Character-filled 2-bedroom duplex with rare outdoor space

First rental after a comprehensive renovation, this three-level lane house on Weihai Road’s 910 Lane pairs classic Shanghai lilong charm with modern livability. The entry floor centers around an open-plan kitchen with full-size oven, generous cabinetry and a sociable breakfast counter, ideal for cooking at home or entertaining. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws southern light into the living-dining area and opens to a private patio garden, a tranquil pocket for morning coffee, potted herbs or an evening glass of wine.

One level above, the quiet sleeping floor offers two well-proportioned rooms and two bathrooms, including a relaxing soaking bathtub that is a prized find in Shanghai’s historic housing. The top floor crowns the home with a bright studio-like landing leading to a balcony currently arranged as a workspace, equally suited to a home office, yoga nook or reading terrace. Cross-breezes and floor-to-ceiling windows keep the interiors fresh, while independent heating and air conditioning plus high-speed WiFi support comfortable year-round living and seamless remote work.

Thoughtful storage, discreet laundry provisions and quality finishes underscore a renovation that respects the original bones while elevating daily convenience. Set on the top floor of a low-rise lane building, the home enjoys extra privacy and quiet above the leafy lane below. With a flexible layout, outdoor space on two levels and a coveted first-use condition, this residence delivers the best of Jing’an lilong living without compromise.

Life inside Lin Di on Weihai Road

Lin Di sits tucked off Weihai Road within a classic lilong enclave, where brick facades, stone doorways and slow-paced alley life create a distinct Shanghai rhythm. Residents share a calm, neighborly setting buffered from the city’s rush, yet step out to sycamore-lined streets that define this central part of Jing’an. The lane’s scale encourages a walk-to-everything lifestyle: breakfast buns at the corner, a quick fruit run in the evening, a scooter delivery neatly handed over at the gate.

Unlike large gated compounds, Lin Di’s appeal is its intimacy and authenticity. The lane house format offers individual entrances, more privacy and the coveted possibility of patios and balconies that are hard to find in high-rises. Communal areas are simple and tidy, with residents taking collective pride in keeping the alley clean and green. You will see potted osmanthus and jasmine outside doorways, bicycles neatly racked, and neighbors exchanging a friendly nod on the way to work.

Practical everyday needs are close at hand. Convenience stores, dry cleaners and small repair shops cluster along Weihai Road, while courier and food deliveries reach the alley efficiently. Evenings feel safe and familiar, aided by street lighting and the constant presence of local shopkeepers. For expats seeking the cultural texture of a historic lane home with modern renovation, Lin Di offers a genuine slice of Shanghai history paired with today’s comforts.

Jing’an Temple and West Nanjing Road at your doorstep

This address places you between the Shanghai Exhibition Center and the West Nanjing Road retail corridor, one of the city’s most cosmopolitan stretches. Within a pleasant walk, you reach Jing An Kerry Centre, REEL and Plaza 66 for fashion, homewares and daily conveniences, plus international dining that runs from casual noodles to white-tablecloth classics. For groceries, the Ole’ supermarket at Jing An Kerry Centre stocks imported staples, while neighborhood fruit stands and bakeries keep everyday shopping easy.

Greenery is surprisingly abundant. Jing’an Park offers morning jogs and tai chi under mature plane trees, and Jing’an Sculpture Park adds curated art, lawns and a family-friendly loop within quick cycling distance. Culture lovers will appreciate the Exhibition Center’s seasonal fairs and the nearby cluster of galleries along Beijing West Road.

Connectivity is a highlight. You are within easy reach of West Nanjing Road Station (Lines 2, 12, 13) and Jing’an Temple Station (Lines 2, 7, 14), typically a 10 to 15 minute walk depending on the lane exit, placing Lujiazui, Hongqiao and key office hubs within straightforward, single-transfer commutes. Ride-hailing pick-ups are quick on Weihai Road, and protected bike lanes make short hops practical. Even as the neighborhood hums with energy, the lane itself stays restful, giving you the rare combination of central convenience and a genuinely quiet home base.

Why this lane house works for international lifestyles

Outdoor space that matters: a ground-floor patio garden for alfresco dining and a balcony perfect for work or unwinding, both unusual privileges in the city center. Flexible three-level layout: two true bedrooms plus a sunlit top-floor landing that adapts to home office, hobby studio or guest nook as your needs evolve.

Move-in confidence: a first-rental renovation with new fixtures, modern plumbing and an open kitchen with oven, designed for people who cook. Comfort year-round thanks to efficient air conditioning and heating, quality windows and strong WiFi that supports video calls without a hiccup.

Unbeatable centrality: stroll to West Nanjing Road for shopping and international groceries, recharge in nearby parks, and access Lines 2, 7, 12, 13, 14 for simple commutes across the city. Even airport runs are practical, with Line 2 connecting to Hongqiao and Pudong.

Authentic Shanghai living: the lilong environment of Lin Di offers privacy, character and a sense of place that high-rises rarely match. The top-floor position adds quiet and sky views, while floor-to-ceiling windows draw in light throughout the day. If you want a home that is both stylish and grounded in its neighborhood, this Weihai Road lane house delivers a balanced, enriching lifestyle.