Xintiandi

Xintiandi (new heaven & earth) is located on the south of Huaihai Road Central in Luwan District, a kind of former residence symbolizing Shanghai's entering into modern times. The special feature lies in its outward appearance taking in modern arts and culture from the western world — the stone-slab framed gate known as Shi Ku Men (stone-gate house), a marketplace for tour and shopping in a city of modern times.

With regard to the name of the New Heaven & Earth it is because the middle part in between the south and north is the former place for the 1st Congress of the Communist Party of China. Since the Chinese character " 一"(one) and "大"(big) makes up another Chinese character for "天"(heaven) hence the derivation of the name the New Heaven & Earth.

What to See in Xitiandi

Perhaps the old architecture at Shikumen is too mournful and nostalgic. Maybe the people of Shanghai's alleyways suddenly developed yearning for some western-style nightlife. With a variety of factors corning together at the right time, Xintiandi was born.

The Xintiandi (new heaven & earth), covering an area of 52 hectares and spread¬ing out on both sides of Xinye Road, consists of the south and north parts. The part on the north features mainly rows of old buildings so far well maintained, but the refurbishment inside has taken on quite a new look with modernized decorations and equipment, telling a conglomeration of amusements and recreational activities.

The Northern Plaza

Covering an area of 30 thousand square meters, the northern plaza of today's Xintiandi is also the location of this area's earliest alley residences. It seems that in the blink of an eye, Xiniandi's Northern Plaza has become one of Shanghai's most extravagant large-scale enterprises, attracting countless numbers of patrons to this area's theme restaurants, clothing outlets, painting galleries, cafes, and bars. Even renowned artist, the late Chen Yifei's studio has opened a store here, Layefe Home, selling magazines, clothing, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture. It has be-come one of the northern plaza's most recognizable businesses.

Stars of the Shanghai fashion world have also surged into the area. Each residence is still arranged according to the old alley structure, and its facade is still united in the old Shikumen style, but the interiors are totally different, shaped into diverse collections of bright elegant styles. No one can deny that Xintiandi's renovation has preserved the old buildings. But, it has also made them profitable and sustainable. It is a reminder of a time decades ago when Xintiandi represented the forefront of the new modem era. Grab dinner while you are here, and then sit for a while in one of the cafes along the plaza, savoring the fusion of the contemporary and the historical. Photographers will not want to miss an opportunity to wander around here. Dusk is the best time to take pictures when the sky is still awash with a subdued blue. The mood at this time is eerie and passionate, and is your best opportunity to line up your camera lens. Probably the only thing at Xintiandi worth complaining about is the numbers of tourists that have skyrocketed over recent years. The crowds have gradually become a permanent part of the scenery, and you have become part of theirs.

There is a Shikumen Museum on Xingye Lu near the north entrance to Xintiandi. The museum uses a restored residential building to bring back the authentic look of an early twentieth century Shanghai family dwelling. Tickets: 20 RMB

The Southern Plaza

It is regrettable that the Southern Plaza did not learn more from the experiences in the north and continue Xintiandi's heritage preserving development. Here you can find tall buildings, wide movie screens, a huge plaza, and glass structures stretching to the sky. These modem architectural elements seem incompatible with older alley architecture in the north.

The first National Communist Party Congress site with its grey walls sits in its deep silence. In Xintiandi it is common to reflect on history, the fleetingness of fashion and the profoundness of the ancient, the years of war and years of peace. Exiting from the Southern Plaza entrance will take you by a post office that sells early twentieth century postage items including such things as postmarks. Feel free to grab some of the free pamphlets on the post office counter. Most introduce the various enterprises in Xintiandi.

Address

Xintiandi is located in the Taipingqiao District on the eastern end of Huaihai Zhonglu. It is bordered on four sides by Taicang Lu, Huangpi Nanlu, Madang Lu, and Zizhong Lu. Xintiandi Plaza Beili is located at 181 Lane off of Taicang Lu. Xintiandi Plaza Nanli can be found at Xingye Lu's 123 Lane.