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Xintiandi Review

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Xintiandi

Stores / Malls, Pedestrian Malls, Luwan

User Rating: *** 3.3

Fodor's Review:

By WWII, around 70% of Shanghai's residents lived in shikumen or "stone gatehouses." Over the last two decades, most have been razed in the name of progress, but this 8-acre collection of stone gatehouses was renovated into an upscale shopping and dining complex and renamed Xintiandi, or "New Heaven on Earth." The restaurants are busy from lunchtime until past midnight, especially those with patios for watching the passing parade of shoppers. Just off the main thoroughfare is the visitor's center and the Shikumen Museum (House 25, North Block, 123 Xingye Lu. 021/3307-0337), a shikumen restored to 1920s style and filled with furniture and artifacts collected from nearby houses. Exhibits explain the European influence on shikumen design, the history of the Xintiandi renovation, as well as future plans for the entire 128-acre project.

Member Reviews & Ratings:

Pretty and pretty expensive

Posted by maweilin from Australia on 5/22/07

Xintiandi really is a new heaven on earth in looks. It's stylish, chic and relaxing, with a mix of Chinese and European sensibilities. Bring your credit card if you plan to spend, because it's very classy. Tip: most of the souvenir bits and pieces for sale are at least twice the normal price. Buy them elsewhere.

EXPERIENCE: 4.0

EASE: 4.0

VALUE: 1.0

DON'T MISS: 3.0

RATING: 3.2

Shin-tan-dee good for me.

Posted by John from Portland, Maine on 6/5/06

Worth a visit when you have been traveling around China outside the major cities and you need a serious Western fix. The area is beautiful and upscale with outdoor cafe's and better dining (with prices to match).

EXPERIENCE: 4.0

EASE: 4.0

VALUE: 2.0

DON'T MISS: 3.0

RATING: 3.4