If I could only spend one day in Shanghai, I would not miss the charms of Taikang Lu/Road. It is a small network of alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques, restaurants, art studios, and old residences. Situated in the south of the city in the Luwan district, this semi-hidden neighbourhood is somewhat hard to find on maps and traveler's guides. I first came here in 2007 when it was first being developed and even taxi drivers didn't know where it was then. But nowadays, Taikang Lu has become more and more popular, so asking a local or a cab driver will get you there without problems.
Don't worry. Its growing popularity hasn't harmed any of its charm. Unlike Xintiandi, where it is a faux vintage tourist trap, you will see authentic Shikumen houses with old ladies hanging up their clothes next to chic boutique stores. If you want to beat the weekend crowds, I suggest you come here on a lazy weekday morning, have a coffee at one of many cafes, stroll around the alleyways or lòngtangs (弄堂), do some shopping at the locally designed fashion or souvenir boutiques, explore artist run studios, and feast on a patio lunch while doing some people watching.
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