Xintiandi

Xintiandi ("New Heaven and Earth") is the polished cousin of Tianzifang — the same 1920s Shikumen lane-house architecture, but redeveloped in 2001 into an international-grade promenade of restaurants, designer boutiques, and bars. The North Block houses heritage restorations including the Shikumen Open House Museum and the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party. The South Block is more contemporary, with the Lake Pavilion and adjacent IAPM mall. Every major foreign card is accepted. It's a comfortable evening destination if you want Western food, cocktails, or simply a tree-lined stroll. Worth combining with Fuxing Park nearby.