Top Things to Do in Tianzifang, Shanghai

Tiánzǐ Fāng（田子坊）is a labyrinth of alleys which forms part of the Former French Concession district, and from the main road you may not even realise it’s there – it looks just like a standard, bustling Shanghai street. But venture through the gates and you’ll find a maze of knick-knacks, snack stalls and hidden gems. There are countless things to do in Tianzifang, and you’ll definitely find yourself getting lost among its twists and turns. A word of advice – avoid visiting on the weekend if possible, unless you enjoy feeling like a sardine shuffling your way down each alley.

Tianzifang’s lanes are packed with art studios and craft shops, and many artists take up residence here to produce and sell their wares. There are intricate pieces inside small bottles created with sand and a small pointed stick, and beautiful waterfall paintings made with nothing more than the artist’s thumb nail. Nearly all these pieces are for sale, so you can watch the impressive artistry as it’s created and then take it home with you – along with the knowledge that it’s genuinely hand-made

If you’re in the market for some cute souvenirs, Tianzifang is the place to be. Get your bargaining hat on and be prepared to haggle if there isn’t a marked price (some shops here will not accept haggling, so judge each stall for yourself). You can easily pick up Chinese-style jewellery, classic paper fans, silk scarves, chopsticks and more. Do a lap of the block before you make any purchases to get a feel for prices (as you will see the same goods in multiple shops), and then dive into your chosen spot. If you’re looking to splash a little more cash, check out one of the many boutiques and treat yourself to a lush, leather briefcase or some sweet-smelling hand-mixed perfume.

Second only to the advice about avoiding weekends, the best tip for Tianzifang is to come here on an empty stomach. With snack stalls on every alley and countless restaurants hidden among the shops, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re after Chinese dim sum, Western hamburgers or something more adventurous (chicken heart skewers, anyone?), you’ll find something to fill your belly. Culture Trip highly recommends the ‘pick your own’ dim sum stall towards the back of the block, where you can choose from their wide array of options.

The commercial side of Tianzifang is a relatively recent development, while the old residential buildings that make up the block are links to its past. Built in a style called ‘shikumen’, which literally means ‘stone doors’, these houses give the area a very local and authentic feel. Many people like to visit just to take snaps of this interesting architecture, which is always lavishly decorated, especially around national holiday time. There are many nooks and crannies, with cute window displays or ornamental doorways – ideal for getting that perfect Instagram picture.