江北 Jiangbei
About:
What is the effect of money, a lot of money, on the way people look ? Marvel at the contrasts this district offers to find out. Testament to the breakneck development of the central districts, Jiangbei features Gucci and Lavazza, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and worn down blocks, farmland and landfills, all within a five minute drive. Turn a corner and walk out of Mao’s countryside to enter the 21st century.
Guanyinqiao is the word to remember. It designates the area around the walking streets that are the center of Jiangbei, the place where you’ll find top-end shopping malls, lifestyle markets (read imported products and decent beer), cinemas and tons of hidden, friendly bars you really have to look for.
Out of the way but right on the river is Starry Street, a mile-long entertainment street that has yet to give us a reason to go. The Opera House area, also, is not without interest. Located across the river from Chaotianmen, it offers a nice view of the peninsula and the park it's located in is filled with fake churches and scenery designed for the wedding picture industry.
Five Musts:
Hongding C Block:
An apartment building hosting cat cafés, private kitchens and quiet little bars like Soft Time.
Paradise Walk:
Few places offer better people watching than the walking street around this big ole’ shopping mall.
Stiff cocktails, outside pool table and friendly owners.
The Best Cocktail bar in Jiangbei.
Jiangbei Park:
Right next to the Opera House is this clean, green park full of fake churches where the young and hip take their wedding photos.
Borough Thorough:
See: The Opera House, the Science and Technology Museum
Shop: Ole, Far East Market
Eat: Shaanxi Mianzhuang, Grandma's Kitchen
Nightlife: Roots, Soft Time, Mr. Brown, Box Bar
Sleep: Hilton Double Tree, Hyatt Regency