Xuhui District launches nighttime events
A bazaar outside the century-old Blackstone Apartments in Xuhui is open for business.
A number of events at downtown landmarks in Xuhui District, such as the Hengfu historical zone, Xujiahui and the West Bund waterfront, are to be launched as part of the city’s nightlife festival.
Compared with other night markets featuring food, beer and barbeque, the night attractions in Xuhui will be “orderly, introverted and exquisite” in accordance with the culture and history of the region, the district government said.
Over a dozen night markets will be launched in characteristic neighborhoods, such as Jianyeli, renovated from the city’s largest remaining shikumen compound, innovation parks and popular malls such as Metro City in Xujiahui.
The events will mainly run between 6pm and 10pm from Friday to Sunday. Outdoor bazaars will pop up, while malls, theaters and bookstores will open to midnight.
The Hengfu (Hengshan-Fuxing Road) Historical Conservation Zone, with the city’s largest gathering of villas once home to famous people, will invite customers to spend a night at a boutique hotel to fully experience the historical and west-meet-east vibe of the region, said Yao Jiayin, deputy general manager of Hengfu Investment and Development Co.
The Capella Hotel in Jianyeli is charging 2,999 yuan (US$423) a night plus spa and breakfast in its Michelin-starred restaurant for two people, Yao said. The original price is over 4,500 yuan.
Classical composers feature on products for sale at this stall at the Blackstone Apartments bazaar.
Nearby historical and cultural venues, such as the former residences of cartoonist Zhang Leping (1910-1992), playwright Ke Ling (1909-2000), playwright Xia Yan (1900-1995), a restored study of translator Cao Ying (1923-2015) will be open from 4:30pm to 8:30pm.
An outdoor bazaar has been launched at the century-old Blackstone Apartments on Fuxing Road M. The eclectic-style building was built in 1924 by American missionary James Harry Blackstone. It was dubbed the "finest apartment house in China" with a foreign butler service, elevators and central heating, along with a tennis court, ballroom, restaurant and heated swimming pool.
The bazaar includes innovative handcraft stalls, China’s heritage skills and fashion designs blending traditional and new styles.
The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra on the opposite of the building has also opened a stall to sell products from its gift shops. Jazz band Blue Note will perform for customers. The bookstore and café on the ground floor of the building will also open to 10pm and offer discounts.
Yonglehui, a three-story Spanish villa at 322 Anfu Road is inviting customers to visit the well-preserved compound at night in June with costume, fashion and eatery brands based there. The former site of the Shanghai film company plans to open a film-themed bookstore in July on the ground floor of the villa.
An open-air film festival is planned in the courtyard of the building, a nostalgic throwback for many locals. Classic movie “Cinema Paradiso” will be screened to marl the 4-month suspension of local cinemas due to COVID-19, according to the organizer.
Flowers add a splash of color in the rain at the bazaar outside Xuhui's Blackstone Apartments.
Colorful dresses on display at one of the stalls outside Xuhui's Blackstone Apartments on Friday.
Lots to choose from for customers looking for earrings.
Customers look at some of the products on offer at the bazaar outside Blackstone Apartments on Friday.
A stallholder takes a break for food at the bazaar outside the Blackstone Apartments.
