You can browse paintings in artist workshops, receive professional instruction in creating your own, enjoy brunch at a sidewalk café, meet with a designer to customize a special dress or suit, comb boutiques for crafts from around the world, or visit a porcelain studio for advice on creating your own piece. Then comes the difficult decision: where to meet your friends for drinks and dinner. Thai, Japanese, Western, Asian fusion; dining options abound. And finally, top off your night with a cappuccino and a classic film.

    Perhaps the most enjoyable way to tour Taikang Road Creative Park is to simply wander the lanes, discovering for yourself. But for those who prefer that a firm game plan be in place, before setting out, here’s our own highly subjective Top 10 List of places-to-go, things-to-do. First, begin at Taikang Road, Lane 210.

Shanghai Deke Erh Art Center

No. 2, Lane 210

    One of China’s most renowned photographers, since the 1980s Deke Erh (Er Dongqiang in Chinese) has traveled far and wide to record the changing faces of Chinese society. His 800-square-meter studio comprises an exhibition hall, a studio and a cafe.

Feel Shanghai

Room 110, No. 3, Lane 210

    The area’s first fashion studio to specialize in Chinese design opened in 2002. Those who think Chinese fashion is all about bright reds and embroidery will surely experience a change of mind here. Custom tailoring is also available.

Sunlight

Room 218, No. 3, Lane 210

    Here is a galaxy of scarves, in almost every imaginable style, fabric and size. The store is arranged like a Chinese traditional painting, decorated with hundreds of colorful scarves collected from around the world.

No.5 Building

No.5, Lane 210

    Dozens of young artists have their studios and workshops here. Visit the second floor if you are seeking an artist to assist you in creating your own oil painting.

Kommune

Room 5, No. 7, Lane 210

    All veteran Taikang Road visitors know this restaurant, one of the community’s first eateries. Run by an Australian, Kommune offers ample outdoor seating area, serves sandwiches and other simple fare during the week, and features barbecue breakfasts on Sundays.

Cafe Dan/Coffee Roasting Institute

Back Street No. 41, Lane 248

    Taka Niuya, holding a doctorate of engineering, gave up his high-paying job in an international semiconductor company in Japan for a new life on Taikang Road, where he turned his favorite hobby — making coffee and cheesecake — into a new profession. Nuiya collects select coffee beans from around the world and roasts them himself. Aficionados of the brewed bean will want to try his special blend.

Teddy Bear

No. 23, Lane 248

    This DIY store was opened by Esther Tseung, a young woman just wild about Teddy. The shop’s first floor holds a small gallery exhibiting the many stuffed bears she has collected. On the second floor you can learn how to create your own. There’s also a good Thai restaurant upstairs and a Bangkok chef does the cooking.

The Film

No. 14, Lane 248

    Opened by a South Korean and located in a three-story house, this cafe/bar features comfortable sofas and tables and a cozy loft. In the evenings, movies, mostly classics, are projected on the walls.

Lumbini

No. 12, Lane 248

    Good music, comfortable sofas, ethnic decorations and other articles can be found in this Tibetan-themed store and bar.

Amidu Thangka

Back Street, No. 40, Lane 248

    The gallery sells high-quality Thangka — religious paintings created by monks in Kathmandu and Tibet. Some of the larger, more complicated works take more than six months to complete. All the paintings were collected by gallery partner Zhou Yao in the course of his Himalayan adventures. An experienced trekking guide, he also organizes small groups for touring Tibet.