Local Talk: Jing'an Villas

Alexander Charnaud

A day doesn’t go by without a PR company, or lifestyle magazine for that matter, proclaiming that some recently built development is the new Xintiandi. Jing’an Villas doesn’t try to emulate Shanghai’s upscale shopping/bar area; it has Tianzifang set clearly in its sights. While still in the early stages of development, Jing’an Villas is bursting with charm and deserves an afternoon of your time.

Hypo

This import from Taiwan is a great place if you’re struggling for birthday present ideas. Take in some of your favourite photos, and the staff there will use a little Mac wizardry to turn your memories in to professionally bound book.

120 Jing’an Villa, 1025 Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 6255 0675

GZ Cafe

This quirky little café has no surprises as far as the menu goes, but its higgledy piggledy décor and roaming herds of cats make it feel like a coffee shop from a Harry Potter book. It’s cheap and comfortable, the perfect place for a steaming cup of afternoon joe.

162 Jing’an Villa, 1025 Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 5213 2139

Denny House

You can taste a bit of old China here. This tiny hole in the wall sells traditional sock strained milk tea to thirsty locals and expats alike. Expect to queue to get your fix, but it’s worth it in the end when you get your hands on a cup of the good stuff.

128 Jing’an Villa, 1025 Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 6258 5031

Ya Ci Xuan

Selling pottery from some of China’s best producing regions, Ya Ci Xuan is a lovely place to have a browse if you have some time on your hands. Prices start at around RMB 20 for smaller items and get costly for the more complicated ones.

166 Jing’an Villa, 1025 Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 6256 4575

Ru Wa Studio

Both selling and educating patrons in the art of traditional Chinese crafts, the Ru Wa Studio is edutainment at it’s best. Make your own rattle drum, yoyo and various paper toys, and let the child in you out for the day.

81 Jing’an Villa, 1025 Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 6218 5859, 139 1864 9945. Web: http://ru-wa.blogbus.com

Vale

This little corner of heaven is the perfect place to rest your legs after a couple of hours shopping amongst the hustle and bustle of Nanjing Xi Lu. Selling pizza, pasta, wine and various other refreshments, the expat friendly food is a little like Wagas would be if it weren’t a chain.

192 Jing’an Villa, 1025 Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 6217 0654