Editor's note: Shanghai is promoting the development of the "youth economy", which encompasses products and services shaped by the lifestyles, preferences, and spending habits of younger consumers.

As part of this series, we showcase small and distinctive shops across the city that reflect how young people shop, socialize, and unwind today. This edition spotlights New Bund Red Lane in Pudong New Area.

New Bund Red Lane

New Bund Red Lane links office buildings, commercial spaces, and public green areas. Together with Crystal Plaza and Qiantan Leisure Park, it forms a mixed-use setting that combines a shopping mall, an open street, and a riverside park.

The area is designed with younger visitors in mind, particularly those who value social interaction and everyday well-being. By bringing together dining, light outdoor activities, wellness services, and cultural spaces, the street encourages a slower, more relaxed pace. For many visitors, it is a place to stroll, browse, and spend time without a fixed agenda.

Below are several shops that reflect this atmosphere.

Aftertaste (First Store in China)

Aftertaste is a specialty coffee shop owned and operated by Zhang Xiaobo, the runner-up of the 2018 World AeroPress Championship.

The space features two bar setups. One is a fast, single-touch bar serving hot-aged specialty coffee. The other is a manual bar that employs slow pressure extraction, using rare and carefully selected beans sourced from around the world. The shop is equipped with low-temperature bean storage systems, high-end grinders, multiple water profiles, and an airy infusion system.

Address: Room W3-102, New Bund Red Lane, No 12 Qianjiatan Road

3003

3003 is an experience space based in Shanghai that focuses on crystal art and what it describes as energy aesthetics. It combines natural crystals, contemporary art, and guided workshops to create a calm, reflective environment within the city.

Crystals serve as the medium, art functions as the visual language, and structured sessions provide a means to explore both material form and inner states. The space encourages visitors to move beyond observing objects toward a more personal sense of calm.

Founded by artist Kebeyo Chen, 3003 draws on her more than 10 years of artistic practice and presents an experimental approach to art, perception, and everyday life.

Address: Room E2-110, New Bund Red Lane, No 12 Qianjiatan Road

Whisker Lane

Whisker Lane focuses on improving the quality of life for pets, particularly dogs. Its services address common concerns such as separation anxiety, picky eating, aging, and overall wellness.

Key features include daytime care and boarding, with access to a secure outdoor lawn and indoor floor heating. Dogs can play outside under staff supervision during the day, while those staying overnight rest in individual rooms, where heated floors help ensure comfort during the colder months.

Whisker Lane also offers traditional Chinese veterinary care. Licensed veterinarians develop personalized care plans based on each pet's condition.

Address: Room N1-110, New Bund Red Lane, No 12 Qianjiatan Road

New City & Island Bistro (First Store in East China)

New City & Island Bistro combines books, coffee, dining, exhibitions, and live events. Rather than operating as a traditional bookstore, it functions as a shared cultural space where reading and social interaction coexist.

The bookstore focuses on humanities, social sciences, and art and lifestyle titles, all curated by its editorial team. Specialty coffee and house-made desserts are available throughout the day.

Its dining concept, Island Bistro, makes its Shanghai debut here. The space operates as a light bistro during the day and shifts to a casual dining and drinks venue in the evening, serving fusion dishes such as Yunnan mushroom pasta, Sichuan-inspired plates, and steak.

Address: Room N3-1, New Bund Red Lane, No 12 Qianjiatan Road

Mensa Pilates

Mensa Pilates is a Pilates studio at New Bund Red Lane, offering structured training with professional equipment.

Its programs cater to practical needs, including body shaping, prenatal and postnatal Pilates, posture improvement for office workers, youth Pilates, and sports performance and rehabilitation.

With two locations in the area, Mensa Pilates primarily serves nearby office workers and residents looking for regular, structured training.

Addresses:

- Flagship store: 2F, S3, New Bund Red Lane, No 117 Jiangyong Road

- Second store: Room 203, W3, New Bund Red Lane, No 86 Jiangyong Road

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and venues mentioned above