring antique markets, or taking a refreshing walk up the undulating trails of the park affording fantastic views of the city. Stop and visit its different museums, art gallery and pottery studio.
West of Guangzhou Lu

Swede & Kraut
 For authentic German cuisine, this restaurant has become ‘home away from home’ for many expats. The food is consistently prepared and served to the highest standards. Those who believe that German food is only sausage and beer will be pleasantly surprised.
14 Nanxiu Cun, +86 25 8663 8798

Sculpting in Time Cafe
The high ceilings, over-stuffed sofas and assortment of books in both Chinese and English create the perfect place to spend a few hours browsing, alone or with friends. This is a dynamic café with movie nights on Tuesdays and Fridays, plus exhibitions by local artists (concerts and refills are free).
2F, 47 Hankou Lu, +86 25 8699 3856

Librairie Avant-Garde
A former car park has been transformed into a book lovers’ heaven. There is an interesting selection of independent books by both local and international authors. It also has an enticing shop filled with plenty of stylish notebooks and an assortment of other attractive gift items.
173 Guangzhou Lu, +86 25 8371 1455

Stone City Modern Art Creation Gallery
It is off the beaten track and unless you know about it you’ll probably miss it. It boasts restaurants and galleries and even a music centre focusing on traditional instruments. Concerts are regularly held on weekends.
72 Beijing Xi Lu, +86 25 8375 5182