New Shanghai Restaurant

Author: Liu Shenghui
Photography: Youyou / Xu Jiazhao
Written by: Liu Shenghui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: "New Shanghai Restaurants 2" introduces over 20 beautifully decorated restaurants, reflecting the city's pursuit and definition of beauty. Shanghai, a city at the forefront of fashion, has always been able to give birth to new things in time and inspire others to follow and promote them. Since the 1920s and 1930s, the city has gradually accumulated its cultural heritage. In architecture, whether it's the exquisite Bund or the ancient and elegant City God Temple, both can be considered timeless masterpieces. It is precisely because of these that Shanghai exudes such an enchanting charm. Today, decorative languages have been greatly enriched. Whether it's Art Deco, Neoclassicism, or the long-forgotten Chinese style, designers have rediscovered them from the pages of history. Within the existing spatial constraints, various styles collide and blend, creating a unique and flavorful hybrid. We can see modern Shanghai restaurants like "Duck King" hidden in old buildings, where you can examine the stylish era of the old guard from a new perspective. The city's ability to embrace all is its characteristic. Since its opening as a port, foreign cultures have surged in like tides. Fortunately, the people of Shanghai are naturally fond of excitement and novelty, effortlessly navigating and enjoying various cultures. Thus, we can see the vibrant colors of "Black Mexico Restaurant," filled with a rustic charm, and the realistic castle scenes in "VABENE Italian Restaurant." Due to the fascination with classical elements, Chinese elements are widely used in commercial spaces. Of course, in the hands of different designers, there are some variations. Some take the tranquil ink painting atmosphere of "Xiaolan Small Restaurant," while others, like "Zhen Guan," condense the exquisite scenery of Jiangnan gardens. Official hats, carved doors and windows—these elements are scattered randomly throughout the restaurant like spices. In truth, style itself has no strict definition. As long as it creates a suitable space, whether it's unified or not is not something that needs much discussion.