Jelena Salai has called Shanghai home for over a decade, living in the vibrant northern Jing'an District with her husband, their 6-year-old daughter, two parrots and a cat.
Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Jelena Salai has called Shanghai home for over a decade, living in the vibrant northern Jing'an District with her husband, their 6-year-old daughter, two parrots and a cat. As a creative director in the fashion industry, Jelena specializes in sportswear and premium fashion for both the Chinese and European markets. Her photographer husband runs a photo studio "Studio Dare" in Yangpu District. The couple often collaborates together on creative projects. Her family enjoys the perfect blend of urban energy and green tranquility their neighborhood offers, with easy access to Suzhou Creek, parks and a thriving local community that makes Jing'an an ideal place to live and raise a child.
Jelena often visits Hongshoufang food lane which has a thriving local community vibe.
Could you introduce the neighborhood you live in?
We live in northern Jing'an, near Changshou Park (260 Changshou Rd 长寿路260号) and Suzhou Creek. It's been our home for the past eight years, and we truly love it.
What's the best thing about living in this neighborhood?
The proximity to the river and the abundance of beautiful parks and green spaces are definite highlights. Jing'an strikes a perfect balance between the energy of the city and pockets of peace and quiet. With a child, walkable green areas are essential – we try to spend as much time as we can outdoors, meeting friends and letting the kids roam.
Jelena and her family often find themselves at the newly-reopened Changshou Park – sometimes they just sit, people-watch, sip coffee and enjoy ice cream.
What attractions here should not be missed?
The revitalized Suzhou Creek riverside is a gem. Fotografiska, the newly-reopened Changshou Park (which stays open at night!), Hongshoufang food lane and the restaurants along Yanping Road are all worth exploring.
The revitalized Suzhou Creek riverside is a gem with boardwalks and viewing decks while some of the old industrial architecture has been preserved.
Each person may have different tastes, but they all want a great cafe. What's your favorite cafe near home?
Sloppy Gin (Unit 104, 425 Yanping Rd 延平路425号1楼104) is a favorite – their donuts are the best in town, and I love the clean, minimal interior. I also often stop by Rac Allee (Unit 301, No. 30, Lane 319 Jiaozhou Rd 胶州路319弄30号301号) , especially for their terrace. It's a perfect spot for a relaxed brunch or coffee with friends.
Sloppy Gin is Jelena's favorite cafe in the neighborhood and she loves its minimal interior.
Where should someone eat around here?
Terrakota (Unit 201, Bldg C, 98 Yanping Rd 延平路98号C幢201室) feels like "our spot" – it's owned by friends, and the food is always fresh and seasonal, with menus updated monthly. The space, with its greenery and brick tile accents, is warm and welcoming.
The space of Terrakota filled with greenery and brick tile accents is warm and welcoming.
We also love Cometa (1405 Nansuzhou Rd 南苏州路1405号) – it really feels like a neighborhood living room – and Bastard (Unit 114, No. 60, Lane 273 Jiaozhou Rd 胶州路273弄60号现所一期1楼114室) is our go-to for dinners when we have friends visiting from Europe. For casual bites, Goodman (4 Xiangyang Rd N. 襄阳北路4号) has excellent smash burgers.
Cometa is Jelena and her husband's spot to unwind.
When family visits, we go for comfort: Zhu Guangyu Hotpot 朱光玉火锅馆 (1/F, 155 Changshou Rd 长寿路155号一层) and Pinhuiwei Halal Northwest Cuisine 品回味清真西北菜 (285 Changshou Rd 长寿路285号) for hotpot and Xinjiang BBQ – nothing fancy, just great food and good company.
From high fashion to emerging designers, from flowers to fresh produce, where do you shop in your neighborhood?
As a mom, practicality leads the way. I rely on Hema – it may sound basic, but their flower section lifts my mood, especially during peony season! Their fruits and vegetables are top-notch, even popular among chefs.
I enjoy exploring newer stores like Tamburins (407 Shaanxi Rd N. 陕西北路407号) – the design and product launches are always inspiring, especially as a fragrance enthusiast. I'm also excited about the upcoming opening of Penhaligon's nearby.
Jelena loves exploring Tamburins – the design and product launches are always inspiring,
Hongshoufang (236 Xinhui Rd 新会路236弄) is my weekend go-to for quick bites and casual lunches. The basement is a treasure trove – fresh and dried fruit stalls, a Michelin-recommended dumpling stand, and a cozy Japanese bar with ramen that's my ultimate comfort food.
The dried fruit stall is Jelena's favorite spot inside Hongshoufang food lane.
Though I rarely shop offline, the Kerry Center (1515 Nanjing Rd W. 南京西路1515号) is a reliable stop for brands like COS, Salomon, New Balance and Mo&Co., plus local fragrance houses like Documents and Melt Season.
Is there a neighborhood place you recommend for a night out or simply a drink after work?
Cometa is our spot to unwind – it's conveniently located between our home and my husband's studio. I usually order a "Never Been to Venice" spritz and always check if they have new desserts. I'm partial to anything fried, rich and creamy!
Jelena usually meets her husband at Cometa after work and orders a "Never Been to Venice" spritz.
Have you made any new discoveries in your neighborhood lately?
Yes – I recently realized I'd been overlooking the hotpot places on our street. There are four, and they're all excellent! Also, the newly-reopened Changshou Park has been a lovely surprise. You can now sit on the grass (finally!), and weekend concerts of traditional Chinese music have become a favorite. Sometimes we just sit, people-watch, sip coffee and enjoy ice cream – those simple moments mean the most to us. The strong sense of community here makes the park truly special.
The strong sense of community makes Changshou Park truly special.