Shanghai Theatre Academy

After being founded in 1945, the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) has evolved from a small school into an outstanding comprehensive university of performing arts. Its antecedent was the Shanghai Municipal Experimental Drama School co-founded by renowned educator Gu Yuxiu, and well-known dramatists like Li Jianwu, Gu Zhongyi and Huang Zuolin in a building on 630 Huashan Road. The Xiong Foxi building, built in 1936, was a country club set up by German Chinese after World War I and is named in honor of the STA's first President Xiong Foxi. It is typical of the colonnade style of early modern Shanghai and was listed in the fourth group of Shanghai's excellent heritage architecture in 2005. Of interest about the building is folklore that it was where legendary Chinese writer Eileen Chang met her lover, writer and editor Hu Lancheng who lived nearby. The academic environment and its history give the building special appeal. STA is now one of the leading acting schools in China and offers 11 four-year BA majors with 23 specialties. The academy also has two campuses located respectively on Lianhua Road and Hongqiao Road and has cultivated many famous Chinese directors and TV and movie actors such as Jiao Huang, Chen Hong and Lu Yi. Thousands of university students aspire to enter its doors to pursue a career in the arts, thus adding to the complex's reputation.

Address: 630 Huashan Rd.A Future Perfect

A Future Perfect has the style and ambience, and most importantly, good food, which has built an enviable reputation over the past few years. Tucked away in an alley at the corner of Huashan and Changshu roads, the stylish eatery with its airy white decor and large splashes of lime green was created by experienced professionals in the field of world-quality cuisine, design and customer service. The recently updated menu features foods that look both tasteful and multi-colored, including the newly-added Mixed Seafood Salad, Veal Piccate, Rib Eye US, Pan-fried Cod Fish, and Marino Marinara (spaghetti with sea urchin and extra virgin olive oil). An extensive list of soft and hard drinks is balanced by a range of fresh juices, smoothies, milk shakes and slushes. Co-owner Frank Steffen developed a mix of fruit and vegetable juices to pair with traditional Chinese herbs to counter the sometimes harsh environmental living conditions of the busy city. From the venue's secluded location to its oven-fresh breakfast delights, corporate lunch, evening dinners or lazy afternoons spent in the garden surrounds, the compelling concept of the eatery offers a memorable dining interlude. Tonight, it welcomes regular and new patrons to help celebrate its 3rd anniversary starting from 6:30pm. Canapes and wines will be served.

C-cedille

Trendy parents are exploring the ever-growing world of children's clothing, with new designer brands and stores emerging every day. So, don't miss C-cedille, a cute and chic children's fashion boutique that carries stylish high-quality clothing and accessories in sizes for the newborn baby to age 16. According to the owner Winnie Ho de Bary, the French-style boutique offers a wide range of creative choices from top international designers and brands. It is an authorized dealer in Shanghai for Cacharel, Lili Gaufrette, Marcel & Leon, and the world renowned Dore Dore and Indochine shoes. MiniClassix and MiniBasix two favorite brands among American moms are now available at Ce-cedille. Their soft, organic cotton compositions and vibrant colors will make any boy or girl stand out for sure. The multi-brand boutique encourages parents to transform their love for children into a daily experience.

China Nan Tong Blue Calico Museum

The China Nan Tong Blue Calico Museum on Huashan Road was first established in 1997 in Nantong by industrial art master Wu Yuanxin. His aim was to preserve and develop Nantong blue calico and later opened two branches in Shanghai and Tianjin. Blue calico is one of China's traditional printing and dyeing craft works and originated from the Tang (618-907 AD) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. Nantong people started to make blue-printed cloth early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)and the craft continues. Nantong blue calico has a rich local style and "Nantong blue calico dyeing techniques have been listed as a first state-level intangible cultural heritage. The Huashan Road shop, opened in 2000, features many blue calico products like clothes, quilt-covers, table cloths, scarves and sheets as well as many reasonably priced souvenirs.

Old House Inn

Travelers have come to expect their hotel will be an experience in itself, in addition to destination attractions. With just 12 rooms, Old House Inn is a hidden city gem, situated in the same building as the restaurant A Future Perfect (AFP). It may lack the glamour, but it delivers the essentials of "old Shanghai with simplicity and style. Each room is distinctively different, tastefully refurbished with hardwood floors, old Chinese furniture, and four poster bed with mosquito netting. Old House Inn is designed to suit any budget, starting at 520 yuan per room per night to 1,130 yuan for the king-size room. AFP downstairs provides a breakfast service.

(Shanghai Daily December 1, 2008)