Edited by Chen Cheng. Reported by Yang Di.
Italian by birth, Shanghai by choice – Carlo Dragonetti has spent over a decade turning his China chapter into a defining one. With studies in both Italy and China, he's equally at home sipping espresso or sharing hotpot, enjoying Renaissance art or the convenience of WeChat Pay.
Professionally, he's a cultural polyglot: representing two Spanish personal care brands across China and the Asia-Pacific region for a leading Italian group. It's the kind of cross-border hustle that suits him – a European mashup with a distinctly Chinese twist.
Off the clock, he's all about sports – especially padel, where he has helped in developing the Padel movement in China and launched more than 10 courts under the Padel U brand with friends, growing the game in the city he calls home."
Carlo Dragonetti has spent over a decade turning his China chapter into a defining one.
Off the clock, he's all about sports – especially padel, where he's helped launch 11 courts under brand Padel U with friends, growing the game in the city.
Could you introduce the neighborhood you live in?
Jing'an kind of adopted me. I lived in Putuo and Xuhui districts before, but something always pulled me here on Yanping Road in Jing'an. The energy is different – dynamic, stylish, and full of contrasts. You've got great restaurants, fun spots for sports, cool museums, cozy and lively places to grab a drink with friends.
What I love most is the blend of old and new. One moment you're walking past a historic temple, the next you're surrounded by sleek towers. My office is the perfect example – in a beautiful heritage building nestled between skyscrapers, it's like old and new Shanghai having a conversation, and I get to sit right in the middle of it.
Carlo represents two Spanish personal care brands across China and the Asia-Pacific region for a leading Italian group.
What's the best thing about living in this neighborhood?
The best part? Convenience. Everything I need is within a block – coffee, gym, groceries, a great meal, even laundry. I could easily live a full week without leaving my block and still eat well, stay active, and live a pretty full life (though I'd miss happy hour).
But beyond the convenience, what really makes Jing'an special is its vibe. It's vibrant but not overwhelming. You've got that perfect mix of old Shanghai charm – peaceful, tree-lined lanes and classic shikumen – combined with modern energy: modern cafés, cool boutiques, and rooftop bars. That balance makes it one of the most livable and exciting neighborhoods in Shanghai – at least for me.
Carlo could easily live a full week without leaving his block in Jing'an and still eat well, stay active, and live a pretty full life.
What attraction here should not be missed?
Jing'an Temple is the obvious one – iconic not just for tourists but also for those of us who live here. Every time I return from a trip and see it glowing behind the Shanghai Exhibition Center from the expressway, I get that comforting feeling of "Ah, I'm home." It's also one of my favorite places to catch a sunset – the contrast between the golden rooftops of the temple and the modern skyline is just amazing.
Right in front of the temple, there's a beautiful little park where you'll often see groups of uncles and aunties dancing or doing tai chi. It's such a unique slice of local life – something most visitors from abroad have never seen before, and it always brings a smile to my face.
Another underrated gem is the stretch of Suzhou Creek. I love cycling along its quiet, scenic stretches – it's a softer, more artistic side of Shanghai that's easy to fall in love with. All in all, Jing'an isn't just a place to visit – it's a place to experience.
Carlo often enjoys Americano at Yummy House on Wuding Road.
Each person may have different tastes, but they all want a great cafe. What's your favorite cafe near home?
Tough one – I've got two. Choosing between them kind of depends on the mood… or honestly, which way I turn when I leave the house. I turn left is Yummy House (1105 Wuding Rd 武定路1105号): great coffee, great vibe, and usually full of puppies. I turn right is Hefa Coffee (216 Jiaozhou Rd, 胶州路216号) – super well-made brews and a stylish place to get your caffeine fix.
And yes, I'm Italian and I drink Americanos – but only in the morning. After lunch, it's espresso. The best in town? Paradox (890 Wuding Rd 武定路890号).
The warm and welcoming ambience makes Raw Eatery a Jing'an dining hotspot.
Raw is Carlo's go-to when he's craving a great cut of meat.
Where should someone eat around here?
So many options. For Western food: Raw Eatery (No. 6, 98 Yanping Rd 延平路98号6号铺) is my go-to when I'm craving a great cut of meat and a glass of Chilean wine. Terrakota (Unit 201, Bldg C, 98 Yanping Rd 延平路98号C幢201室) is dangerously close to my home; Bambino (600 Shaanxi Rd N. 陕西北路600号) has that fun lively vibe; Meso (Unit 111, Bldg 7, 100 Yejiazhai Rd 叶家宅路100号7幢111室) features cool Eastern European flair. And then there's RAC Allee (Unit 301, No. 30, Lane 319, Jiaozhou Rd 胶州路319弄30号301号) – tucked away in a little hidden alley, perfect for a quiet lunch or getting some work done with a flat white in hand. I probably eat at Alimentari (Unit 101, Bldg 3, 358 Kangding Rd 康定路358号3幢101室) more times than I'd like to admit, but hey, it's a neighborhood classic for a reason. Yaya's (329 Tongren Rd 铜仁路329号)…OMG! Good food and good vibes.
For Dongbei cuisine, Yaoji Datieguo 姚稷大铁锅 is unbeatable.
For Chinese, Jing'an has some gems. For Dongbei cuisine, Yaoji Daieguo 姚稷大铁锅 (317-6 Changping Rd) is unbeatable. If I'm in the mood for something from the South, Modu Chaoziwei Chaoshan Beef Hotpot 魔都潮滋味潮汕牛肉火锅 (1-2/F, Bldg 1, 100 Yejiazhai Rd 叶家宅路100号1号楼1-2层) is a favorite. And I'm slightly obsessed with the rice noodles at Qinqin Changsha Mifen 亲亲长沙米粉 (868 Xinzha Rd 新闸路868号) – simple, a bit spicy, and so satisfying.
Carlo loves browsing the indie design shops along Yanping Road, such as Park Mall.
Carlo's favorite flower shop Yifei Flowers is to blame for the 40+ plants in his apartment.
From high fashion to emerging designers, from flowers to fresh produce, where do you shop in your neighborhood?
I've always cooked – even as a broke student with basic Chinese, I'd hit the wet markets and chat with shushus and ayis selling veggies. They were always so surprised that a foreigner could speak Chinese, and I think – or at least I hope – that got me the "local price" every now and then. That habit stuck. I still prefer shopping in person for fresh produce in my area.
For other things, I love browsing the indie design shops along Yanping Road such as Park Mall (Room 102, 98-1 Yanping Rd 延平路98-1号102室) – great for fashion, home decor, and inspiration. And my favorite flower shop Yifei Flowers 艺菲花坊 (882 Wuding Rd 武定路882号) is to blame for the 40+ plants in my apartment.
La Barra is Carlo's go-to for late-night energy.
Is there a neighborhood place you recommend for a night out or simply a drink after work?
Jing'an is nightlife central. Wuding Road is a classic – full of buzzing bars where there's always a good chance you'll bump into me, glass in hand. For something a little extra: La Barra (Bldg 5, No. 60, Lane 273 Jiaozhou Rd 胶州路273弄60号5幢) for late-night energy, and Alter (Wechat account: altershanghai11) is one of my absolute favorites – especially when they host their rooftop parties – good music, great sunsets, and great music. It's an itinerant party, so today in here, tomorrow in there, but often around Jing'an.
Lately, I've loved how wine culture is growing. It's easier to find cozy spots with curated lists, especially with more good Italian bottles popping up. So yeah – whether it's a laid-back glass of wine or a rooftop dance floor, Jing'an's got you covered.
Carlo is slightly obsessed with the rice noodles at Qinqin Changsha Mifen lately.
Have you made any new discoveries in your neighborhood lately?
Always. I travel often, and coming back makes me appreciate Jing'an even more.
Lately, I found this tiny rice noodle spot Qinqin Changsha Mifen run by a sweet lady boss. I've gone so often she just nods when I walk in – no words needed, she knows exactly what I want. It's moments like that that remind me: this isn't just a place to live, it's a community.