About this place

Taikang Lu offers yet another noteworthy shopping experience in Shanghai.  Like Xintiandi, Taikang Lu offers shops that are locally owned, yet decidedly upscale with a boutique feel.  But unlike Xintiandi, the Taikang Lu area developed as an inexpensive warehouse district for up-and-coming artists. Cheap rent was originally offered for storefronts and work spaces. As the area developed it became an vibrant combination of upscale boutiques carrying high end jewelry and clothing, along with fantastic offices for artists and creative companies alike. 
  

While Taikang Lu has been cleaned up a fair amount, it is unlike Xintiandi in that it still maintains all of its original buildings. An authentic Chinese alley way and courtyard next to two historic warehouses set off Taikang Lu make up the primary shopping area. Shops have now begun to spill out onto the somewhat downtrodden Taikang Lu. 
 

A few of my favorite shops include:
 

L’Atelier Mandarine – Read my review on this wonderful shop carrying only a few very special items.  

Jooi DesignJooi Design – This is an ultra cool showroom and shop on the 2nd floor of the International Artists Factory (the same building in which you will find L’Atelier Mandarine).  The store carries primarily handbags and pillows with a few other unique accessories mixed in.  Their designs are bright and eye-catching due to the unusual fabrics and images that are used to make the items. Their products are also sold at Simply Life in Xintiandi.
www.jooi.com  
 

Casa Pagoda – This wonderful home furnishings store is one of the few shops that have spilled out onto Taikang Lu, offering a glimpse of what the street is to become. The Casa Pagoda designs are a mixture of modern, clean lines with Asian accents.  Beautiful leather sofas and chairs are contrasted with stained wood armoirs and bookshelves. Scattered around the showroom are great lamps and rugs that will definitely spice up your living room!
www.casapagoda.com
Address: No. 15 Taikang Lu 

InSH – This is a great stop on your way into the alley off Taikang Lu. InSH marks the entrance to the warehouse and courtyard area of Taikang Lu. Selling unique clothing and accessories, this store offers particularly tasteful Shanghai souvenirs with their fantastic “I love Shanghai” T-shirts. 
Address: No. 210 Taikang Lu  

Be sure not to miss ShirtFlag, Woe Scarf, and many other fun and unique shops in the courtyard area.  New artists and boutiques are also always popping up in the International Artists Factory, as well as the recently renovated smaller warehouse directly behind it.  Take time to explore the many floors in the two buildings, because you simply never know what you might stumble across! 

For a snack, coffee or lunch, try:
Kommune or Ups Café – both offer diverse menus and awesome coffee. 

How to get there: Lane 210 Taikang Lu is between Ruijin Lu and Sinan Lu.