Tianzifang - The Best Art Area in Shanghai
Standing for Shanghai’s art, Tianzifang is a great place to enjoy Chinese art in Shanghai. A lot of famous Chinese artists including Chen Yifei, Er Dongqiang, Wang Jieyin and Wang Jiajun open their studios in Tianzifang which makes its fame. Located on Taikang Road near Dapu Bridge, Tianzifang also has a lot of handicraft shops.
Most art studios in Tianzifang are converted from abandoned old factories. There is a 5-story industrial factory transformed into the Chengdu Industry Building. Here, artists from 10 different countries or national areas set down in the building. 10 national flags represent the 10 art groups floating in front of the workplace. Chinese and Western arts develop together in Tianzifang, which makes more people in the world know Taikang Road.
The industrial factories reflect different styles in arts’ hands. Artist Cheng Yifei’s Studio reflects a simple and dignified architectural feature. His artworks have been displayed in the World Carving Exhibition in Paris. To have a cup of hot coffee or black tea near the fireplace in winter is a wonderful time to talk about the arts. The monthly concert in Er Dongqiang’s studio is full of people every time.
His studio has a mark of the post-industrial revolution. The studio not only keeps two well-preserved cranes, but also adopts modern architectural materials. Tianzifang is the place to make you experience Western and Chinese arts.
Located at 220 Lane on Taikang Road, Hong Kong, famous potter Zheng Wei’s Le Tiantao pottery studio holds some exhibitions that attract some international pottery experts from around the world. American potter Jimmy set down in Tianzifang to teach foreign travelers to make pottery in his studio.
In addition, bamboo carvings made by Free Handicraft Company are the best bamboo carvings in Shanghai. The bamboo carvings are widely loved by people in Hong Kong and Taiwan. And Sinan Intersection has dozens of antique shops, which are popular among numerous antique collectors.
Shopping Highlights
This road is striking because of the great finds that you can easily spot as you walk by. Being here would give you a whole new meaning to the word ‘shopping’. From clothes to home decorations, you can certainly find items that will make your heart skip a beat. Shopping at Tianzifang is something that you most likely have not experienced before.
While your eyes feast on all the things that the merchants sell, your mind will also wander amidst the traditional vibe of the place. Taikang Road has successfully combined both modern and traditional appeal. The aesthetics of the establishments are very charming since the shops are still reflective of old Shanghai style. Yet, do not underestimate what they have to offer because there are also plenty of cafes with free Wi-Fi, boutiques with modern facilities, and other urbane stores.
When you drop by the Tianzifang, keep in mind that there are three main lanes that you can take. These lanes each go from north to south, and several smaller alleys intersect with each lane. If you find yourself quite lost because of all the turns that you have taken while being entertained by the various products that are being sold, just look for one of the main lanes, and you can easily find where you are supposed to go next.
There are several stores in Tianzifang that you should not miss out on because they have the most impressive items that might catch your attention.
Must-visit Shops
Insh Store
The Insh Store derived its name from the phrase, In Shanghai. This is the perfect store to go to if you are looking for designer clothes. They have everything that is fashion-related, from ladies’ dresses and tops to men’s coats and shirts, and everything else in between.
Address: 200 Taikang Road
Boutique Cashmere Lover
If you are in search of fabulous sweaters, check out the Boutique Cashmere Lover. Some of their items have Chinese-inspired patterns and styles, while others are plain yet elegant. All of their products are guaranteed to feel good on your skin while keeping you warm.
Address: 200 Taikang Road, Room 409
Deke Erh Art Culture
There are lots of stores on Taikang Road that offer a wide variety of clothes. The best part is that they got designer clothes, which will satisfy your urge to splurge, but there are also budget-friendly fashion items. You can change your entire wardrobe by just shopping at Taikang Road.
Aside from clothes and fashion accessories, you will also stumble upon unique items which can be great home decorations or one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends back home. The Deke Erh Art Culture will enthrall you because of its impressive collection of books. This place is owned by Deke Erh, who is a popular local photographer and author. He also owns the place called Old China Hand Reading Room.
Address: No. 2 Lane 10, Taikang Road
Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Unique Hill
If you want to browse through astounding posters and photographs of Shanghai, check out Unique Hill. This is a gallery that will not only amaze you with the creative works that are on display, but also because of the showcased beauty of Shanghai.
Address: No. 10 Lane 210, Taikang Road
Jugend
Jugend is a place for movie fans to appreciate movies all over the world with wine and talk about them with the same camp. “It is a genuinely and elegantly interesting room”, said the designer Yanghan. There are about 50 chairs, and Viennese coffee and French wine are prepared for movie fans.
Address: 171, Room 206-211, Jianguo Middle Road
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 22:30
The Gallery
The Gallery is a mini art gallery. In the gallery, the paintings displayed feature character and romance. Maybe visitors can just turn around. In the 10 square meter gallery, the frequency of changing the paintings is high. The paintings are all works of young Chinese artists that are full of character, imagination, and freshness. There are two larger galleries on Moganshan Road and Anfu Road.
Address: 171, Room 102, No. 1 Building, Jianguo Middle Road
Kai Bar
Kai Bar is a 170 square meter “colossal” shop in Tianzifang. The internal structure is the Chinese traditional building style. Visitors can see the wooden roof and the beams supporting the roof. A liquor round located in a traditional room is a great imagination and a collision of Eastern and Western cultures. Specializing in Belgian beer, visitors can find more than 90 kinds of beer from all over the world.
Having a taste of the mussels while drinking beer is a great joy.
Address: 169, 3rd floor, Jianguo Middle Road
Opening Hours: Weekday, 16:00 to 00:30; Weekend, 16:00 to 2:00
Dongxi Workshop
Dongxi Workshop or Dongxifang (东西坊) is the first boutique shop in China. The layout combines the traditional Chinese style and the conciseness of Western style. Visitors can find some old Chinese-style designs, like the pretty girls painted on the poster in the old Shanghai period, being painted on the T-shirts, the classic canning tea, and many kinds of delicate stationery.
Although the design of the boutique shows unique ingenuity, the products are close to people’s lives and are appropriate for sending gifts to friends or yourself.
Address: 171, Room 106, Jianguo Middle Road
Sky Music Box
The Sky Music Box, also called Shanghai Music Box Collection House, is the first music box theme shop. The music box is the memory of our childhood and the happy fragments of our lives. They are collected by a “Chinese Dad” from all over the world in this small room. When referring to the music box, people always associate it with the theme music of Laputa: Castle in the Sky, which was created by the Japanese animation master, Miyazaki Hayao.
The music boxes are selected from different countries and come in different shapes. Visitors are sure to find a satisfied box.
Address: 12, Lane 274, Taikang Road
Spending just half a day in Taikang Road would not be enough because of all the interesting shops and establishments that you can check out. When you start to feel that your feet are already throbbing because of the walk, stay at one of the quaint cafés or restaurants so you can rest for a while and experience gastronomic pleasure too.
Must-Eat Restaurants on the Street
Teddy Bear Family
The Teddy Bear Family is a teddy bear-themed restaurant. Especially to the girls, the restaurant seemed to be a fairy tale world. There are three floors. The first floor is prepared for the lovers to have a drink. If visitors like the Teddy Bear, the workshop on the second floor is prepared for you.
On the second floor, there are all the materials for making the Teddy Bear. Visitors can DIY a unique Teddy Bear for themselves. The third floor is the main part to enjoy meals. Rice with Seafood filled in outer Skin of Pineapple (海鲜菠萝饭), Green Curry Sirloin (青咖喱牛腩), and Fried Rice Noodles (炒河粉) are the must-try dishes.
Address: 23, Lane 348, Taikang Road
Lotus Land
It is a South Asia style restaurant. Walking into the restaurant is like an exotic touch in a foreign land. The main tone of the restaurant is dark red, and the walls inside are hung full of Buddha murals, always giving the restaurant a devout sense.
The must-try dishes are Indian Thin Pancake, Curry Chicken, Cumin Potato, and some curry dishes. Visitors will sit on the tatami to enjoy the meals.
Address: 12, Lane 274, Taikang Road
Up’s Café More
It is one of the brands that came into Tianzifang first. The café is painted green and makes customers feel comfortable. There, visitors can taste a cup of coffee and have leisure time to spend the whole afternoon. When night falls, the café becomes vivid and colorful light gives the cocktail more taste of mystery.
Address: 7, Lane 210, Taikang Road
Location: 210 Lane, Taikang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai (上海市卢湾区泰康路210弄)
How to Get There?
There are dozens of buses to Tianzifang, including Bus 24 and 96 in Jianguo West Road, Bus 17, 41, 146, and 786 in Shaanxi South Road, and Bus 36, 786, 869, 932, 933, 986, Bridge Line 1, and Tunnel Line 8 in Chongqing South Road.
The Surrounding Scenery: St Ignatius Cathedral, Shanghai Botanical Garden, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, and Shanghai Zoo
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