Local Talk: Yuyuan Lu
Yuyuan Lu is not just another ordinary road next to Jing’an Temple. An afternoon walk down the lane reveals small bookstores, eateries, hidden cafés and other local favourites. Although simple, this road has the perfect variety for a family visit or with friends. Become absorbed in the light, calm atmosphere of the Yuyuan Lu community with this escape from the never-ending bustle of Shanghai.
1.Valley Earl Wedding Flowers
A cute store that offers gorgeous floral arrangements, which can be used for weddings, parties, celebrations, or even a simple “I love you”. This small flower shop is a floral favourite. Pre-arranged flowers are perfect, but you can also have the shop owner create a personal bouquet with the fresh roses, chrysanthemums and sunflowers. This is the perfect way to make someone’s day.
Valley Earl Wedding Flowers. 503 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 3132 6213. Web: valleyearl.taobao.com
2. Tea’s
With a unique menu of teas – including Iced Strawberry Green Tea, Taro Tea Latte, Vanilla Milk Slush and Irish Coffee – this happy café also has a daily meal special to accompany your tea (drinks starting from RMB 8, meal specials from RMB 10). The staff are always eager to help you choose a drink to be enjoyed (hint: their recommendations are always wonderful), and the bright café setting creates the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. Make sure to give a smile to the welcoming owner.
tea’s. 496 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 158 2113 9453
3. Seesaw Coffee
Hidden away from the busy streets, this café is a true gem; a peaceful atmosphere and sunlit room awaits those who find it. Seesaw Coffee serves a variety of coffees and teas along with a small assortment of cookies (from Strictly Cookies), cakes and chocolates which can be enjoyed as an afternoon snack with a friend or on your own. The comfy surroundings make it very tempting to pass the hours curled up with a good book.
Seesaw Coffee. Room 101, Lane 433, Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 5204 7828. Web: www.seesawcoffee.com
4. Nail Bar Everlasting
Bright hardwood floors, large reclining leather
seats and colourful polishes are
seen immediately as you walk
through the glass doors of this
nail salon. Though the staff
only speak Chinese, there is a
large book filled with photos
of nail art that makes it easy to
communicate. Be prepared for
prices that are a little bit on the
higher side, but this is balanced
with the luxurious treatment
that you receive during your
well-deserved manicure or pedicure (starting from RMB 80). The high-end salon makes you feel like royalty – the perfect destination for pampering.
Nail Bar Everlasting. 284 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 6218 0589
5. Mr. Nice Café
If a layered tower of strawberries, white chocolate mousse and puff pastry sounds heavenly to you, we recommend a visit Mr. Nice Café. The two-storey café offers homemade desserts, which are always a crowd pleaser. While visiting, it was difficult to resist adding to our order the whole dessert menu – a chocolate lava cake, dainty éclairs, crème brûlée and Italian panna cotta. Definitely come with a group of friends so that you can share a variety of the desserts. The only downside is waiting to be seated, since it is usually a 30-minute wait. But as you wait, you can look over the menu or watch the pastry chefs construct the strawberry dessert tower. And trust us when we say, it is well worth the wait.
Mr. Nice Café. 280 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 5292 1520
6. Kid’s Republic Picture Book Store
This is a kid’s picture book heaven. Even though Kid’s Republic only opened last month (and packing boxes could still be seen upon our visit), it’s already a local favourite, with more than 3,000 books to choose from. Kids run between the bookshelves or sit at the miniature tables to read with their parents. Since the endless amount of books can be a bit overwhelming, this bookstore has premade baskets with related picture books that really are worth taking a look at. Memories that last a lifetime will be made with these beautiful picture books.
Kid’s Republic. 262 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 6248 9033. Web: www.poplar.com.cn
7. Silk King
This store offers the highest quality silk in a multitude of delicate patterns and designs. Bring a photo of the clothing piece that you would like to have fashioned, or alternatively, choose from their present designs. The welcoming staff promise to offer the best prices for their handmade designs and are always available for consultation.
Silk King. 228 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 6253 2497. Web: www.silkking.com
