Xinle Lu

Lilian Zhang

Even though it’s tucked away from sight in a restored villa, this boutique is rarely missed by fashionistas. Its haute couture evening dresses and ball gowns are known for both their combination of Western and Eastern styles and their coterie of celebrity enthusiasts.  

30 Xinle Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu. Tel: 5403 9753. Web: www.lilianzhang.com

                                                                                                         M&J Jewelry Watch

This handy little store sells and collects pre-owned jewellery and fine watches as well as offering repair, restoration and diamond setting. It also offers customers the ability to design their own jewellery from scratch. Run by a member of the International Watch and Jewellery Guild, the shop prides itself on a high degree of professionalism and service.

32 Xinle Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu. Tel: 5403 9553

Initial

With European imported furniture and an art collection designed by French fabric sculptor Anne-Valérie Dupond, it’s the ‘secret garden’ décor that separates Initial from other boutiques. We recommend visiting in the afternoon to take advantage of the complimentary afternoon tea while talking with one of the shopkeeps about fashion.

142 Xinle Lu, near Donghu Lu. Tel: 5404 6166. Web: www.initialfashion.com

                                                                                        Xinle Lu DVD

Don’t let the non-descript yellow and red storefront of this DVD store fool you. Inside, there’s treasure. Devotees to the portable revolution can find sets of apps (or A-P-Ps) for jailbroken iPhones and versions of the latest movies and TV series ready to upload to their iPhone or iPad. Now you can take a break with Breaking Bad whenever you want.

42 Xinle Lu, near Xiangyang Bei Lu

GI&MING

This Italian fashion boutique’s eye-catching red walls scream “edgy”, and its offerings prove more diverse than the cookie-cutter fashion you’ll find at the mall. Designs here aim to be trendy and playful, infused with a fashion sense that takes inspiration from Iggy Pop as much as it does current runway trends.

50 Xinle Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu. Tel: 5405 0005

Aumnie Yogawear

This ‘Canadian designed, Chinese made’ brand of active wear has yoga in mind. With both men’s and women’s lines available, these lightweight clothes feature flat seams, breathable, quick-drying materials and multi-directional stretching to offer the most in comfort and fit whether you’re doing the downward facing dog or just lounging on the couch.

3F, 60 Xinle Lu, near Xiangyang Bei Lu. Tel: 5404 3135. Web: www.aumnie.com

Tori No Su

Holding down one corner of the five way intersection of Donghu Lu, Xinle Lu, Yanqing Lu, Fumin Lu and Changle Lu, this Japanese restaurant stands out for its distinctive construction and décor. Its French style furniture, simulation rockery and traditional Chinese pagoda instantly bring you back to the old Shanghai, when Du Yuesheng, the notorious gangster group leader, once roamed the street.

167 Xinle Lu, near Donghu Lu. Tel: 5466 1667