Shanghai Xintiandi: A New Fashion Landmark Blending History and Modernity

Written by Clementine | Updated December 31,2025

Xintiandi (New Word of Shanghai), near Huaihai Road, has transformed from the original residence function of Shikumen longtang (local alley) of old Shanghai into a must-visit leisure pedestrian street. It integrates fashion, leisure, culture, food, shopping and entertainment for visitors home and abroad, and filled with various kinds of stores.

When you roam around it, you will find the footpath made of black bricks and many buildings in an antique architectural style, which may make you feel like in the 1920s or 1930s of old Shanghai. However, when you step into each building, you will find it is very modern and stylish. You can also tour in some small longtang with few people and go around it to take some beautiful pictures.

Completed at the end of June 2001, Xintiandi is famous for the perfect integration of fashion landmarks, historical culture and modern commerce. There are many restaurants here. The Shikumen building style is unique and the environment is elegant. During the day, come here to take great street photos and enjoy afternoon tea leisurely. At night, shuttle through various open-air bars to experience the nightlife of Shanghai.

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• Basic Facts about the Xintiandi
• What is Xintiandi famous for?
• What is the history of Xintiandi?
• What to See and Do in Xintiandi
• South Block vs. North Block: Decoding the Layout of Shanghai Xintiandi
• Hotels in and Near the Xintiandi
• When Is the Best Time to Visit?
• How to Get to the Xintiandi?
• Attractions Nearby the Xintiandi
• FAQs about Xintiandi
• Explore Shanghai’s Life and Culture with China Xian Tour

Basic Facts about the Xintiandi

• Chinese Name:新天地 (Xin Tian Di)

Note: Shanghai Xintiandi is named for the First CPC Conference (一大). Adding “one” above “big” is “heaven”(天). And were there is heaven there is earth (地). Xintiandi means that the CPC leads the people to create a beautiful new world. Also because the construction began at the end of the 20th century and was completed at the beginning of the 21st century, it signifies the beginning of a new century.

• Location: 119 Madang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai City
• Recommended Visiting Time:over 3 hours
• Opening Hours:all day, year round
• Highlights:Integrating Shanghai’s traditional Shikumen architecture with modern fashion elements, Xintian is the place where youngsters love the most.
• Honor and Awards: In 2002, Shanghai Xintiandi was awarded the “Cultural Heritage Architecture Award” by the American Institute of Architects. In 2016, it was named one of the “Top 20 Cultural Landmarks in the World” by Forbes. In2 020, it was selected into the “2019 Shanghai New Top 10 Landmark Buildings”.

Tips: Broadly speaking, Shanghai Xintiandi includes Xintiandi Plaza, Xintiandi (North Block and South Block), Xintiandi Style I and II (Shopping Center), Lakeshore Shopping Center and Taiping Lake Park.

What is Xintiandi famous for?

• The protection and creative usage of Shikumen Architecture:The outside historical elements of Shikumen architecture are carefully preserved and restored, while inside the architecture is completely transformed into an international shopping place.
• International high-end dining and fashion landmark:Several Michelin-starred restaurants, Black Pearl restaurants, and numerous global or China’s first stores gather here. Meanwhile, it attracts plenty of international well-known brands and designer stores.
• Abundant cultural activities and immersive experience:Many high-quality cultural, artistic and festival activities are held here all year round, enriching the travel experience greatly.

What is the history of Xintiandi?

The Taipingqiao Area, where the Xiatianxi is located, used to be one of the most typical residential areas of Shikumen lane. In the 1990s, this area was too crowded to live in and the condition changed worse. In 1996, under the leadership of Luo Kangrui, Shui On Group cooperated with the government and started the reconstruction plan. In 2001, the core area of Shanghai Xintiandi was opened to the public. In the following years, several shopping centers were built one by one, finally forming a huge urban complex.

What to See and Do in Xintiandi

Feel History, Culture and Architectural Aesthetics

The soul of Xintiandi is its unique Shikumen Architecture. It is not an antique style, but is transformed from the real historic district. You can start from the North Block to see the continuous Shikumen Lanes with plain brick wall, black-lacquered gate and Baroque-style door header, make you feel like travelling back to the old Shanghai in the 20^th century. Then head to the Site of the First CPC Conference, the birthplace of the CPC. If you want to have a deep understanding of the life scenes inside the architecture, visit the Wulixiang Museum.

Experience the Fashionable Shopping and Artistic Trend

The South Block and Xintiandi Style I and II Shopping Centers gather numerous famous international brands and designer stores, and a large number of first stores and flagship stores in China or Shanghai have been introduced. Besides, there are usually various art exhibitions and cultural activities, such as the important events of Shanghai Fashion Week. Here, you will always follow the forefront of fashion trends.

Taste Delicious Food and Enjoy Night Life

From authentic snacks to international feasts, from delicate afternoon tea to bustling bars, the dining options in Xintiandi are very abundant. You can taste anything you want here: Shanghai cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Italian cuisine, Japanese cuisine, etc. When night falls, Xintiandi shows its different charm. It is one of the top nightlife landmarks in Shanghai. Various restaurants and bars open to the wee hours to welcome the guests. In the summer show season, there are also diverse performances, such as DJ, Jazz, samba, etc.

South Block vs. North Block: Decoding the Layout of Shanghai Xintiandi

As a landmark leading the urban lifestyle, Xintiandi has injected new life into the Shikumen style buildings, where consumers can enjoy fresh and pleasant culture, entertainment and catering experience. Xintiandi is the most fashionable, catering and nightlife center in this modern metropolis, not to be missed on any Shanghai travel.

Foreigner friends going into Xintiandi think it is very Chinese, Chinese people going into Xintiandi think it is very international, middle-aged and old people going into Xintiandi think it is very nostalgic, and young people going into Xintiandi think it is very fashionable. Covering an area of about 30,000 square meters and a building area of about 60,000 square meters, Xintiandi is cleverly divided into two parts: South Block and North Block.

South Block 

South Block is adjacent to the Xintiandi Station of subway Line 10 and Line 13. Mainly modern architecture, supplemented by Shikumen old buildings. There are a number of distinctive stores, so visitors here can not only eat many delicious food, but also buy something in Xintiandi shopping mall. This modern glass curtain wall mall has brought together well-known fashion stores, as well as a food plaza, UME Xintiandi Cinema, and a one-stop fitness center.

North Block

North Block is adjacent to Huaihai Road Business Circle. At the entrance of Xintiandi North Block Square, there is a “Spring of Happiness” with a bronze statue of the three stars of “Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity” on it, which can be photographed here. It is composed of several old Shikumen houses, combined with modern buildings, decoration and equipment, and has become a number of high-grade consumer places and restaurants. The dishes come from all over the world, fully demonstrating the international elements of Xintiandi. In addition to well-known restaurants, there are also many bars in North Block to enrich your nightlife.

Top Restaurants, Bars, Stores in Xintiandi

• Green&Safe, a famous American industrial style Western restaurant

Address: No. 22, Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181, Taicang Road

• TheBunker by FLASK, a hidden bar full of style

Address: Floor 2, No. 22, Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181, Taicang Road

• IL TEATRO(Boutique Italian Restaurant)

Address: No. 19, Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181, Taicang Road

• The Refinery Gastro Bar

Address: Unit 01, No. 10-12, Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181, Taicang Road (beside the fountain)

• Cheers Yakiniku Restaurant (乾杯烧肉居酒屋)

Address: Unit 01a-2, No. 16, Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181, Taicang Road

• Fusion(the most famous Club in Xintiandi)

Address: Floor 5, Building 6, Xintiandi South Block, Lane 123, Xingye Road

• Crab Roe Fish & Old Pub (蟹黄鱼老酒馆子)

Address: E06, Floor 3, Lakeshore Shopping Center

• Malantou Chinese Restaurant &Tavern (马兰頭中餐厅小酒馆)

Address: D101, Floor 1, SOHO Fuxing Plaza, No. 388, Madang Road

• Mejiang Bistro (梅匠下酒菜·小酒馆)

Address: D111, Floor 1, SOHO Fuxing Plaza, No. 388, Madang Road

• Bleu Bar

Address: Floor 1, Andaz Hotel Xintiandi, No. 88, Songshan Road

• Din Tai Fung(鼎泰丰, a renowned Chinese Taiwanese restaurant featuring Xiaolongbao)

Address: Unit 215, Floor 2, Xintiandi Style I, No. 6, Lane 123, Xingye Road

• SMUDGEStore & Miracle Coffee

Address: Floor 1, Lakeshore Shopping Center, No. 150, Hubin Road

• Boxing Cat Brewery

Address: 26A, Sinan Mansions, No. 519-521, Middle Fuxing Road

Useful Travel Tips

• There are also many restaurants in Xintiandi Square (No.6 South Block)at the end of the street with different prices and more choices for tourists.
• Some famous bars and restaurants inXintiandi are almost full every day, so you’d better book in advance.
• If you have time, it is also worth visiting the Site of the First CPC Conferenceon Xingye Road (a typical Shikumen building located at the intersection of South and North Block pedestrian streets) and the Taipingqiao Park just east of the South Block.

Hotels in and Near the Xintiandi

The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi (上海新天地朗廷酒店)

Luxury hotel, close to the metro station, excellent facilities and services for travelers seeking quality accommodation.

Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai (上海新天地安达仕酒店)

Located in the core area of Shanghai Xintiandi, with its unique fashion design and youthful vitality, Andaz Hotel has become a landmark accommodation choice.

Ascott Huaihai Road Shanghai

Located in the bustling Xintiandi area, Ascott Hotel offers a wide choice of room types and complete facilities, which is the ideal residence for your Shanghai tours.

Magnificent International Hotel (Xintiandi People’s Square))

With superior geographical location and complete facilities, it is suitable for travelers who need convenient transportation and comfortable accommodation.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Shanghai Xintiandi is Spring and Autumn, because weather is pleasant during these months, which is conducive for people to stroll and take photos. Especially at night, this place blending fashion and tradition is beautifully lit and shows a different style, ideal for walking, dining, shopping, and enjoying nightlife.

Tips: To have a more pleasant travel experience, it is recommended not to visit Shanghai during the official holidays in China, when nearly all tourist attractions are overcrowded and accommodation cost may be higher.

Official Holidays in China

How to Get to the Xintiandi?

Xintiandi is located in Huangpu District in central Shanghai, south of Middle Huaihai Road, between South Huangpi Road and Madang Road. Xintiandi is in the Former French Concession area, and the transportation is very convenient.

By Bus

• Take Bus No.42, 109, 167, 320, 805, 911,926, 932 and get off at Middle Huaihai Road South Huangpi Road
• Take Bus No.146, Bridge Line 1 and get off at Madang Road.
• Take Tour Line 1 or 4 and get off at Xintiandi Station.

By Subway

• Take Subway Line 1 or 14 and get off at SouthHuangpi Road Sation.
• Take Subway Line 10 or 13 and get off at Xintiandi Station.

Attractions Nearby the Xintiandi

Sinan Mansions

Located in the historical block of Sinan Road in Huangpu District, Sinan Mansions is a concentration of modern residential buildings in Shanghai with rich historical and cultural background. There are 51 well preserved garden villas here, known as the “open-air museum”, suitable for taking photos and walks.

Tianzifang

With the history traced back to the early 20th century, Tianzifang is known as the “most humanistic creative district in Shanghai”. Here, various creative spaces such as artist studios, design studios, photography studios, and pottery galleries are gathered, showcasing the perfect integration of art and life.‌

Fuxing Park

Fuxing Park is the only garden in Shanghai that retains the French classical style, and it is also a masterpiece of the fusion of Chinese and Western garden cultures in modern Shanghai. The park covers an area of 88,900 square meters and features sunken flowerbeds with a typical French classical style.

FAQs about Xintiandi

What is the nightlife like in Xintiandi?

It is very abundant with special bars, live music and themed parties, etc.

Is there an admission fee to enter the Xintiandi area?

No, it is free. Some activities and exhibitions may require a ticket.

What is “Shikumen” architecture, and why is it important in Xintiandi?

Shikumen is the most representative residence in Shanghai with a feature of integration of Chinese and Western styles. Its overall layout imitates the Western Row Housing, while the interior structure remains the characteristics of traditional residences in South China. And Xintiandi is famous because it is transformed from the Shikumen architecture.

Is Xintiandi a better destination for daytime shopping and sightseeing or for nightlife?

It is suitable for both daytime shopping and sightseeing, and nightlife.

Is Xintiandi crowded, and what is the best time of day to avoid crowds?

Yes, it is crowded, and the best time to avoid crowds is before dusk on weekdays.

Explore Shanghai’s Life and Culture with China Xian Tour

About Shanghai, the first impression of most people is that it is an international metropolis. In fact, it also boasts a profound history. To feel its charm completely, China Xian Tour is glad to tailor an itinerary for you to cover all the must-visit attractions. Of course, the tickets, hotels, guide and driver are all included. If you have any other needs, such as diet taboos, we will also try our best to handle. You will enjoy an immersive and carefree tour with us. So just contact us right now.