SWFC
Celebrating its first anniversary in August, the Shanghai World Financial Center had quite the birthday bash entering the Guinness World Records for having the highest observation deck in the world. But as TALK finds out, there’s much more to the super tall skyscraper than its observatory and intimidating height. With an art store, glittery nail salon and a number of diverse dining options on its lower floors, there’s plenty to do at the SWFC even for those with a fear of heights.
SWFC Art & Design Store
At first glance, the SWFC Art & Design Store may seem like a tourist trap for purchasing souvenirs. But alongside arty postcards of the Pudong skyline, there are cartoony sculptures, unique bags and other eye-grabbing knick knacks designed by internationally-renowned artists like Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama. The bright and modern store also has its own, albeit small, gallery showcasing works from Shanghai’s art scene.
3F-314 Shanghai World Financial Center.
Tel: 6877 9100
Y’s table Dining & The BAR
Foodies, listen up. Y’s table may be located on the lowest floor of the SWFC, but it is a must-see destination of deliciousness. The 514-seat food court offers up a broad selection of world flavours at its live cooking stations: fresh wood-fired pizza and Italian dishes by Salvatore Cuomo, Korean barbecue, sushi from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market, the best of Chinese cuisine by Crystal Jade, as well as deli delights, pastries and gelato from Bottega. Y’s table has become a favourite among Luijiazui office dwellers looking for quick, self-service lunch deals. But if dinner is what you’re after, the food court also becomes a full-service restaurant in the evening.
B2F Shanghai World Financial Center. Tel: 6877 6865
Vin Divin
If you’re in Pudong and looking for the perfect wine to pair with dinner, check out Vin Divin. The wine shop features more than 300 labels from around the globe, including red, white and sparkling wines, liquors, specialty beers, as well as ice wine. Vin Divin’s friendly sales staff also offer expert advice on the store’s wine offerings, which range in price from about RMB 60 per bottle, to upwards of RMB 10,000 for the store’s not-so-affordable vintages. Thirsty yet?
B1F-107 Shanghai World Financial Center.
Tel: 6877 9088
Ko Olina Nail
Your eyes might go blurry from looking at all of Ko Olina’s nail art designs. From funky and flowery, to just plain pretty, the salon boasts a dazzling assortment of nail décor designed by Japanese nail stylist, Akiko Yamaguchi. But apart from manis and pedis, Ko Olina – which opened shop auspiciously this past summer on 8 August – can also help you score lush lashes. With four kinds of eyelash extensions (including what the salon calls the “silk type” and “mink type”), eye batting couldn’t be more fun.
2F-214 Shanghai World Financial Center.
Tel: 6877 8080
Sivita
You won’t be able to buy a whole week’s worth of groceries at Sivita, but this modest food store carries a number of imported goodies, especially cutely-packaged Japanese snacks. And if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, its delicatessen sells fresh bento boxes, sushi, sandwiches and a few different hot foods.
3F-309 Shanghai World Financial Center.
Tel: 6877 9188
R.J. Patisserie
Sweet, but not over-the-top rich, desserts at R.J. Patisserie strike just the right balance. The bakery’s Taiwanese owner and pastry chef, R.J. Guo, first made a name for himself by opening cake shops in California. Guo’s mouthwatering cakes are a blend of classic French dessert techniques with an Asian touch. The crisp and clean café is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and indulge. Try the orange crème brulée or raspberry chocolate cake, which are both heavenly.
B1F-111 Shanghai World Financial Center.
Tel: 6877 7998
