Spotlight On: Hengshan Road

District: Xuhui
Cross-Streets: Wulumuqi Road and Huashan Road
Nearest Metro Station: Hengshan Road (Line 1), Exit 2
About: Many foreigners visit this colourful stretch of Hengshan Road for its trendy bars and restaurants, but, if you take the time to look, you'll discover that this quirky area can also provide a little family fun.

1. Beautifully maintained Xujiahui Park offers an elevated walkway, crisscrossing pathways, vibrant flower beds and a multitude of benches in the shade of abundant trees. Add a few graceful black swans floating on the lake, and you have the ultimate backdrop to an afternoon stroll or intense yoga session.

Between Tianping and Wanping Road.

2. AnnAnn is a small shop that specialises in silver jewellery. Here the styles range from modern to vintage-inspired, but each piece has its own unique and eye-catching design. Take some time to browse for that something special for yourself, or a unique gift for a loved one.
317 Hengshan Road; Tel. 158 0060 8139

3. With sixteen bowling lanes, eight pool tables, a variety of other games, and snacks/ drinks in abundance, Orden Bowling Alley can become a regular fun hangout for friends and family. Expect cool vibes and a relaxed atmosphere. The best part is they never seem to close!

3rd floor, Room 5; 10 Hengshan Road, Tel. 021 6474 6666

4. Few things go together like good books and fine coffee - and in Shanghai, find- ing a store that sells English titles plus numerous foreign magazines is rare. Throw in some comfy reading nooks, art works, stationery, and knick-knacks and The Mix Place becomes the perfect place to while away a few hours.
880 Hengshan Road; Tel. 021 5424 01 00

5. Smaller than sprawling Xujiahui Park across the road, but much quieter, charming Hengshan Park offers a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai’s streets. Its air of tranquillity combined with gorgeous arrays of flowers and trees make this urban oasis the perfect place to relax with family and friends.

Entrance c/o Wanping Road, across from Picardie Hotel.