Shanghai Lane Houses & cafe

[by Teo Cheng Huat in Shanghai]

Trip to Shanghai last week to Puxi District with lots of interesting old lane houses. The houses are still occupied however mostly are rented out to expatriate with some parts converted for commercial usage. With the government strict control for these conservation building, not much are change however most of the sanitary system and windows are improve and replace with better materials. Since these houses are usually 3 levels or more, they are rented to more tenants by adding external stairs from the backyard. The top level are the most interesting because it usually has a small roof top terrace. In the night , the scenery around are spectacular with all the lighted up skyscraper and the stars above. There are no parking available so car will had to be parked in allocated space usually some distance away.

This cafe is called Coffee Express, converted from a open back yard of a typical lane house. The original grey toned brick wall are plastered smooth and painted in grey with a long canopy logo sign above the entrance. Nice contrast against the rest of the lane houses facade. The cafe is barely 20 sqm , the interior comprises of a bar service counter with a preparation space behind that make beverage and take away food. There are tall narrow counter and table against the walls which I counted a total of 12 seating. The glass folding doors next to the narrow counter can be open up for more seating when the weather is more comfortable. In Shanghai , small businesses such as this tiny cafe or restaurant are very common. Across the street, there was a 3 sqm clothing store with the owner sitting at the doorway on a stool with a money pouch tied around his waist. Comparing all these with Beijing, I think I still prefer living in Beijing.