Local Talk: Yuyuan Lu
By James Morrison & Kerry Allen
Stretching across Jing’an district, Yuyuan Lu boasts a variety of international dining and shopping experiences to contrast the rich traditions of Chinese culture. From fortune telling to tasting tender ribeye steaks, and boxing classes to cheesy nachos, a stroll along Yuyuan Lu offers a little bit of something for everyone.
Ze Ren Bu Cuo Tibet Home
Add a touch of Tibet to your home with authentic homeware, furniture and jewellery from China’s Wild West. Paper lanterns (RMB 80), bracelets (RMB 300 upwards) and mirrors (RMB 2,650 upwards) featuring Buddhist symbols are the pick of the bunch and you’ll also find an assortment of colourful and unique items of handmade clothing.
Ze Ren Bu Cuo Tibet Home. 1077 Yuyuan Lu, near Jiangsu Lu. Tel: 5255 0326
Ringwise Boxing Gym
Work up a sweat and get in shape with a fitness regime that’s sure to pack a punch. It doesn’t matter what boxing experience you may have; head coach Paul Clemit, an ex-Professional boxer with over 40 years training experience, welcomes beginners and boxing enthusiasts alike for a sparing session with top class facilities and guidance (RMB 600 per month). And if boxing isn’t your cup of tea, other training and exercise courses are also available for the fitness buffs out there.
Ringwise Boxing Gym. 888 Yuyuan Lu, near Jiangsu Lu. Tel: 136 0171 6554. Web: www.ringwiseboxing.com
Teotihuacan
Although small in size, brightly coloured Teotihuacan serves up the taste of Mexico in huge portions, with all you can eat quesadillas every Thursday from 4 - 9pm throughout October (RMB 99). Their menu spans a whole host of classic Mexican dishes, such as Nachos with Beef (RMB 45), Northern Beef Tongue (RMB 55) and our personal favourite, the Teo Enchiladas (RMB 65). Lively Latin music adds to the atmosphere as you tuck into the hearty food with a Frozen Margarita (RMB 45) or two for company.
Teotihuacan. 580 Yuyuan Lu, near Zhenning Lu. Tel: 6226 3098. Web: www.teotihuacanmex.com
Calor Tarot Studio
Step into the enchanted world of tarot and learn about what the future holds for you through the mystical power of divination. Tarot decks, crystal balls and other mystical items associated with the occult are just some of the goodies this store sells, and appointments can be made for private divination and consultation sessions for RMB 100 upwards.
Calor Tarot Studio. Rm 34, 1F, Lane 361 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Bei Lu. Tel: 139 1702 9868. E-mail: [email protected]
Everlasting Nail Bar
Using acclaimed brands like OPI, Chanel, Clearzal BAC and Deborah Lippmann, the Everlasting Nail Bar assures a top quality nail treatment for any diva to die for, and at more than reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking for a standard manicure (RMB 50 upwards), a paint job on those tired talons (RMB 100) or a top of the range Hand Organic Spa using Cuccio products (RMB 298; promotion ends 3 December, 2012), this little salon caters to making customers feel goddess-like by making your hands heavenly.
Everlasting Nail Bar. 284 Yuyuan Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu. Tel: 6218 0589
Moon’s Steakhouse
Winner of Shanghai Tatler’s ‘Best Restaurants’ for three consecutive years, Moon’s Steakhouse in the Swissotel Grand Shanghai Hotel, cooks up a real treat. Grilled Ribeye Steaks (RMB 368 upwards), Slow Roasted Prime Ribs (RMB 288 upwards) and Australian Wagyu ‘Kobe Style’ Striploin (RMB 348) are sure to satisfy any hungry meat eaters out there in search of top quality produce.
Moon’s Steakhouse & Prime Rib. 1 Yuyuan Lu, near Changde Lu. Tel: 6288 9984. Web: www.moonssteakhouse.com
Kid’s Republic
Illustrated books are engaging and entertaining for children (and even adults) to read. At Kid’s Republic, children and adults young at heart get to immerse themselves in the wonders of over 3,000 illustrated books (RMB 25 upwards) that come in Chinese, Japanese and English. Story time sessions run every Saturday and Sunday mornings in a comfy forest-themed setting to entertain the kids and help expand their creative imaginations.
Kid’s Republic. 262 Yuyuan Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu. Tel: 6248 9033
