Sinan Mansions
With heritage that dates back to 1920, Sinan Mansions sits in the heart of the former French Concession as a complex with vintage architecture and lots of pre-war history. The property once housed some of Shanghai’s wealthiest and most powerful families before being subdivided into smaller apartments during the war years. Now, it has developed into a bustling hub of restaurants, art galleries, bars and spas that bring the century-old villas into full life once again. Here are some of the latest venues to open among the mansions.
Boutique La Fleur
This Shanghainese-owned flower shop is a garden curbed in a darling shop, offering a selection of pink, purple and blue blossoms from local grounds, Kunming and even all the way from Holland! The proud owner has 20 years experience in floristry so of course the store brims with perfectly-arranged bouquets and wreaths. Step in and give your eyes and nose a vibrant feast.
Unit 102, No 28, 531 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu. Tel: 6404 7423
Harman
The guys at Harman are your best bet on anything audio and infotainment. This flagship showroom features the latest consumer electronics and high-performance AV products from Harman and sub-brands like AKG, Harman Kardon, JBL and more. Everything pertaining to premium quality audio can be found here – amplifiers, headphones, home theatre essentials, speakers, automotive audio and more.
1F, Building 1, Unit 101, 507 Fuxing Zhong Lu. Tel: 5465 0171
Miss Paris, Dandy House
This Japan-imported day spa consists of two parts, Miss Paris for women and Dandy House for men. The spas specialise in slimming and beauty with techniques approved safe and effective by Japanese medical organisations. Various other treatments suited to business travellers are also offered, such as a face contouring massage after a long day or phytotherapy for tired legs from a long flight. Pamper yourself with full-body aromatherapy while indulging in their classical European décor.
3F, Building 22, 258 Chongqing Nan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu. Tel: 6426 9750 (51-53). Web: www.miss-paris.com.cn
Johnnie Walker Whisky House
The world’s best selling Scotch whisky brand opened their Shanghai showroom earlier this spring at the heart of Sinan Mansions. Taking over an entire villa, the house is an interactive, full-sensory journey through both whisky drinking culture and the brand’s storied history. While the upper floors of the venue are invite-only, plebs can check out the bottle and glassware exhibition on the ground level.
No 25, 531 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu. Web: www.johnniewalker.com.cn
Hotel Massenet
Think five-star hotels are luxurious? Think again. At Hotel Massenet you book private villas, rather than rooms, that come with four suites, multiple living and dining rooms, a kitchen and a personal garden. These restored 1930s lodges feature complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, a gym, swimming pools, sauna rooms and even private butlers! It might be costly at RMB 40,000 per night, but how else does one feel like royalty?
51 Sinan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu. Tel: 3401 9998. Web: www.hotelmassenet.com.cn
La Brioche
Frozen breads come in fresh from La Brioche’s Jiangsu headquarters daily, and the staff bakes each roll to just the right level in store so all you have to do at home to maintain the freshness and crisp is heat it just a bit more. The petit café also serves delicate cakes, pasta and sandwiches. Oui monsieur, La Brioche’s breads are the best thing since… well, sliced bread!
Unit 102, 523 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu. Tel: 6418 0342
