Zhong Cheng/Shanghai Daily news

Featuring duck soup and fresh abalone slices, the  distinctive hot pot is the highlight of Jingu Chuanqi restaurant.

"Jingu Chuanqi," meaning "Legend through the Ages," is an innovative Chinese restaurant located on the third floor of the Shanghai City Hotel.
Wan Lijuan, manager of the restaurant, says her staff spares no effort in ensuring that customers will enjoy a unique culinary experience.
The restaurant combines the elements of an ancient Chinese palace with the latest in modern design which blends in well with the bustling metropolis of Shanghai.
The passion of the Chinese red decor is the first thing to strike the eye entering and then one notices two corridors, which form the shape of Chinese character "Ba," or eight (a lucky number), leading to the dining area.
A remarkable bodega holding a selection of valuable red wines is in the middle of the lobby. At this point it's worth mentioning two containers made of red copper on display in the bodega. They have been designed in the shape of ancient Chinese tableware or Dou (ancient vessel) by veteran Shanghainese craftsmen.
However, they are not only for exhibition but are essential utensils for preparing the restaurant's characteristic hot pots. Featuring tasty duck soup and fresh abalone slices, the aroma and food from the hot pot is truly mouthwatering.
The ancient-style lacquered dishware is in sharp contrast to the fashionable Western-style chairs but it's a perfect mix.
Chef Tang Chi Keung, who specializes in seafood cooking and once worked at Hong Kong's famed Peninsula Hotel, highly recommends his Cantonese dim-sum such as steamed shrimp dumpling, steamed chicken feet in abalone sauce and grape fruit salad.
These snacks, together with plentiful choices of Chinese green tea, are served every day at "Happy Hour" which runs from 2pm till 5pm. In addition, various kinds of Western desserts, including tiramisu and cheese cake, are also available as is sweet-scented coffee.
The restaurant has seven VIP rooms of various sizes to suit small family gatherings or a big fancy banquet.
So settle back into a comfortable sofa and enjoy the view of the Spanish-style architecture outside the windows. Or have a look at the 1930s Moller Villa just across the road. It's a treat for the eyes after the feast for the stomach.

Address: 3/F, 5-7 Shaanxi Rd S.
Tel: 5213-8868