Tallest building reopens at Yuyuan malls
The six-story Tianyu Mansion is the city’s tallest Ming and Qing dynasty-style building at the Yuyuan Garden Malls.
Tianyu Mansion, the city’s tallest Ming and Qing dynasty-style building at the Yuyuan Garden Malls, reopened to the public on Thursday after a major renovation.
The six-story building on Jiujiaochang Road, a former military drill ground in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is now the Yuyuan Department Store, featuring stores of famous Shanghai brands such as the White Rabbit candy, First Asia jewelry, Feiyue and Warrior shoes and skincare brand Pechoin.
Theme stores featuring popular cartoon figures Miffy and Chibi Maruko-chan as well as National Geographic have been unveiled in the building.
Young visitors are encouraged to dress in hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) to feel the historical vibe of the site dating back to some 400 years ago, or cheongsam to involve themselves in the Art Deco style popular in the city in 1930s, according to Yuyuan Inc, the mall’s owner.
The reopening of the mansion marks the beginning of a new round of facelifts to the dining and shopping facilities near the historic Yuyuan Garden.
The reopened Yuyuan Department Store at the Tianyu Mansion attracted a large number of visitors on Thursday.
The reopened Tianyu Mansion features Shanghai's Art Deco style popular in 1930s.
The malls originated from a prosperous temple fair market around the City God Temple and the drill ground. Typical local-style woodblock prints named Xiaojiaochang, literally meaning "small drill ground," depicted prosperity in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Other landmark buildings in the malls will be renovated to attract young customers with fashion designs and China’s national brands.
Tianyu Mansion was initially built in 1994, featuring a Ninghuige Loft on the top floor with a panoramic view of Yuyuan Garden and buildings on the Bund and the Lujiazui Financial Hub on the opposite side of the Huangpu River.
The mansion was once a department store selling souvenirs to tourists from both home and abroad in the last two decades.
The renovation was launched early this year despite the coronavirus outbreak to restore its historical look, decorate the interior space, while upgrading its businesses.
The building is redecorated with water-wash stones, mosaic tiles, colorful glass dome and geometric patterns.
Two women dressed in hanfu (traditional Chinese closing) pictured at the newly opened Tianyu Mansion.
The building has been redecorated with water-wash stones, mosaic tiles, colorful glass dome and geometric patterns to restore Shanghai’s vintage fashion style.
“Wearing the cheongsam or Western-style clothes, we can take many exquisite photos in the newly opened building,” said a visitor surnamed Luo who works in a nearby company. She came to visit the building right after its reopening, despite the large crowds of tourists at the malls on Thursday’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Many time-honored local brands have opened shops in the building. First Asia released its magnolia-series of jewelry for the first time, while White Rabbit is selling canvas bags, pillows and mugs along with over 10 flavors of candies.
Bright Dairy opened another bakery store in the building as a further foray into the dessert market. The two-story Ur Bakers outlet attracted many visitors on Thursday.
Discounts are offered during the holiday through October 8 to celebrate the festival and the reopening.
Customers shop at a store selling Shanghai's time-honored White Rabbit candy.
Customers eat at the Ur Bakers outlet operated by Bright Dairy.
Visitors at a store featuring Japanese cartoon figure Chibi Maruko-chan.
Visitors crowd the iconic Zigzag Bridge at the Yuyuan Garden Malls on Thursday.
