A slower pace of life at Rodeco Art Yard in Baoshan
Located on the border of Jinxing village and Sifang village in Luodian town, Baoshan district, Rodeco Art Yard has become a popular rural retreat on the outskirts of Shanghai. Developed over seven years around the concepts of aesthetics and slow living, it brings together antique furniture, reptile encounters, wood-fired dining, and a garden cafe in a relaxed, thoughtfully designed setting.
Paris Antique
Paris Antique sits at the center of Rodeco Art Yard. Spreading across nine themed exhibition halls, it showcases European antique furniture alongside interiors inspired by old Shanghai. Visitors can wander through rooms filled with vintage wooden furniture, classic lighting, books, and decorative pieces.
The founder began collecting European antiques in 2008 and opened the museum in 2019 after discovering a disused factory site that he envisioned as a permanent home for the collection. Rather than describing the venue as a traditional antique store, he calls it "a shop for aesthetics", where beauty, craftsmanship, and design matter more than market value.
Address: No 2855 Shitai Road, Baoshan district
Reptile Star
Reptile Star offers a different take on slow living. Created by a couple with backgrounds in law and IT, it is home to more than 100 reptile species from around the world. The space combines animal displays, educational programs, hands-on experiences, and breeding facilities, making it one of the few venues of its kind in Shanghai.
Unlike a traditional zoo, the environment is tranquil, allowing visitors to observe reptiles up close and gain a deeper understanding of their behavior. The founders believe that spending time with these animals can have a calming effect. Many visitors arrive feeling uneasy around reptiles, but leave with a newfound appreciation for them. Family workshops add another dimension, giving children opportunities to study the animals, learn about their habitats, and create artwork using naturally shed reptile skins.
Address: No 2885 Shitai Road, Baoshan district
Country Pride
Country Pride is a Western town-themed restaurant known for American-style slow-smoked barbecue and wood-fired bread.
Its founder, a kiln specialist, developed the restaurant's spherical refractory brick oven. The design allows heat to circulate more evenly, helping food develop deeper flavor and a rich golden crust.
Beef brisket is smoked for at least six hours, while bread is baked only after the oven reaches the ideal temperature using fruitwood fuel. The restaurant's approach reflects a simple philosophy: time is one of the most important ingredients.
Address: No 2885 Shitai Road, Baoshan district
Fun Garden Cafe
Hidden behind a tree-lined path, Fun Garden Cafe combines a garden, a farm, and a cafe in one outdoor space. Created by landscape designers, the venue puts its surroundings at the center of the experience rather than relying solely on the menu.
The spacious courtyard, lush greenery, and low-density setting offer a sense of tranquility that is increasingly rare on Shanghai's outskirts. On weekdays, freelancers and students often spend hours working or studying among the flowers and plants. On weekends, the cafe becomes a popular gathering place for friends, families, and pet owners.
Address: No 2883 Shitai Road, Baoshan district
Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, WeChat account of Baoshan district government