Characterful Mezzanine Studio with Gas Cooking

Tucked inside the heritage lanes of Jing’an Villa (Jing’an Bieshu), this 1-bedroom, 1-bath lane house studio blends Shanghai’s lilong charm with practical modern living. The floor plan is efficient and thoughtfully zoned: a cozy lounge and dining corner anchor the ground level, while a mezzanine sleeping loft above creates a restful retreat without sacrificing usable living space below. Tall ceilings in the main area amplify light and volume, lending an airy feel that belies the compact footprint.

Home cooks will appreciate the piped gas in the kitchen for precise heat and quick meals, a rarity increasingly prized by expats who prefer flame cooking. Storage has been maximized with built-ins and under-stair cubbies, keeping the living zone uncluttered and calm. The bathroom is neatly appointed and easy to maintain, ideal for a fast-paced city lifestyle.

Set back from the main road within the lanes of Jing’an Villa, the apartment enjoys a quieter ambiance while placing you moments from West Nanjing Road‘s leading malls, cafes, and transport links. It is a smart choice for a single professional or a couple who value character, walkability, and convenience in Shanghai’s most dynamic shopping and business district. The result is a home that feels both storied and contemporary, intimate and well-connected.

Inside Jing’an Villa: A Storied Lilong Community

Jing’an Villa is one of central Shanghai’s classic lilong compounds, a tranquil network of pedestrian lanes set just off West Nanjing Road. Built in the early 20th century, the enclave mixes low-rise lane houses and small garden homes with ornamental brickwork, decorative lintels, and time-softened facades. Mature plane trees filter the light, and the gentle rhythm of daily life gives the lanes a quietly residential feel despite the central address.

Residents appreciate the balance of privacy and neighborhood warmth: gated lane entrances limit through-traffic, while neighbors exchange greetings and keep an eye on shared spaces. The pace is unhurried in the mornings, with the occasional bicycle rolling past and the scent of breakfast drifting from open windows. At dusk, soft courtyard lighting and the low profile of the buildings create an intimate, village-like atmosphere.

For expats, Jing’an Villa delivers the sought-after lilong experience without compromising city convenience. You live amid authentic Shanghai architecture, yet your front gate opens to flagship retail, office towers, and multiple metro lines a short walk away. The compound’s scale encourages strolling and fosters a grounded routine, making it easy to step out for coffee, pick up groceries, or head to dinner nearby. It is a rare pocket of heritage living at the very heart of modern Jing’an.

West Nanjing Road: Flagship Retail, Dining, and Effortless Transit

From the quiet of Jing’an Villa, you step directly into the energy of West Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s premier commercial corridors. Within easy walking distance are landmark complexes including Plaza 66, CITIC Square, Westgate Mall, and HKRI Taikoo Hui, where luxury boutiques share space with acclaimed restaurants, artisan coffee bars, and lifestyle brands. Food lovers can wander to Wujiang Road for a casual, always-buzzing lineup of local eats, or explore side streets dotted with bakeries, roasters, and late-night noodle spots.

Cultural and green escapes are close by. Jing’an Temple makes a serene counterpoint to the retail bustle, and the shaded paths of Jing’an Park invite morning jogs or a reflective lunch break. Fitness studios and wellness clinics are prevalent in the area, offering everything from high-intensity classes to restorative yoga.

Transportation could hardly be easier. West Nanjing Road Station links Lines 2, 12, and 13, providing direct routes to People’s Square, Lujiazui, and the Hongqiao transport hub. Taxis are abundant and ride-hailing pickup is seamless along the main road. Whether your day is anchored in Jing’an, the Bund, or Pudong, commuting is straightforward. The neighborhood’s mix of cosmopolitan polish and everyday convenience ensures that errands, client meetings, and evening plans all fit into a pleasantly walkable radius.

Why This Home Works for International Renters

Unbeatable address: Living inside Jing’an Villa places you next to West Nanjing Road’s top malls, dining, and office towers, all without the constant noise of a main-road apartment. You get centrality with a calm, residential cadence.

Character with efficiency: The mezzanine studio layout creates two livable zones in a compact footprint. Use the loft for sleeping and keep the ground floor open for hosting, working, or quietly unwinding after a long day.

Gas for serious cooking: Piped gas offers responsive heat that home cooks prefer. It is practical for weeknight meals and weekend batch-cooking alike, especially if you enjoy wok or skillet techniques.

Authentic lilong lifestyle: Jing’an Villa preserves a sense of Shanghai’s residential heritage. Tree-lined lanes, human-scale buildings, and a friendly neighborhood vibe make everyday routines feel grounded and local.

Seamless connections: With Lines 2, 12, and 13 at West Nanjing Road, you can reach People’s Square, Lujiazui, or Hongqiao with minimal transfers. Business travel, cross-city meetings, and dinner plans across the river stay simple.

Walkable daily life: Groceries, coffee, pharmacies, and boutique gyms cluster within a few blocks. It is easy to live car-light here, relying on your feet, a shared bike, or the metro to cover nearly every need.