Welcome to Tianzifang, Shanghai’s vibrant enclave known for its unique blend of art, shopping, and café culture. This area, dubbed as China’s SOHO, is a haven for boutiques, design studios, antique shops, art galleries, and a plethora of global cuisines. Let’s embark on a walking tour to uncover the best that Tianzifang has to offer.
The Distinctive Architecture Style of Tianzifang: Tianzifang’s charm lies in its fusion of historical legacy with contemporary art and commerce. Boutiques and studios here showcase creativity and innovation, offering a range of products from handmade novelty items and souvenirs to Chinese silk, jewelry, modern clothing, and more. The Shikumen, or ‘stone warehouse gate’ residences, are a typical feature of 1930s Shanghai. These restored buildings have been preserved using modern technology, with the lower floors transformed into shopping and commercial spaces, similar to the nearby Xintiandi area. Food and Dining in Tianzifang: Tianzifang is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of cuisines. From New York burgers and steak to Japanese sushi, Chinese high teas, French goose liver, and Thai ramen, there’s something for every palate. Tianzifang Must-Visit Shops: Among the many shops in Tianzifang, here are some that stand out: 1. Insh Store: Located on Taikang Road, Insh Store offers a wide array of designer clothing at affordable prices. It’s a must-visit for those seeking quality and style on a budget. 2. Boutique Cashmere Lover: For those who love luxury, this boutique offers exquisite cashmere products. 3. Deke Erh Art Culture: A hub for art enthusiasts, Deke Erh showcases a variety of art pieces and cultural items. 4. Unique Hill: A unique store offering a variety of products that stand out for their creativity and quality. 5. Shi Yi Ji: A café and restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience. Attractions Nearby: Tianzifang is also close to other notable attractions such as Sinan Mansions and Xintiandi. Traveling to Xintiandi from Tianzifang is easy and convenient, making it a perfect day trip. Travel Tips: When planning your visit to Tianzifang, keep in mind these tips for a seamless experience. History of Tianzifang: The history of Tianzifang is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Shanghai’s culture and commerce, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs. How to Get to Tianzifang: Tianzifang is easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists.If you want to overhaul your wardrobe, head to Taikang Road which has a wide variety of stores.
1. Insh Store: In Shanghainese, it means wish. It’s a perfect destination for men, women, and kids clothing. 2. Boutique Cashmere Lover: End your search for sweaters and shawls here. They offer winter clothing made from wool and cashmere with typical styles and patterns inspired by Chinese history and culture. You can find their guaranteed coats and sweater collections at Room #409 on #200 of Taikang Road. 3. Deke Erh Art Culture: Owned by Deke Erh who has a remarkable book collection and exhibits his photographs and writing. Visit his outlet called the Old China Hand Reading Room. The café is well-known and located at #2 Lane #10 of Taikang Road, open from 9 am to 10 pm. 4. Unique Hill: Discover Shanghai through posters at this gallery. They have an astounding collection of pictures, photographs, and advertisements. Located at #10 Lane #210 of Taikang Road. 5. Shi Yi Ji: A shop you must visit for postcards, stationery, home accessories, and handicrafts. They have branches on Lane 248. Another attraction is the Bejing Fan at #37 on Lane 248 with handmade Chinese silk fans. Soft toys shops are also popular. Novelty goods abound. Bargain with the help of a guide. When tired, there are plenty of food stalls and restaurants in Tianzifang. There’s a wide selection of cuisines. You can also find gumbos, cotton candy, and snacks on sticks. For coffee, try #41 Café Dan. Sushi and ramen are also available.In Shanghai Tianzifang, even Starbucks has a shop. Let’s explore its various attractions.
1. Café Shops The word “café” in Shanghai Tianzifang is a popular hangout for the young. You’ll find hipsters around. Apart from Café Dan, there are Kommune Commune and Mojo Bar and Café on Tiankang Road. Kommune Commune serves excellent Vietnamese cuisine with an English menu and is a great people-watching spot. Mojo Café in the French Concession area is an upbeat cake shop with delicious pastries but slightly expensive. Other notable cafes in the same area are Esy Café, Ily, Onadore Coffee shop, and of course, Starbucks. 2. Teddy Bear Family This outlet is a restaurant complex with a teddy theme. Enter the three-floored fairy-world. Women flock to the first-floor bar. The second floor has a teddy bear workshop and DIY packages. The third floor is the meals section with favorites like Fried Rice Noodles, Green Curry Sirloin, and pineapple outer plated Rice with Seafood platter. Contact them at #23, Lane #348 of Taikang Road. 3. Street Food Street food is prevalent in Shanghai and abundant at Shanghai Tianzifang on or near Taikang Road. Try crab shell pie (Xie Ke Huang), Fried bun (Sheng Jian), rice balls (Ci fan), Chinese-style fried chicken, soup dumpling (Xiaolongbao), and pork chop with rice cakes (Pai Gu Nian Gao). Try outlets like Andalus, Kommune Commune, New York-style Steak and burger joint, Street View, East Eatery, and other street vendors. Be careful as the food is served scalding hot, menus are mostly in Chinese, and there are large crowds and queues. Whether you want pizza, burgers, steaks, ribs, or bloody soups, they are all available in Tianzifang. 4. Old Shanghai Cake Shop The Old Shanghai cake shop serves authentic dim sum pastries costing CNY 3 to 25/piece. Their ‘steamed buns’ come in various shapes like bees, hens, teddy bears, and penguins. The deserts are inspired by Chinese flowers. It’s located at Lane #210 near Ruijin Er Lu. Arty Things to do in Tianzifang If you have an interest in art, Gate #1 of Taikang Road is an excellent start point to explore the art area of Tianzifang. It’s the start point of Lane #210 and walkable from Dapuqiao metro station Exit #1. One of the Chen buildings at #2 of Lane #210 is an art studio. Take a look at the iconic sculpture at the Eastern end, the ‘Icon of Taikang Art Street’, and the Steele inscription of Tianzifang over the Lane #210’s entrance which appeared in 2002.Discover Tianzifang, a unique blend of shopping, cafés, and art alleyways in Shanghai. The area is a testament to the conservation and restoration of factory buildings into vibrant commercial spaces filled with paintings, sculptures, and artworks. Modern works can be found at the Lu Shanghai, where photography, t-shirt printing, art exhibitions, and painting workshops are all part of the creative scene.
In the Art Area of Tianzifang, you’ll find a plethora of craft shops, handmade souvenir stalls, t-shirt and mug printing stores, and outlets showcasing contemporary paintings, wall-hangings, home accessories, and decorative items. Although M-50 or Moganshan Road is officially Shanghai’s art hub, Tianzifang’s studios are equally impressive. Explore Silk King, Candy Lab, Yunling Art’s and Crafts Antique stores, the Leaf Yoga Studio, Nanxi Art Gallery, Wasai Virtual Reality Experience Hall, Jai Wine, and numerous galleries on Taikang Road’s by-lanes.
The history of Tianzifang is rich and colorful. Huang Yongyu, a prominent figure in the Chinese painting circle, coined the term Tianzifang, inspired by the name of a famous painter of yore. The term ‘fang’, meaning workshop, mill, or quarter, has been adapted to reflect the area’s transformation. The stele and the name ‘Tianzifang’ above Lane #210’s entrance, established in 2002, bear testament to the area’s contemporary art scene.
In 1998, contemporary artist Chen Yifei converted two old factory buildings on Tiakang Lane #210 into a studio for oil paintings, sculpture, photography, and fashion design. His advocacy for preserving Shikumen and old buildings for posterity gained public support, leading to the area’s preservation. Chen Yifei’s sculpture, ‘Art Door’, stands at the eastern end of Taikang Road, welcoming visitors to the area and被誉为 ‘Icon of Taikang Art Street’. The community celebrates art with monthly opera concerts at the Deke Erh Art Center, where Deke Erh, a renowned author and artist, also has his studio.
To get to Tianzifang, located at #210 Lane of Taikang Road in Luwan District, is easy. Entry is free, and the area is open 24/7/365. For information, call 021*3425*0265. The tourist information center on Lane #210 is a great place to pick up a map and start your exploration.
Tianzifang is conveniently connected to the city center by several bus routes.
Tianzifang, a vibrant neighborhood in Shanghai, offers a unique blend of shopping, cafés, and artistic alleyways. To reach this cultural hotspot, take advantage of various public transportation options:
