A recent favorite place for the authentic Tokyo-style ramen and side dishes featuring house-made noodles from Japan and original recipes. Taste superb! 

The one of a kind pocket park in the middle of old town Shanghai built for and loved by the local community. An inspiring Utopian urban living in reality, I used to commute a lot both for pleasure and field research of my service design assignment. It's currently used by the local government as a PCR test spot. Wish it could reopen soon to public! 

I connected with Sarah, one the two co-founders behind AENTOS at her pop-up dinner. I was under the assumption that it is another independent wellness brand focusing on beauty and fragrance products when I paid my first visit to their shop. And I instantly fell for the artistic vibes. The shop is located at a very Shanghainese alley, pretty close to one of the creative campus and retail complex that I frequent. From natural essence-based scented oils, candles to grass/wood aroma, they have a thoughtful range of original products alongside their selection by other designers/artist friends. The shop is so well curated in line with their statement: a lifestyle brand that believes in the power of slowing down and self-care. It is a little hidden gem for those who look for a gentle pause to browse or eclectic wellness gift for their loved ones in downtown area. 

Surrounded by historic architectures and cultural institutes, it is a new retail concept aimed to be creative community hub for shopping and events. Personally, not a fan of the select shop but the coffee shop and the outdoor setting is a nice place to hang in the quieter end of the hood. 

A stylish combination of a local fashion brand's atelier, retail shop and coffee stand operated by a respected local coffee brand. The ground floor also hosts exhibition occasionally. Outdoor seating is quite comfy too. Another lovely place for daylight coffee in the hood.