Step back to old Shanghai in 1984 — A “Sakura Tea” with Petals Dancing

Text & Photos /Craving Flavors, Capturing Moments

Amid the scent of books and tea, under the ripening oranges, watching a friend sketch, breathing in floral aromas, and hearing laughter from foreign travelers nearby — this is the café at 1984 Book Store, my most cherished Shanghai afternoon.

“Though enchanted by the surreal nights of Shanghai, I also long for her daytime charm.” On our third day in Shanghai, we wandered around Hunan Road and Wukang Terrace, watching locals cycle deftly through the former concessions, leaving fleeting traces on the roads. We savored the time spent on Hunan Road, enjoying every encounter with a newsstand, basking in the sunlight that filtered through bare branches and landed on our hair.

Before we knew it, we arrived at 1984 Book Store. Its entrance, tucked behind a pale, goose-yellow wall, was partially obscured by a tree — yet the charm it subtly exuded was unmistakable. Shanghai is amusing in how you’ll often see rows of bicycles parked along the roadside. Compared to Taipei’s scooter-filled sidewalks, this street scene is far more pleasing, making me think: next time I come, should I try cycling too? Perhaps I’d sense an even different vibe of the city.

Pushing open 1984’s mottled green door, you can still faintly hear the creak of the wooden panels, as if you’ve truly stepped into a bookstore from 1984.

“I always imagined heaven to be a kind of library.” — Jorge Luis Borges
“If heaven is a library, then I believe the human world is a bookstore.”

This line is written on the corridor wall — the first part from a poet, the second by an unknown author. Either way, I instantly fell in love with 1984. One of the treasures of Shanghai is its bookstores. Aside from 1984, we also visited the nearby Dayin Bookstore. Though both are bookshops, they offer completely different atmospheres — both well worth a visit.

Various books labeled 1984 seem to serve as signage while also encapsulating memories of the year 1984 itself.

＜As in-store camera use is inconvenient, only mobile phones are permitted. All the following in-store photos were taken with a phone.＞

1984 itself is housed within a renovated building from the old concession era. Whether it’s the windows or the wooden floors you walk on, there’s a strong sense of history, alongside the fragrance of books and the soft strumming of black jazz. I’m unsure how many books the store holds, but one thing is certain: if you’re ready to spend an afternoon here, it’s equally prepared to offer you the book that’s just right for you. Some lean against sunlit window sills, others sit alone beneath vintage table lamps — everyone finds their own most comfortable reading nook.

Another reason I love the French Concession area is the abundance of foreign visitors, giving the place the feel of being in a European country — especially in a retro bookstore or garden, where dappled leaves and British-accented laughter make for a truly romantic atmosphere.

We chose to sit under an orange tree, beside a bathtub repurposed as a planter. Taking advantage of the lack of other guests, we claimed seats at the long table. The rest of the time, my friend and I each did our own thing, occasionally chatting when something caught our eye. I loved such a free and easy afternoon. I wished time could slow down even more while in the bookstore.

Sakura Tea 40 RMB¥, Rose Honey Tea 35 RMB¥, West Lake Longjing 40 RMB¥

Though there were only two of us, we stubbornly ordered three teas. It was only after choosing the rose and Longjing teas that we spotted the sakura tea on the menu. That impulsive move even drew a chuckle from the staff: “Ordering so much tea, huh?” “Yeah, we just had to see what sakura tea looks like!” And indeed, the sakura tea didn’t disappoint. It was simply too delightful to drink right away — we couldn’t help but stir it, watching the petals dance in the cup.

But in terms of taste, my favorite turned out to be the plain-looking West Lake Longjing. Its smooth, non-bitter aftertaste warmed me up in Shanghai’s still slightly cool April air. The rose honey tea tasted just as you’d imagine — faint rose fragrance, though the honey’s sweetness dominated. The sakura tea, meanwhile, was all looks and little flavor — nothing particularly special, somewhat bland.

I think we left the bookstore around 4 p.m. If only the clock on the wall had been accurate, maybe we could have strolled more along Hunan Road and seen more sights. Only on our third day in Shanghai did we realize that three nights and four days weren’t nearly enough — so many delicacies left to try, so many beautiful things yet unseen.

1984 Book Store
Address: No. 11 Hunan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China (Shanghai Library Station, Line 10)
Phone: +86-21-3428 0911
Business Hours: 10:00～22:00
Tip: When traveling in Shanghai, it’s recommended to download “Amap” and “Dianping” for easier navigation and store searches

Craving Flavors, Capturing Moments
Navigating through the busy yet laid-back lives of Taipei locals.
Fond of uncovering hidden culinary gems in the city, alleys, and right by our doorsteps — passionate about exploring corners filled with stories.
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