Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town, Shanghai
The Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town, nestled in the basement of the Huabao building within the bustling Yu Garden Shopping Complex, stands as Shanghai's premier indoor antique market. This sprawling subterranean haven hosts over 200 established antique dealers, creating a labyrinthine treasure trove of historical artifacts and curiosities that echo China's rich and multifaceted past.
A visit to the market is akin to stepping back in time, with each stall and corner brimming with items that tell tales of days gone by. Shoppers can find an eclectic array of merchandise, ranging from intricately embroidered silk jackets and dressing gowns to lustrous freshwater pearls. The market also offers an impressive selection of ceramic tea sets that reflect China's long-standing tea culture, alongside Cultural Revolution posters that capture a pivotal era in the nation's history. Additionally, visitors can discover beautifully crafted wooden fans and painted scrolls, each piece adding to the market's allure as a center for Chinese antiquities and craftsmanship.
The history of this market stretches back to before 1949, preceding the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s, when it served as a holiday market selling folk antiques and handicrafts. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant destination that attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily, drawn by the vast assortment of goods on offer. The Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town is not just a place for buying antiques; it's a cultural journey that offers a glimpse into China's storied past, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Tip:
Beware – you will definitely have to bring out your haggling skills here! Whatever the price the dealer asks you initially, try to bargain for at least 40% less.
A visit to the market is akin to stepping back in time, with each stall and corner brimming with items that tell tales of days gone by. Shoppers can find an eclectic array of merchandise, ranging from intricately embroidered silk jackets and dressing gowns to lustrous freshwater pearls. The market also offers an impressive selection of ceramic tea sets that reflect China's long-standing tea culture, alongside Cultural Revolution posters that capture a pivotal era in the nation's history. Additionally, visitors can discover beautifully crafted wooden fans and painted scrolls, each piece adding to the market's allure as a center for Chinese antiquities and craftsmanship.
The history of this market stretches back to before 1949, preceding the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s, when it served as a holiday market selling folk antiques and handicrafts. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant destination that attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily, drawn by the vast assortment of goods on offer. The Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town is not just a place for buying antiques; it's a cultural journey that offers a glimpse into China's storied past, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Tip:
Beware – you will definitely have to bring out your haggling skills here! Whatever the price the dealer asks you initially, try to bargain for at least 40% less.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town on Map
Sight Name: Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
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Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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