Shanghai No.1 Department Store — Local services in Shanghai

I assume the name Shanghai No. 1 Department Store implies that it is the first department store to open in Shanghai. And why not, for the place gives off that vibe of being an old-school, refined, luxury boutique where the high-society people of old Shanghai might have walked and shopped here. The building’s facade is old school and the entrance areas on ground floor is lined up with international, luxury brands. But walk pass all of that (which you can find luxury international brands at any upscaled department store), and go to ANOTHER AREA IN THE BACK. That’s where all the local Chinese cosmetics, jewelries, and fashion brands are. It’s a great walk to see what local beauty standards, blings, and luxury items are. Then you can even walk out to the side where they have set up an area with mini stalls selling local snacks and drinks. It adds to that old-Shanghai vibe of shopping in department store’s luxury and walking around sampling local street food. Nice...

There's a bawangchaji (霸王茶姬) in this mall on Nanjing Road. Enter from the adidas to find 霸王茶姬. I am dying to do a review for 霸王茶姬 because they have some of the best boba tea. I drank a cup everyday when I was in Shanghai. They premium Chinese tea, e.g., Longjing, Da hong pao, tieguanyin, pu'er, which when served with milk and a small amount of sugar, is an exceptional cup of milk tea. These are extremely premium Chinese teas that I would not have thought could be made into boba tea. 霸王茶姬 did it. The tea was smooth with milk added. The tea was still fragrant and I could still taste the tea. My preference is boba tea without boba, 50% sugar, cold with ice removed. I tried every tea type on their menu. Every one is unique. They're a big chain store that's all over China. If I return to Shanghai/China, I would drink...

I remember this store the most on my last visit. The start of Nanjing Road’s eastern pedestrianized section is marked by this large (now old school) department store. Named No. 1 Department Store for being the 1st, it is as grandiose as its superlative, albeit showing more of its age especially compared to the many malls that have sprung up in Shanghai. This is one part of Shanghai that didn’t change for me. I remember it being crowded. I remember the long lines. But I remember just how many things one can fit in a mall. What I remember the most was why I had spent so much time inside a building. This time, I...