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, is Shanghai’s premier indoor antique market. This sprawling subterranean space hosts more than 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 like stepping back in time, with each stall and corner brimming with items that tell stories 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 reflecting China’s long-standing tea culture, alongside Cultural Revolution posters that capture a pivotal era in the nation’s history. Visitors can also discover beautifully crafted wooden fans and painted scrolls, each piece adding to the market’s appeal 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 1970s, when it served as a holiday market selling folk antiques and handicrafts. Today, it has evolved into a destination attracting tens of thousands of visitors daily, drawn by the vast assortment of goods on offer.

Tip:
Be prepared to use your haggling skills here. Whatever price the dealer initially asks, try bargaining for at least 40% less.