As a world-renowned tourist attraction, Tianzifang (田子坊) only rose to fame quite recently. Until 1998, it was still a normal area near the city center of Shanghai, consisting of dilapidated factories and low-rise residential buildings. Then, attracted by the low rent and convenient transport, many Chinese contemporary artists, like Chen Yifei, Er Dongqiang, Wang Jieyin, and Li Shoubai set their workshops there, gradually turning it into a cluster of culture industries, crowded with cafes, bars, and boutique shops. Because of this characteristic, Huang Yongyu, a famous painter, named this place Tianzifang, which is homophonic to an artist two thousand years ago.
Since most buildings in Tianzifang have only been renovated instead of reconstructed, they retain the original style. And one of the features people often refer to is Shikumen, which combines Chinese and western decorations. For example, the stone door frame is a typical Chinese design, but the carves on it is in western style.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Tianzifang
- Highlights of Tianzifang
- Vlog about Tianzifang
- Top-Rating Bars in Tianzifang
- A Brief History of Tianzifang
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Tianzifang
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.tianzifang.cn/ |
| Estimated length of tour | 1-3 hours, depending how many stores you visit |
| Opening hours | the area is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But most shops open at around 10 am and close at 8 – 9 pm, except for the bars. So do not go there too early in the morning |
| Ticket | Completely free |
Location and Transportation
Tianzifang is located in Jingan District, south of the city center. Around it are shopping malls and residential areas, and there is convenient public transport leading there.
Bus: Take bus No. 17, 24, or 304, get off at Jianguo Zhonglu Ruijin Erlu stop, and walk 120 meters to the south; Or take bus No. 41, 43, 96, 146, 218, 786, 955, or 985, get off at Dapuqiao station, and walk 300 meters to the north.
Subway: Take subway line 9, get off at Dapuqiao Station, get out from exit 1, and walk 220 meters to the north.
Self-drive: There is no parking lot in Tianzifang, but you can park your car in the shopping mall nearby (Riyueguang Center).
Map of Tianzifang
Highlights of Tianzifang
Integration of different cultures
As one of the most prosperous cities, Shanghai is a hub for communication between Chinese and western cultures, and Tianzifang is the epitome of this city.
It perfectly combines the traditional Chinese building with western elements, the lively shops on the first floor with the normal life of residents living upstairs, the cuisines from every corner of the world, and different schools of arts. In front of the old factories, you can see dozens of countries’ flags, representing the origins of the artists working there.
Bars and Cafes
There are numerous bars and cafes serving wonderful drinks and food in Tianzifang. Most of them have retained the original style of the building and only do moderate modifications. It is terrific for you and your friends to sit down, sip something, wind down a bit, and feel the unique charm of the city. After all, this is the essence of having a vacation in another country with different cultures, isn’t it?
Boutique Shops
As an area that was initially famous for artists, Tianzifang has many marvelous boutique shops selling sophisticated artworks, handicrafts, and decorations. Some of them will blow your mind and make you wow at first sight. If you are a lover of art, please wander around in the lanes and take your time to browse the shops. You will find every minute is worth it.
Vlog about Tianzifang
Top-Rating Bars in Tianzifang
1. Bell Cafe and Bar (铃铛酒吧）
Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 from 518 customers
Feature: Jazz and Blues music; Live sports game; Decoration in European style; Billiards
Customer Review: welcoming bartender; Private and quiet environment; innovative names of cocktails; Relaxing atmosphere.
Average cost per person: 98 RMB
Open hours: 14.00 – 2.00 a.m. the next day
Address: To the left of the back door of No. 11, Lane 248, Taikang Road
Telephone number: 0086-021-64282657/0086-13917446327
2. Walkers Bar (行者酒吧)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 from 382 customers
Feature: Jazz, mega bass, rap, punk, and metal rock; Industrial-style decoration; Terrace
Customer Review: Relaxing atmosphere; The owner often organizes various activities and games; Good quality of drinks; Enthusiastic waiter
Average cost per person: 93 RMB
Open hours: 13.00 – 2.00 a.m. the next day
Address: The front door of No. 12, Lane 248, Taikang Road
Telephone number: 0086-18321823683
3. Friends Bar (朋友酒吧)
Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 from 296 customers
Feature: Retro decoration; Quiet environment; Hot wine; Exotic Beer
Customer Review: A wide range of wine, liquor, beer, and cocktail; The favorite place of foreign visitors; Open-air seats
Average cost per person: 86 RMB
Open hours: 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 a.m the next day
Address: 25, Lane 155, Jianguo Middle Road
Telephone number: 0086-15902196088
4. Panda Restaurant & Bar (熊猫酒吧)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 from 391 customers
Feature: Free parking; Southeast Asian cuisine; Various cocktails and coffee
Customer Review: A terrific place for friends; Fantastic drinks at a reasonable price; Small boxes ensure privacy
Open hours: 10.00 a.m. – 2.00 a.m. the next day
Average cost per person: 83 RMB
Address: The back door of No. 36, Lane 155, Jianguo Middle Road. Right next to Friends Bar
Telephone number: 0086-021-64179337
5. Shadow & Light Bar
Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 from 874 customers
Feature: Pop music and rap; Live sports games; Terrace and open air seats; Decoration in American style
Customer Review: Wonderful environment for a chat; Romantic atmosphere; Innovative cocktails;
Average cost per person: 117 RMB
Open hours: 18.00 – 3.30 a.m. the next day
Address: The back door of No. 15, Lane 274, Taikang Road
Telephone number: 0086-15800955545
6. Hidden Bar (隐吧)
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 from 109 customers
Feature: A sweet cat; Narrow place but wonderful national decoration; The bartender is from Tibet
Customer Review: The bartender will make different drinks according to the specific taste and the first impression of the customer
Average cost per person: 93 RMB
Open hours: 12.00 – 2.00 a.m. the next day
Address: The front door of No. 28, Lane 274, Taikang Road
Telephone number: 0086-15821809523
7. 288 Livehouse
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 from 2335 customers
Feature: Live performance; Singer and Band; DJ; Industrial-style decoration; Football theme; Retro style; Much spacious compared to other bars in Tianzifang
Customer Review: Great atmosphere and performance; A lively place to indulge yourself.
Average cost per person: 193 RMB
Open hours: 19.00 – 2.00 a.m. the next day. Close on Monday
Address: The second floor of No. 288, Taikang Road
Telephone number: 0086-17717918579
8. Uncle Tiger Bar (老虎舅舅)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 from 104 customers
Feature: Pop, jazz, classical music, and B-box; Industrial decoration; Japanese Saka
Customer Review: A wide collection of whisky, including rare brands; Reasonable price
Average cost per person: 168 RMB
Open hours: 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 a.m. the next day
Address: 101, Buiding No. 1, 200, Taikang Road.
Telephone number: 0086-17621336649
A Brief History of Tianzifang
Tianzifang’s history dates back to the 1930s when it was originally a residential area for local residents. During this time, the area was characterized by narrow alleys and lanes, known as “shikumen” in Chinese, that were home to many local artisans and craftspeople.
Over time, the area underwent significant changes as the city of Shanghai continued to develop and modernize. Many of the traditional shikumen houses were destroyed, and the area became increasingly crowded and urbanized.
In the early 2000s, however, a group of local artists and entrepreneurs saw the potential of the area and began to transform it into a vibrant cultural and commercial hub. They began to restore the remaining shikumen houses and turned them into small shops, cafes, and galleries. This revitalization effort helped to preserve the unique character of the area and transformed it into the lively destination it is today.
While the gentrification of Tianzifang has brought many benefits, such as increased economic activity and tourism, it has also had some negative consequences. One of the main concerns is the loss of the area’s cultural heritage. As developers have modernized buildings and brought in new businesses, the traditional character of the area has been eroded.
Furthermore, the rising cost of living in Tianzifang has made it increasingly difficult for local residents and small businesses to afford to stay in the area. Many long-time residents have been forced to leave, and some small businesses have closed due to rising rents and competition from larger, more established businesses.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Exploring the Variety of Shops: Tianzifang is known for its diverse range of shops, many of which offer similar products. You can typically explore the area in about an hour. Some shops have particularly picturesque storefronts, making it a great spot for taking photos with friends.
Trying Flower Tea and Fruit Tea: There are vendors offering flower tea and fruit tea for tasting. It’s worth trying out these teas, but purchasing them may not offer the best value for money. Prices can range from 1.2 yuan per gram to 600 yuan per kilogram.
Exploring Handmade Soap Shops: If you’re interested in handmade soap, Tianzifang has several shops worth exploring. The soaps often come in cute shapes and designs. One reviewer mentioned purchasing a piece of calendula essential oil soap, which they found effective for freshening up closets and wardrobes.
Bargaining and Price Awareness: When shopping in Tianzifang, it’s important to be aware of pricing and to consider bargaining if you’re interested in making a purchase. Some items may be priced higher due to the touristy nature of the area, so it’s wise to compare prices and negotiate if possible.
On a weekend morning at Tianzifang, there are only sparse crowds.
The laundry lines and electric wires in the alleyways are intertwined, reflecting the charm of old Shanghai.
The aroma of trendy coffee mingles with the flavors of scallion pancakes and fried dough sticks.
Those hidden picturesque spots, at this moment, become uniquely yours.
I strolled around Tianzifang this weekend, and it was completely different from what I remembered, which was a scene packed with people.
There were only a few bars and boutique shops with hardly any visitors, just a handful of foreign friends wandering about. Sometimes, I even overheard someone speaking Korean.
It seems like Tianzifang needs to speed up its upgrades and renovations. I’m looking forward to the return of that lively little alley!