Parisian house Celine has opened a summer escape in the heart of Shanghai, taking over a restored Shikumen building in the Zhangyuan district for a five-week pop-up experience. The Parisian luxury brand will showcase its Summer 2025 collection in this architectural gem, offering visitors a taste of the French Riviera without leaving China.
Open from Sunday to May 11th, the pop-up occupies an entire building and courtyard within Zhangyuan, Shanghai’s largest Shikumen complex. This location represents a significant partnership with Swire Properties, which has transformed this historic area into a contemporary destination while preserving its cultural heritage.
Visitors enter a meticulously designed space where original architectural elements complement a nautical theme. The retail area features grid shelves with beige blinds, creating an elegant backdrop for the Summer 2025 collection. Notable items include raffia baskets, small leather goods and accessories such as a distinctive triangle bag that holds three metal Pétanque balls.
Beyond shopping, Celine has created a multi-dimensional experience. On the ground floor, a screening room features classic 1960s French Riviera films such as “Plein Soleil,” starring Alain Delon, and Jacques Deray’s “La Piscine.”
Upstairs, four themed rooms – dream, travel, feel and breeze – showcase different aspects of the Celine summer lifestyle, from travel essentials to fragrance offerings.
The transformation of the courtyard is particularly impressive, with three distinct areas. A Mediterranean grove garden features olive trees, lemon trees and lavender bushes around a fountain topped with the Celine Triomphe emblem. Nearby, a sand playground with an ice cream cart serves unique flavors such as lavender honey, fig, peach basil and olive oil lemon sorbet.
The outdoor cafe lounge features chevron-patterned flooring and custom-made wooden shelters where guests can enjoy traditional French treats such as Tarte tropézienne, Calissons d’Aix, and Triomphe-shaped popsicles. Furniture throughout features Celine‘s signature striped print, creating a visual cohesion with the merchandise collection.
Located in Shanghai’s West Nanjing Road commercial district, Zhangyuan was originally an entertainment venue and public garden in the late 1800s and later became a residential area before the government began its revitalization in 2018. Today, the 645,800-square-foot (59997 m²) site is home to approximately 170 historic buildings featuring both Shanghainese and Western architectural styles.
