Shanghai's Weird And Wonderful Markets
This month, we explore the underground markets of Shanghai. From the sensory- overload that is the Flower, Bird, Fish & Insect Market to the elusive Ghost Market at the Confucius Temple, these places will provide an entirely different shopping experience from your standard mall. Whether it’s pearls, grasshoppers or a new pair of sunglasses you’re after, Shanghai’s markets won’t leave you disappointed. So check out this list for yourself and experience the weird and wonderful markets Shanghai has to offer.
Wenmiao Book Market
Where: 215 Wenmiao Lu, near Zhonghua Lu
When: Every Sunday. 7:30am – 4pm
Why: For used books and spiritual healing
Each Sunday, in the grounds of the Confucius Temple, a market unfolds in the eerie light of dawn. This is the Wenmiao Book Market, where you’ll find ramshackle wooden tables caving under the weight of hundreds of second-hand books. If you arrive early, you will see why it has earned the name “ghost market”, as the early-morning light makes the vendors look ghoulish. You pay RMB 1 to enter the temple grounds, from where you can browse through books from dawn till dusk in the central square. You’ll find mostly Chinese books, but there are some English texts in there for those who are willing to dig deep.
Construction Market
Where: 280 Jiuxing Lu, near XingZhong Lu
When: Daily
Why: To make all your DIY dreams come true
Get your hands dirty and become a construction worker... literally. From helmets to fluorescent vests, this is definitely the place for those who are looking for a one-stop, DIY market. Don’t get overwhelmed by the countless market stalls lining the road, there is a store for every essential: building supplies, tiling, painting, wallpaper, rugs, lamps and much more. Hours vary depending on the storefront, so be sure to go in the morning or early afternoon for the best availability. Whether starting a large project or simply stocking up on supplies, this construction market has everything that you could possibly need.
3 Yeh Optical City Market
Where: 360 Mei Yuan Lu, near Moling Lu
When: Daily. From 9am – 7pm
Why: To frame your face
Hidden away on the fourth floor of 3 Yeh Optical City lie rows and rows of glasses. The order and neatness comes as a surprise as we initially expected a crowded and chaotic place. In fact, the halls of this market resemble an abandoned palace, and any eyewear enthusiast will delight in hopping from room to room to roam the cabinets. The choices here are overwhelming; so don’t be surprised if you find yourself leaving with three, perhaps four pairs of glasses. For those who want to save a few yuan, the secret code here is to ask for the replica eyewear (read: fake), which are stashed out-of-sight in the small drawers. With its grand name ‘Optical City’, the place wouldn’t be complete without its giant selection of functional glasses and contact lenses, so don’t forget to get your eyes examined and have the right lens crafted in front of you.
Hong Qiao Flower Market
Where: 718 Hongjing Lu, near Hongsong Lu
When: Daily, 8am – 6pm
Why: For flowers to brighten someone’s day
It’s pretty rare to encounter so many colours converging at once in one place, especially in the city. So when the mercury level rises and the atmosphere thickens, we’re sure it’s safe to say everyone craves a dash of colour in their lives. Flowers of every colour fill the windows, and shops overflow with beautiful bouquets, arrangements and garlands. For those looking to buy, whether you desire a dozen red roses or a simple sunflower, this market has got you covered. It certainly helps to have flowers in mind so that you are able to find them amongst the many shops and floral options; but even if you don’t, an afternoon of wandering through the flowers is always pleasant.
Hong Qiao Pearl Market
Where: 3721 Hongmei Lu, near Yan'an Lu
When: Daily, 9am – 6pm
Why: To get your pearl fix
For lovers of this precious deep-sea gem, the Hong Qiao Pearl Market contains the largest selection of pearls in Shanghai. You have two options: you can select from the ready-made pearls behind the glass, or if you’re looking for more personalised pieces, simply bring in a photo and have your pearl jewellery created just for you. Reasonable prices and attentive sellers make this market a great destination, however, it is a good idea to brush up on your pearl knowledge before you buy to make sure you receive the real thing. Your jewellery box is not complete without a strand of pearls from this famous market.
Yuexing Furnishing Plaza
Where: 168 Aomen Lu, near Zhongtan Lu
When: Daily. From 9:30am – 6:30pm
Why: For an extreme home makeover
We had a hard time categorising this place, but we have decided it’s best described as a market under the guise of a mall. This place consists of four floors of furniture to suit all tastes. From antique to modern, European to Asian, all styles of furniture are represented here. This eclectic mix of designs comes together to form a cross between an Ikea showroom, with grand marble floors, along with items that wouldn’t look out of place on a cruise ship. Our peculiar finds included crab-shaped chairs and desks decked with automobile dashboards, so you needn’t take this place too seriously.
Tongbei Seafood Market
Where: Tongbei Lu, near Pingliang Road
When: Daily
Why: For the fresh catch of the day and a local atmosphere
Whether you’re seeking total cultural immersion, or if you just fancy some top-notch, fresh seafood, you should definitely take a trip to this market. Lesser known than its big brother, Tongchuan, and admittedly smaller and harder to find, a stroll through this market will guarantee you a candid cultural experience. You will see locals shifting fish to-and-fro, men playing mah jong amid heaps of vegetables, and people quibbling over prices as they negotiate prices through fierce haggling. Arrive early for the freshest catch and host a fishy feast of a dinner party, or visit in the evening, select your fish and have it cooked in a nearby restaurant of your choice for an authentic taste. Don’t expect anyone to speak English here so have your phrasebooks at the ready.
Shanghai Difute International Tea Culture Square
Where: 1165 Gonghexin Lu, near Zhongshan Bei Lu
When: Daily
Why: For a unique tea tasting experience
If you take a wander through the halls of this lonely market, you’ll understand why tea is so highly regarded in China, as you’ll find a rabbit warren of shops crowded with tea leaves and traditional tea sets. Here you can sample tea from all around Asia, and its unmistakable freshness might just transport you momentarily to the sloping tea plantations in rural China. Whether you prefer the delicate taste of roses or the bitter, thrilling tang of red tea, this market can cater to any tea lover’s preference. It is the perfect place to pick up a present for your local or foreign friends. You can also find all the basics for the perfect tea ceremony, so this time you can play host.
Xing Guang Camera Market
Where: 288 Luban Lu, near Xietu Lu
When: Daily. 9am – 7pm
Why: It has everything camera-related, for amateurs and professionals alike
For photography enthusiasts in Shanghai, you’ll know this place is a mecca for camera equipment. The market covers six floors and its tiny shops are each packed with camera equipment from memory cards to lens filters and light boxes. As you progress to the top, the equipment becomes noticeably more professional and on the top floors you’ll find studio lighting, vintage collectors' items and every kind of film under the sun. The place also trades second hand cameras and you can also get yourself one of the popular Instax cameras, which shoot the card-sized photos you see hanging up in almost every coffee shop.
Kitchenware Market
Where: 289 Aomen Lu, near Changhua Lu
When: Daily
Why: For kitchen essentials
Unlike the Flower, Bird, Fish & Insect Market, this is not a market you would choose to visit for the experience. But, if you’re furnishing a new home and are after some trinkets to brighten up your kitchen or perhaps planning on starting your food empire in Shanghai, this is the place to go. It’s also a must-see for any cooking connoisseur, and although it might not look like one from the outside, this small, dusty warehouse on Aomen Lu has pretty much all the essentials for any kitchen. Don't be surprised if you bump into any big names from Shanghai’s food and beverage scene whilst browsing the aisles.
Anxi Clothing Market
Where: 1335 Anshun Lu, near Kaixuan Lu
When: Daily
Why: To revive your wardrobe with vintage clothing
Consisting of two separate buildings on opposite sides of the road, this market contains a dizzying array of second hand clothing. It resembles a giant, grownup’s dressing-up box, with rails of vintage dresses, Hawaiian-print silk shirts, elegant 20’s heels and leather jackets still smelling heavily of oil and cigarette smoke from the 1980s. You’ll have to spend a long time in here to really hunt for the best pieces and navigate the souk-like labyrinth of stores. The prices are low and there are tailors on-site to make alterations if needed.
Flower, Bird, Fish & Insect Market
Where: 405 Xizang Nan Lu, near Fangbang Zhong Lu
When: Daily
Why: For a wild market experience
Buying a pet bird or live grasshopper might not be on the top of your list right now, but you should visit this market just for the experience alone. The Flower, Bird, Fish & Insect Market is the embodiment of market madness. However, we don’t recommend this place for the faint of heart as it will leave all your senses feeling pretty over-stimulated. If you can take the incessant cricket chirping in your ear, and have the patience for shuffling through crowds of people down tiny aisles overflowing with greenery, and if you have the stomach for the rank smells of cat urine that will surely haunt your airways hours after leaving, then this market is suitable for you. Expect to see everything from rabbits and tortoises to kittens and neon frogs.
