Editor's note: Shanghai is unique because of its blend of modernity and tradition. One of the best ways to appreciate this combination is by exploring the city's vintage houses, which not only showcase architectural beauty but also embody Shanghai's distinctive history. Below are recommended fashion brand stores nestled in western-style mansions in Shanghai.

1. No 1 Waitanyuan

This historic building first served as the British Consulate in Shanghai, and is known as an architectural gem, thanks to its English Renaissance facade and lush English-style garden. The main building dates back to 1849 and visitors can explore its grandeur and history while also enjoying the current exhibition that it is hosting, "European National Treasures". This exhibition will continue to run until Feb 29, 2025.

Address: No 33 East Zhongshan Road Number One, Huangpu district

Open: 10 am-6 pm (last entry at 5: 30 pm)

Ticket Price: 79 yuan ($10.92) per person

2. Prada Rong Zhai

Prada Rong Zhai is one of Shanghai's most well-preserved top-tier Western-style mansions. Once the residence of the prominent "Flour King", Rong Zongjing, this mansion seamlessly combines Eastern and Western architectural aesthetics, such as intricate carvings and elaborate European-style stained glass windows. Following its renovation by Prada, the mansion has been transformed into a public cultural space that hosts exhibitions, thus becoming a popular spot for photo enthusiasts.

Address: No 186 North Shaanxi Road

3. Le Labo

The first Chinese mainland store of Le Labo is nestled within the historic Shikumen buildings, a style of housing that is unique to Shanghai. These houses blend Chinese and Western structural styles, while Le Labo combines its own aesthetics with Shanghai's traditional Shikumen architecture. Its first floor features a product area, while the second floor holds a fragrance lab, a library, and the Le Labo Café, the second in the world.

Address: Building No 1 Lane 181, Taicang Road

4. Aesop

Aesop's first store on the Chinese mainland is located in a Western-style building on Dongping Road, complete with a private courtyard. The fusion of Chinese elements with Aesop's aesthetic creates a visually stunning experience, reflecting Aesop's unique design philosophy.

Address: Room 103, No 9 Dongping Road

5. To Summer

Housed in a standalone Western-style mansion on Hunan Road, To Summer's flagship store, named "Xianting", exudes an atmosphere of refined elegance. The store's meticulous restoration process, including the restoration of several terraces, provides visitors with a serene and romantic setting to explore the brand's product lines.

Address: No 111 Hunan Road

6. Melt Season

Housed in a Spanish-style garden mansion that dates back to 1931, the building was once the residence of Shanghai's "last socialite", Zheng Nian. It has been transformed into a secret haven for the Chinese perfume brand Melt Season. To honor the memory of Zheng Nian, Melt Season has crafted a city-exclusive fragrance named "Nian", a blend of pink pepper, jasmine, and saffron in the top notes, with hints of iris root in the middle, and a serene base of ambroxan, reflecting the drama and simplicity of life.

Address: No 1 Lane 45, Taiyuan Road

7. Tsutaya Books (Columbia Circle)

Columbia Circle in Shanghai is a Spanish-style building, which used to be Columbia Country Club and Navy Club. Spanning 2,000 square meters, this space retains its original charm with features like fireplaces and red brick decor. Strolling through here is akin to exploring a museum surrounded by lush greenery. A cup of coffee and a good book make for a leisurely afternoon at Tsutaya Books.

Address: Building No 7, No 1262 West Yan'an Road

8. Nice To Meet You

Located in the Blackstone Apartments, Nice To Meet You is a visually stunning bookstore that draws inspiration from musicians. It features a series of themed rooms connected by a central corridor with a mosaic floor pattern that is reminiscent to the interior of an apartment.

Address: 1F, Blackstone Apartments, No 1331 Middle Fuxing Road

9. Sinan Books

Nestled within the historic confines of the Sinan Mansions complex lies Sinan Books. This site was once the residence of patriotic general Feng Yuxiang and the abode of renowned poet Liu Yazi.

Another poetry-specific store, concealed within the original St. Nicholas Church on Gaolan Road, offers a poetic sanctuary that achieved a "church in a church" as envisioned by designer Yu Ting. Here, poetry enthusiasts can explore collections from various countries in a romantic and cozy setting.

Sinan Books

Address 1: No 517 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

Address 2: No 16 Gaolan Road, Huangpu district

 

Source: Official WeChat account of ShanghaiWOW! via "shanghaiwow520"

Photos by jumbo