Xintiandi (新天地) is a trendy shopping and entertainment district located in the heart of Shanghai, China. It was developed from an old Shikumen neighborhood, which is a type of traditional Chinese housing that combines western-style architecture with traditional Chinese design.
The area was redeveloped in the early 2000s and transformed into a pedestrian-only zone with stylish restaurants, bars, cafes, boutique shops, and galleries. The Shikumen-style buildings were renovated to preserve their historical charm, while modern amenities were added to make them more functional.
Xintiandi is divided into two sections: the North Block and the South Block. The North Block has a more traditional feel with narrow alleys and old buildings, while the South Block is more modern with open spaces and high-end retail shops.
The district attracts both locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, the delicious food, and the unique shopping experience. Some of the popular attractions in Xintiandi include the Shikumen Open House Museum, the Taipingqiao Park, and the Xintiandi Style shopping mall.
Overall, Xintiandi is a must-visit destination in Shanghai that combines history, culture, and modernity, and provides a unique glimpse into China’s past and present.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- History of Xintiandi
- Highlights of Xintiandi
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Facts about Xintiandi
- Attractions near Xintiandi
- Other Commercial Centers in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Opening Hours | The area is accessible 24 hours a day. Most shopping malls and vendors are open from 10.00 to 22.00; Pubs typically operate into 3 or 4 a.m.. |
| Ticket Price | Free |
Location and Transportation
Xintiandi is located in the Huangpu District, one of the central districts in Shanghai, China. The exact address is 333 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway stations nearby.
Bus:
- Take bus 17, 24, 109, 932, or 304 and get off at Fuxing Middle Road Huangpo South Road Stop (复兴中路黄陂南路).
- Take bus 146 and get off at Madang Road Fuxing Middle Road Stop (马当路复兴中路站).
Subway:
- Take subway line 1 or 14 and get off at Yida Huizhi Huangpi South Road Station (一大会址·黄陂南路站) to reach the northern part of Xintiandi
- Take subway line 10 or 13 and get off at Yida Huizhi Xintiandi Station (一大会址·新天地站) to reach the southern part of Xintiandi.
History of Xintiandi
Xintiandi has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. At that time, the area was known as the Shikumen neighborhood, which was a type of traditional Chinese housing that combined western-style architecture with traditional Chinese design.
The Shikumen houses were built during the early 1900s and were characterized by their narrow alleyways, brick walls, and tiled roofs. These buildings were a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles and were a common sight in Shanghai in the early 20th century.
In the late 1990s, the Shanghai government decided to redevelop the Shikumen neighborhood to create a modern shopping and entertainment district that would preserve the historical charm of the area. The redevelopment project was undertaken by the Shui On Group, a Hong Kong-based developer, and was completed in 2001.
During the redevelopment process, the Shikumen houses were renovated to preserve their historical significance while modern amenities were added to make them more functional. The area was transformed into a pedestrian-only zone with stylish restaurants, bars, cafes, boutique shops, and galleries.
The name “Xintiandi” means “New Heaven and Earth” in Chinese, which reflects the area’s transformation from an old residential neighborhood to a modern and vibrant district.
In recognition of its cultural significance, Xintiandi was designated as a Cultural Industry Demonstration Zone by the Shanghai Municipal Government in 2002. The area has also won several awards for its innovative design, including the 2003 Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence and the 2004 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.
Highlights of Xintiandi
Historical Architecture
Xintiandi is a trendy pedestrian district in Shanghai, China, that showcases a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The area’s historical architecture dates back to the 19th century and features Shikumen-style buildings, which are unique to Shanghai. Shikumen architecture blends Chinese and Western styles, with brick walls, stone gates, and wooden doors and windows. Xintiandi’s buildings have been carefully restored to preserve their original charm, while also being modernized with trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. The area is popular with both tourists and locals, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s past and present architecture and culture.
Shopping
Xintiandi is a popular shopping destination in Shanghai, with a wide range of shops and boutiques offering everything from luxury fashion to traditional Chinese handicrafts. Visitors can find designer brands and unique souvenirs all within the same district. Some of the most popular shopping areas in Xintiandi include the Taiping Hu Antique and Curio Market, which specializes in traditional Chinese antiques and handicrafts, and the Xintiandi Style mall, which offers a range of high-end fashion brands. With its blend of history and modernity, shopping in Xintiandi provides visitors with a unique and memorable experience that is sure to satisfy any retail therapy cravings.
Dining
Xintiandi is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of dining options ranging from traditional Chinese cuisine to international dishes. The district is home to a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from casual snacks to fine dining experiences. Visitors can enjoy delicious street food from vendors selling local favorites like xiaolongbao and shengjianbao, or dine in style at one of the district’s many upscale restaurants. Some popular dining spots in Xintiandi include the charming French bistro Franck, the contemporary Chinese restaurant Shanghai Min, and the Michelin-starred Cantonese eatery Lei Garden. Whatever your taste buds desire, Xintiandi has something to offer.
Nightlife
Xintiandi is one of Shanghai’s premier nightlife destinations, offering a range of bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to a variety of tastes. Visitors can enjoy live music performances at the JZ Club, or dance the night away at one of the district’s popular nightclubs, such as Bar Rouge or M1NT. For a more laid-back experience, visitors can enjoy a cocktail at one of the district’s chic rooftop bars, such as the Char Bar or Unico. Xintiandi’s nightlife scene is known for its sophisticated and stylish atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience Shanghai’s vibrant after-hours culture.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Understanding the Layout: Xintiandi is divided into several sections, including Xintiandi Square, North Block, South Block, New Block, and Xintiandi Fashion Phase I and Phase II.
Xintiandi Square: Recognized by a large XINTIANDI sign on its exterior, Xintiandi Square is a central area within the complex.
North Block: This section predominantly features preserved shikumen (stone gate) old buildings, which have been transformed into upscale retail and dining establishments. It offers a mix of both Chinese and Western restaurants.
South Block: In contrast to the North Block, the South Block mainly comprises modern architecture, with some remaining shikumen buildings complementing the modern structures.
New Block: This area often hosts exhibitions and maintains an elegant environment suitable for leisurely walks.
Fashion Phase I: Known for its trendy vibe, Fashion Phase I hosts shops that appeal to younger crowds. It tends to have higher foot traffic compared to Phase II.
Fashion Phase II: After undergoing renovations, Fashion Phase II now features a pedestrian bridge connecting it to Phase I on the second floor.
