Souvenir shop in Tianzifang.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Tianzifang

Top choice


Tianzifang and Xintiandi are based on a similar idea – an entertainment complex housed within a warren of lòngtáng (弄堂, alleyways). Unlike Xintiandi, families actually reside in Tianzifang and have done so for decades, meaning there's a genuine charm, vibrancy and community. You do need to wade through the souvenir stalls to get to the good stuff, but this network of design studios, cafes, bars and boutiques is the perfect antidote to Shanghai's oversized malls and intimidating skyscrapers.

There are three main north–south lanes (Nos 210, 248 and 274) criss-crossed by irregular east–west alleyways, which makes exploration slightly disorienting and fun. The real activity is shopping, and the creative independent start-ups make for some interesting finds, from vintage spectacle frames at Shanghai Code and crafted kid's clothes at Chouchou Chic to hand-wrapped pǔ'ěr teas from Zhenchalin. Elsewhere, a band of cool cafes, restaurants and bars, such as Kommune and Bell Bar, can sort out meals and drinks and help take the weight off your feet. Tianzifang can get hugely popular during weekends and holidays, when security may limit access to the lanes. The best time to visit is weekdays, preferably early in the morning or later in the evening. There's a tourist information centre at the entrance to Lane 210.

Transportation

  • metro: Dapuqiao

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Beaugeste

0.04 MILES

One of Shanghai's top galleries, this small space is concealed high above the street-level crowds. Curator Jean Loh captures humanistic themes in…

2. Liuli China Museum

0.06 MILES

Founded by Taiwanese artists Loretta Yang and Chang Yi, the Liuli China Museum is dedicated to the art of glass sculpture (pâte de verre or lost-wax…

3. Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence

0.4 MILES

In 1946, Zhou Enlai, the much-loved (although some swear he was even more sly than Mao) first premier of the People’s Republic of China, lived briefly in…

4. Cité Bourgogne

0.47 MILES

Cité Bourgogne is an excellent example of a shíkùmén lǐlòng (traditional alleyway) neighbourhood. Built in 1930, it has been well preserved and is a great…

5. Sun Yatsen’s Former Residence

0.55 MILES

Sun Zhongshan predictably receives the full-on hagiographic treatment at this shrine to China’s guófù (国父, father of the nation). A capacious exhibition…

6. St Nicholas Church

0.63 MILES

A short walk west along Gaolan Rd from Fuxing Park is rewarded by the distinctive shape of the vacant and now derelict St Nicholas Church, one of Shanghai…

7. Fuxing Park

0.64 MILES

This leafy spot with a large lawn, laid out by the French in 1909 and used by the Japanese as a parade ground in the late 1930s, remains one of the city’s…

8. Shanghai Museum of Public Security

0.68 MILES

This offbeat and macabre museum over three floors details how the Chinese authorities keep control. Display cases depict the illicit activities local cops…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "china/shanghai/french-concession/attractions/tianzifang/a/poi-sig/1242161/1314128",
      "position": "superzone"
    }