Yuyuan Road is getting a facelift. On the street’s west end, lined with historic buildings, work has started to turn the area into an aesthetically appealing, lively place. Changning government mapped out the future of the section between Dingxi Road and Jiangsu Road. Boutique stores, cultural facilities as well as a literary and artistic atmosphere will replace the cramped shops, bringing the street back to its old glory. There are now cafes, workshops, a book and jewelry store, a florist’s and a bistro. “We want an artistic life here and explore the art of living together with everyone here,” said a deputy general manager of Creater Management, a subsidiary of Shanghai Huge Group Co, who was only identified as John. John’s team is in charge of the renovation works. They are discussing the construction of a tram for visitors to tour around the area. “Yuyuan Road is a street that can’t be widened. We hope the tram is a convenient means of transport for visitors,” John said. Art exhibitions will be held on the street that used to be the home of celebrities such as Eileen Chang, Fu Lei, Shi Zhecun, Jiang Guangnai, Rewi Alley, Tsai Yuen-pei and Qian Xuesen. The soul of Yuyuan Road might be a century old, but new ideas and styles have rejuvenated it. It’s not only the look of the street that’s changing, but also the lifestyle of the people who live on it. History of Yuyuan Road Yuyuan, or Yu Garden in the west of Shanghai, was built in 1890, making it the first private garden in Shangahi open to the public. Two decades later, a road was built to connect Jessfield Park or today’s Zhongshan Park and Hart Road or today’s Changde Road. As Yuyuan is at the road’s east end, the road was named after the garden. Yuyuan Road was once a high-end destination for Shanghai’s west side. It has dozens of protected historical and cultural sites as well as historical architecture. The municipal and local governments have listed the road and blocks around as it as a historic area covering 223 hectares. Garden villas and Western-style lane houses dominate the road. According to the Changning District Planning and Land Administration, historic buildings within the area are under government protection. Many of them are now private residences. The section between Jiangsu and Dingxi roads is where many historic figures once lived. Politicians, business leaders and other celebrities used to frequent the area. Some stores Long Time No Read (1208 Yuyuan Rd) A bookstore which mainly sells art and design books from overseas. Magazines and graphic books are available here. It is also an ideal place to host new book presentations and art salons. A cafe serves healthy beverages and desserts. Glass Island  (1242 Yuyuan Rd) Visiting Glass Island is an opportunity to witness artists creating unique glass art. Exhibitions, training courses and performances are held regularly. REGALO (1284 Yuyuan Rd) Designer clothing and jewelry by a goldsmith from Germany who is based at the shop. Re perfume workshop  (1286 Yuyuan Rd) The workshop lets you create your own perfume and hosts seminars on perfume making. Essence CASA  (1327-1 Yuyuan Rd) A florist that also serves afternoon tea and sells designer clothing. Yaang Life  (1327-2 Yuyuan Rd) Delicious, home-made food with high-quality ingredients.