After years of living in an expat-oriented residential complex, Jessica Gleeson – an executive, entrepreneur, and advisor whose 25-year relationship with Shanghai began when Starbucks first entered the market – made an intentional shift into one of the city's most character-filled enclaves: the Yongkang Road neighborhood.

Jessica, who has spent much of her career helping global brands grow in China and now explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower both businesses and individuals, found in this move a return to the Shanghai that first captivated her.

She embraced tree-lined streets, low-rise lane houses, and the everyday rhythms of local life: brooms sweeping sidewalks at dawn, grandparents walking children to school, neighbors greeting shopkeepers by name. What began as a change of address became a rediscovery of the city's heartbeat – anchored in community, authenticity and the quiet magic of belonging.

Could you introduce the neighborhood you live in?

My neighborhood is the area around Yongkang Road tucked between tree-lined streets and low-rise lane houses that still feel distinctly "old Shanghai," even as the area continues to evolve. For me, home is framed between Xiangyang Road and Jiashan Road, stretching from IAPM on Huaihai Road up to Jianguo Road.

It's a place where daily conveniences and small pleasures sit side by side – fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, an international grocery store, a metro station, and even Din Tai Fung all within walking distance. At its heart is the lively, ever-changing cluster of shops and restaurants along Yongkang Road, which gives the neighborhood its unique rhythm and energy.

What's the best thing about living in this neighborhood?

Its scale, diversity and rhythm. You can walk everywhere, greet familiar faces, and always discover something new. I love watching the daily routines of seniors doing their shopping just as much as the creativity of the young influencers who flock here to photograph our photogenic streets. The energy manages to feel both deeply local and subtly international – a perfect "one foot in two cultures" vibe.

What attraction here should not be missed?

People- and pet-watching is practically a multigenerational sport on Yongkang Road. There's always something interesting to see or photograph. If you're visiting Shanghai, simply wander the lanes around Yongkang Road and Xiangyang Road to experience everyday Shanghai life within just a few blocks. The joy here doesn't come from a single landmark – it's in the small moments: bamboo brooms sweeping the streets, grandparents walking children to school, morning deliveries, the bells of junk collectors, neighbors chatting with shopkeepers, and cafés slowly waking up for the day.

Each person may have different tastes, but they all want a great café. What's your favorite café near home?

Yongkang Road is famous for its density of coffee, tea, and dessert shops. My current go-to stops are Aloha Coffee, Shang Shan Tea, and M3 x Mahlkönig.

Aloha Coffee (269 Xiangyang Rd S. 襄阳南路269号) serves truly world-class espresso. The owner, Pan Enqi (潘恩琪), was the 2024 China Barista Champion, and it shows. The open café serves beautifully executed cappuccinos and creative signature drinks like their coffee "champagne." The café on Xiangyang Road attracts visitors from around the world to experience the warmth, quiet confidence and unique flavor offerings.

Shang Shan (21 Yongkang Rd 永康路21号) is a bright, community tea shop known for inventive flavors, natural snacks and beautifully designed gift boxes. Originally from Yunnan Province, the brand celebrates tea heritage while keeping things fresh and modern. This was their first Shanghai location, and it is a great place to meet before exploring the neighborhood.

For pure coffee theater, it's hard to beat M3 x Mahlkönig Dirty (58 Yongkang Rd 永康路58号). This is a collaboration between a century-old German grinder brand and local coffee chain M3. Their signature Dirty is brewed directly into frozen glass jars chilled to minus 30 degrees. The espresso is brewed directly into rich, infused milk to create a smooth coffee with a little slush at the bottom of the glass. Come early in the morning, before the lines begin. You have likely seen them on Xiaohongshu (RedNote) or WeChat moments this summer.

Where should someone eat around here?

The true strength of this neighborhood is all the hole-in-the-wall breakfast and lunch spots. I always take friends, family and visiting executives out for walking breakfasts. They include a stop at Min Bei Rou Bing (1265 Fuxing Rd M. 复兴中路1265号). Mr Heng and his family have received official recognition for their craftsmanship of this Fujian (Province) specialty. Each of his delicious pockets is just 7 yuan (99 cents).

Next walk up Xianyang Road S, just past Yongkang Road, to a jianbing street pancakes (280 Xiangyang Rd S. 襄阳南路280号) where Ms. Fu deftly crafts these classic savory pancake wraps. For those looking for a European breakfast, fresh pastries enjoyed on the patio of Pain Chaud (256 Jianguo Rd W. 建国西路256号) is a great way to start any day.

However. my absolute favorite neighborhood breakfast is to go to Xiao Tao Mian Guan (222 Jiashan Rd 嘉善路222号) on Jiashan Road for their la rou tang mian (spicy noodle dishes), which are served in a memorable broth and topped with generous fried scallions. The Tao's have perfected their signature soup over the past decade while serving customers. I often pair the noodles with a side of jiaozi from the shop next door.

There's something delicious and deeply authentic about these small, family-run businesses that focus relentlessly on doing one or two dishes exceptionally well. Xiao Tao Mian Guan has even received Michelin recognition for their flavor and craftsmanship.

If you want a broader and more traditional Shanghai breakfast menu in my neighborhood, Xiao Tao Yuan (1251 Fuxing Rd M. 复兴中路1251号) is a great option. On the intersection of Fuxing Road and Xiangyang Road S., they serve xiaolong bao, youtiao, baozi, warm tofu, and many other dishes. The line at the order window and a steady stream of drivers picking up meals reinforce my recommendation.

From high fashion to emerging designers, from flowers to fresh produce – where do you shop in your neighborhood?

A neighborhood truly becomes yours when it's tied to rituals. For me, that includes buying our Christmas wreath every year from Anna's Riverside Florist (62 Yongkang Rd 永康路62号), stocking up on Sichuan ingredients at Gu Qing Ji Nam Pak Goods (69 Yongkang Rd 永康路69号), waving to my dry cleaner as I walk by, and picking up gifts from the small, creative shops that give the area its entrepreneurial spirit.

Is there a neighborhood place you recommend for a night out or simply a drink after work?

Yongkang Road was once known for its boisterous nightlife, today it's more relaxed and casual. People gravitate toward neighborhood taphouses like Goose Island (99 Jiashan Rd 嘉善路99号), The Blarney Stone (77 Yongkang Rd 永康路77号), and Tap House (74 Yongkang Rd 永康路74号).

Have you made any discoveries in your neighborhood lately?

Yes! A small gelato shop, Gelatini Da Q (170 Jiashan Rd 嘉善路170号), diagonally across the street from Gubi Gubi on Jia Shan Road. They make the best Mint Stracciatella gelato I've ever had. Everything is made fresh, with rotating seasonal flavors and thoughtful local twists. If you like mint or gelato, this will be a highlight. I'm also very much looking forward to the opening of Times later this month, in the former La Baracca location.