If you've tried cutting through Zhangyuan anytime in the past few years, you probably hit a construction fence and had to turn back. That's finally changed.
The first section of Zhangyuan's East Zone officially opened on June 30, reopening a long-awaited pedestrian route between Maoming Bei Lu and Shimen Yi Lu. The new passage, dressed up with oversized floral installations and greenery, reconnects Zhangyuan withHKRI Taikoo Hui and the Nanjing Xi Lu subway station. It's less about the flowers, more about finally being able to walk straight through again.
The opening also marks the debut of seven restored shikumen buildings. Instead of filling them with luxury flagships, this first batch leans younger:Palm Angels has opened a concept store, APEE (BAPE's women's line) makes its China debut, Barbie has taken over one building with a summer-themed pop-up, and there's now both % Arabica and THE MATCHA TOKYO if you need a coffee break between photos.
For anyone new to Zhangyuan, it's one of Shanghai's most significant historic neighborhoods. Originally built in the 1880s as one of the city's earliest public gardens, it later evolved into the largest and best-preserved cluster of shikumen houses still standing today. Across the site are 28 different architectural styles, representing more than a century of Shanghai's residential history.
This is only the first phase of the East Zone. Seven buildings are now open, with the remaining sections expected to be completed by the end of 2027. For now, though, the biggest win might be the simplest one: you can finally walk from one side to the other without taking a detour.
