Huashan 1914

Creative courtyard couture, culture and cocktails
Word to the wise: Free outdoor music concerts are regularly held throughout the year.

Noteworthy for: Part entertainment and nightlife hub, part shopping complex, its arty credentials and clientele spare it the misnomer of mall. Come at night or weekends to experience it at its bustling best.
Located in an abounded factory, Huashan 1914’s revival into the thriving cultural hub it is today, began 15 years ago when a group of thesbians spotted the abandoned, cavernous factory space and used it as a makeshift theatre. Despite a citation from authorities for trespassing, artists continued to be drawn to the inspirational space, until an NGO took it on as a restoration project.

The collection of stone structures, many still left overgrown with plant life, is now home to artist studios, galleries, performance spaces and independent shops selling accessories, bric a brac and art, as well as a cluster of restaurants and bars.