Tianzifang is one of Shanghai’s most intriguing neighbourhoods, a laidback arts and crafts centre which is both charming and fascinating to explore. Formerly part of the city’s French Concession, this enclave houses innumerable cafes, bars, art as well as design studios, craft and antique shops, boutiques and galleries. Here you will find a host of artists, designers, trendsetters, yuppies and expatriates drawn by the Bohemian ambience and the novelties to be found amongst the streets.
In fact the present appearance of the district contrasts with its origins. Formerly part of the French Concession, trade and commerce made the area flourish, and many ‘shikumen’ buildings were created in the area. These constructions featured sturdy stone door frames and robust wooden doors creating a distinctive appearance. During the 1930s many white collar sector workers made the district their home, with artists, doctors, bank officers and seafarers choosing to make their homes here.
1998 was a very significant year in the history of the neighbourhood. In this year Chen Yifei, counted amongst China’s most famed modern artists adopted two empty former factory structures to be his sculpture, painting, photography and fashion studios. Soon afterwards the opera concert held each month in a local arts centre became a regular neighbourhood gathering. Soon artists and designers from different regions and even foreign countries began to converge on this one of a kind enclave.
Many of the bars, coffee shops, silk boutiques and tea houses are operated by owners from many different countries. The restaurants in the locality may be modest in size, but feature delectable delicacies from around the world like Thai specialties, New York burgers and steak, French goose liver, Japanese sushi, cheese hotpot and more.
A key component of Shanghai’s cultural and artistic heritage, Tianzifang remains one of the city’s most extraordinary neighbourhoods. Any visitor interested in arts and crafts or simply looking for a place to spend a leisurely afternoon in a pleasant setting will be delighted with a visit to Tianzifang.
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