Winter may be cold, but Shanghai is sizzling with new energy. Fresh stores and first-time arrivals are popping up across the city, serving up more than shopping and dining — they're little sparks of warmth, creativity, and inspiration. Here are the spots you need to check out.

Sporty & Rich: LA athleisure arrives in China

The Los Angeles lifestyle brand has opened its first store in China, introducing a relaxed yet refined approach to athleisure. The space is calm and understated, using soft textures and muted colors instead of bold branding. Its Fall/Winter 2025 collection debuts here, featuring comfortable, functional pieces suited for everyday wear, from post-gym outfits to easy commuter looks.

Where: Room L147, HKRI Taikoo Hui, No 789 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district

Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

Acne Studios: A minimalist pop-up shaped by light

This limited-time space from the Swedish label feels more like a small gallery. Soft lighting and clean lines highlight the minimalist designs of its Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The selection includes down jackets, knit scarves, and other winter-ready items that balance practicality with visual clarity. It's a quiet, thoughtful setting for those who appreciate subtle design.

Where: North Atrium, L2, HKRI Taikoo Hui, No 789 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district

Open: Now until Feb 28, 2026

Spago Shanghai: California cooking meets Bund views

Spago, created by chef Wolfgang Puck, has opened its first restaurant in China with an uninterrupted view of the Bund. The open kitchen adds a sense of theater as seasonal ingredients are turned into colorful, California-inspired dishes. After sunset, city lights shimmer across the river and blend with the warm interior to create a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Where: 21F, The St. Regis on the Bund, No 538 East Zhongshan Road Number Two, Huangpu district

Open:

- Launch: 12 pm to 2:30 pm

- Dinner: 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm

- Bar: 12 pm to 1 am

Van Collection: A space for design objects and ideas

For those weary of standardized retail layouts, this design-focused shop offers a truly unique experience. It brings together homeware, lifestyle goods, and curated small objects, each with its own aesthetic character. The open, uncluttered layout makes browsing effortless — more like wandering through a friend's studio than visiting a store. It's the perfect spot to recharge your creativity on a winter day.

Where: Room 301, Building 1, Gate M West Bund Dream Center, No 2266 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, official WeChat accounts of the above-mentioned venues