Travel in Shanghai: loads of life in 'little Europe'(1)
Wine Way offers an extensive selection of vintage. Photos: Courtesy of Ferguson Lane
Known by many as 'little Europe,' Ferguson Lane is a quiet bohemian-style pedestrian complex nestled on Wukang Road near Tai'an Road.
Five years ago a team of international architects and structural engineers gathered together with an idea of creating an area of understated elegance in Shanghai, using Art Deco design elements. The result was Ferguson lane.
The area can be described as a lifestyle hub with loft-style trendy offices, cafes, art galleries and shops selling all kinds of artsy paraphernalia. Comparisons could be made with Xintiandi or Taikang Road, but Ferguson Lane is smaller, quieter, and without the droves of tourists. The bohemian-style area gets its name from its location. Wukang Road used to be known as Ferguson route, in honor of John Calvin Ferguson (1865-1945), a young missionary from the US sent to China at the turn of the last century.
According to Rudolf Li, manager of business development department of Cornes World Company Limited, the company who owns the land around Ferguson Lane, are very particular in choosing tenants, when leasing property in the area. They want the area to be relaxing and as laid-back as possible.
The concept being that even in the bustling rat-race of Shanghai, there are islands of remoteness, and tranquility. An area where expats can spend a pleasant afternoon with their families.
At the entrance of the re-landscaped villa area, it is possible to find the florist Rosa Gallica. According to AJ Schep, a floral designer from the Netherlands currently working in the shop, Rosa Gallica's array flowers are all imported from Kunming, Yunan Province. The florist has an extensive variety of potted plants, shrubs, decorative vases, and bouquets available. AJ Schep told Global Times that he is teaching flower arranging classes for those charged with decorating the Dutch pavilion, during the World Expo.
Another soothing feature of this diverse and unique corner of the city is the Shui Urban Spa, which offers customized treatments for pregnant women.
Wine Way is a useful place for those wanting to learn about wine. The shop offers red and white by the glass, and it is possible to attend tasting classes. With a selection of 450 wines on offer hailing from many different parts of the world, Wine Way sells bottles at prices as low as 60 yuan ($8.78). Currently the two-storey building housing Wine Way is under renovation and is quite noisy owing to the building work.
