Heritage and fun in Xinhua Road

By Deng Ran and Feng Yichen | Aug 3, 2009

on Talk English , Hello Kitty Studio , Wu Guan Tang Veggie , 200 Xinhua Road

We continue the stroll down Xinhua Road this week and are again stimulated by the quality of some of its buildings'designs and architectures and also the novel businesses found along the way. One for all the family is the fairytale Hello Kitty photography studio which consists of three floors of costumes and picture-perfect backdrops that facilitate customers'fun and formal photo requests.

An elegant and serene vegetarian restaurant parlaying oriental cuisine is more of a folk museum than a diner, highlighting the essence of traditional Chinese culture with its displays and art deco characteristics.

In keeping with the international flavor of the district, a vibrant language school puts students through their paces by immersing them into real life English language learning situations.

And sitting sedately at No. 200 is an imperial old heritage listed mansion in manicured grounds of green laws and stately gardens. Though not permitted to enter this private domain, a lingering look down the driveway is fulfilling enough, especially as it contrasts with the towering buildings of the modern megalopolis behind.

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Talk English

In 2005, the Talk Group launched its Talk English language training center in Shanghai. After nearly five years, it has gradually developed its own creative way of teaching, composed of learner-directed settings, online study and interactive activity-based language education. The center claims to provide "the most complete English learning environment." This simulates how natural language acquisition occurs, a method that works without pressure and is supportive of students' different progress levels. Students get to experience various actual speaking circumstances, such as visiting a medical center, going to the gym and sharing a meal with native English speakers. By learning, imitating and repeating, students become familiar with the most practical uses of English, and also develop a fuller appreciation of Western habits and lifestyle.

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Hello Kitty Studio

On the corner of Xinhua Road and Dingxi Road sits a three-story tribute to the iconic Japanese star, Hello Kitty. Licensed and designed by the brand owners in Japan, this world's first Hello Kitty Studio opened in February and has become a popular photo location for newlyweds, families and children. With imported Hello Kitty-themed apparel, wedding gowns and costumes to get dressed in and numerous Hello Kitty inspired backgrounds to choose from, it's understandable the place needs three floors to operate from. The first floor is where customers browse through photo options in various VIP rooms while lounging on bright pink cushions. All makeup and dressing rooms are on the second floor; children's dressing rooms are princess-themed, while adult dressing rooms have a more regal style. The photo studio is on the third floor, where you'll find different Hello Kitty backdrops ranging from gardens to cloud themes. Photo packages vary according to the type of shoot, whether wedding, self-portrait, children or family album, and include apparel changes, styling, and a fully embossed album. Cost ranges from 2,888 yuan (US$422.71) to 8,888 yuan.

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Wu Guan Tang Veggie

The interior design of this three-story restaurant is meticulous down to the last detail - even to the distinctively different motifs under the glass tabletops, ranging from ancient Chinese caligraphy to Beijing Opera masks. The diner's theme is based around the lotus, as depicted in the splendid murals as well as the delicate door handles. A quick glimpse of the menu reveals its strict adherence to vegetarian needs. None of the dishes contain MSG or mimic the taste of meat and neither fried food nor carbonated drinks are available. The menu is hand-written, in keeping with an eco-friendly approach and simplistic lifestyle that defines the restaurant. The rooftop garden has been recently supplemented with an outdoor dining facility. Flowers, herbs and vegetables from here may go all the way to the ingredients used in what you order to eat. Reservations are required and they only accept cash.

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200 Xinhua Road

Built in 1931, this three-story mansion was originally the home of a senior Kuomintang official. The architecture follows the lines of a classic, traditional oriental style, with its open verandahs, cantilevered roof and balconies, and distinctive pillars. Well-kept lawns and shrubs emphasize the property's symmetrical order and underscore its sedate magnificence. The visual impact of the building is powerfully enhanced by both its surrounds, contrasting starkly to the modern tower behind, and its imperial elegance. It was listed in 1999 as one of Shanghai's outstanding modern architectures and, like many of these heritage properties, it is not possible to get a closer look so peering from the footpath will have to do. It's now the office of Comic Action Magazine.

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