Just a block away from the hustle and bustle of Huaihai Lu shopping mania, Nanchang Lu offers a charming and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants housed in European style architecture.

Le Goût du Temps

A cosy little store filled with a mishmash of trinkets, homeware and clothing, Le Goût du Temps’ specialises in selling “all the lovely things”, according to Vivian Hong, one of the shop’s co-owners. Much of its merchandise is the product of Hong’s passion for making these lovely things, including knit handbags, business card cases, clothes and wallets. This is a great place to browse and find special handmade gifts.

134 Nanchang Lu. Tel: 6402 0411

Art Salon Restaurant

This is a restaurant where you can eat your Shanghainese cuisine, then dai zou its paintings and antique furniture. Opened by local artist Xie Cheng Cheng and his brother Xie Wei, the casually gorgeous venue is decorated with paintings capturing images of old Chinese culture. The restaurant keeps a quiet ambiance and specialises in unpretentious, traditional Shanghainese dishes at affordable prices. Try the salty chicken in shallot oil, braised pork in soy sauce, yellow fish and some of its dim sum selections. Make sure to call ahead for a dinner reservation, as the restaurant’s nine tables fill up fast. All of Art Salon’s artwork and décor are also for sale.

164 Nanchang Lu. Tel: 5306 5462

Men’s Fast-Moving Goods

This store’s name is a bit misleading. Fast-moving goods? It must be a place selling speedy cars and motorbikes, right? Actually, Men’s Fast-Moving Goods on Nanchang Lu is where you can find trendy, casual menswear from Japan. Don the stylish fedora hats, look sleek in well-made blazers and keep warm in the store’s wide range of wool coats.

124-1 Nanchang Lu. Tel: 5382 0121

David

While there’s a quirky assortment of stone water fountains and garden figurines at David’s storefront, the rest of the shop is even more random. Need a Victorian style phone? A set of mugs with a puppy pattern? Or how about a cuckoo clock? David has it all – and probably even more arbitrary décor pieces to transform your home.

126 Nanchang Lu. Tel: 5306 8438

Oh Toys

Oh my… the adult toys at Oh Toys are quite risqué, but playful too. The recently-opened boutique is a refreshing newcomer in Shanghai’s sex shop scene, with its classy black décor, plush velvet couches and neat display areas. The first floor has a wide range of accessories, ranging from leather toys, open-crotch pantyhose, love eggs and vibrators – including ones made by Swedish brand Lelo and even Hello Kitty. Head upstairs to the second floor and check out Oh Toys’ assortment of costumes and lingerie, many of which leave very little to the imagination.

106 Nanchang Lu. Tel: 5306 0835

Helen Nail Spa

In a city where many spas are either extremely overpriced or somewhat sketchy, Helen Nail Spa is a real find. Its Nanchang Lu location – and its second branch at Julu Lu – have gained a following for reasonable prices (manicures start at RMB 80 and a bikini wax costs RMB 140), as well as its relaxing and comfortable setting. The spa also makes you feel right at home with its professional and friendly staff. Oh, and fellas, you’re in luck – Helen’s nail and waxing treatments are available for both men and women.

120 Nanchang Lu. Tel: 5403 7802