Jiashan Market: Shanghai’s New Urban Garden Community

Jiashan Market: Shanghai’s New Urban Garden Community
By Susie Gordon , eChinacities.com

One of Shanghai’s most interesting and exciting new openings has to be the Jiashan Market complex (嘉善市场) just off Shaanxi Nan Lu. It’s been in development since the spring, and hosted the first Eco Design Fair in April, but has only recently filled up with shops, cafés and restaurants.

 

Jiashan Market is made up of six factory buildings that have been leased from the government and converted into multi-use spaces by Brearley Architects and Urbanists. The complex was refurbished using ecologically sustainable techniques such as insulation and recycled material, and includes loft apartments and offices as well as F&B outlets.

What sets Jiashan Market apart from its neighbour Tianzifang is a focus on green awareness. Many of the newly opened businesses use recycled rainwater in their toilet systems, and there is a large outdoor space available for hosting community events such as the Eco Design Fair, which has become a regular occurrence after the success of the April event. The fair gathers the city’s green-minded folk to browse eco-crafts and buy organic bread, among other activities.

If you’re at Jiashan Market for a coffee, Memo café is a great place to start. It’s close to the complex’s entrance so it’s hard to miss. Serving up coffee, tapas, snacks and main courses, Memo offers Wi-fi and a series of comfortable couches. Food runs on the expensive side, but the coffees are reasonable.

Memo View In Map
Add: No. 37, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Shaoxing Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市陕西南路550弄37号, 近绍兴路
Tel: 021 6426 9398

At the other end of the complex is Melange Oasis, an organic café from the manager of popular Vienna Café on nearby Shaoxing Lu. While Vienna prides itself on its traditional Euro-style pastries and coffees, Melange is thoroughly modern, serving a menu of organic food along with coffees, teas and juices. Wide glass windows keep things bright and fresh inside, and there are outdoor tables for the warmer months.

Melange OasisView In Map
Add: No. 37, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Shaoxing Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市陕西南路550弄37号, 近绍兴路
Tel: 021 6433 7727

For food, Jiashan Market has some great options, all with a distinct South-east Asian flavor. Annion Kitchen brings the flavors of Korea to the French Concession, with brothers Jong and Jay Yoon offering up a menu of dishes inspired by their grandmother’s home cooking.

Annion Kitchen View In Map
Add: No. 37, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Shaoxing Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市陕西南路550弄37号, 近绍兴路
Tel: 021 3428 1855

Japanese Utsuwa Meshi has relocated from Taikang Lu, and given a new lease of life to its menu of sushi, sashimi, udon and tempura. The first-floor casual space is full of old-Shanghai knickknacks, and great for  artisan coffee or matcha latte. According to a proud sign, British actor Jude Law has visited Meshi and enjoyed it.

Utsuwa MeshiView In Map
Add: No. 37, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Shaoxing Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市陕西南路550弄37号,近绍兴路
Tel: 021 5465 2908

For a taste of Malaysia, head to Café Sambal. With authentic dishes like fish curry and laksa, it’s a great addition to Shanghai’s dining scene. Bare concrete décor adds an urban touch.

Café SambalView In Map
Add: No. 37 A, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Shaoxing Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市陕西南路550弄37号, 近绍兴路
Tel: 021 3368 9529

Jiashan Market is also home to a cashmere shop called Shahtoosh, and the Venus Spring spa, which imports all its products from Japan and uses 200% purified air throughout.
So if you’re tired of the tourist crush and too-high prices of Xintiandi, and want a change from Tianzifang, give Jiashan Market a try. It’s new, hip and eco-friendly, and won’t be a “hidden gem” for much longer.

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Keywords: shanghai jiashan market jiashan market opening Shanghai Shaanxi nan lu market shanghai

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