January 2, 2014
Shanghai, China
Cold Blue Skies
Last full day in Shanghai was spent....SHOPPING. I didn't go crazy as I restrained myself. My hotel - The Intercontinenal Ruijin - is in the heart of the French Concession and was built in the early 1900s. Prominent Shanghai businessman Henry Morris' house is here and during the heyday, it was the place to be scene. Later, during the revolution, the building itself was the communist headquarters for Mao Tse Tung and also a State Guest House.
So for the last day, decided to do some leisurely shopping which I found can be challenging in Shanghai.
First stop was the quaint Tianzifang, which was an art, crafts and trendy cafe enclave, but is quickly facing the same demise as SOHO in NYC and has become a tourist attraction. I discovered here that (ok i'm generalizing) many Chinese LOVE taking photos.. more than the Japanese! However, I was able to find a few gems of a store including a fascinating art gallery. The buildings are "shikumen" and the stores are small. It's a fun place to visit, but try visiting early or on a non-holiday.
Loved this toy store
Milk and egg store
Toilet restaurant. Really
This building was the former pharmacy of the French Concession
Lots of tourists: I think I was the only shopper!
Here you can also find a museum dedicated to Ren Weiyin - a very talented post Impressionist painter. His story is inspirational as he was sentenced to hard labor during the cultural revolution and after the hard labor was only allowed to make shoes.
I ended up buying 2 coats, cashmere scarf and a silk scarf for about 150 USD. I think I did well!
After dropping off my purchases at my hotel room, took off immediately to explore the French Concession. A lot of it was demolished but still many buildings remain. I ended up not buying anything (edit, did!) but amazed at how many independent stores, tailors and now mega malls dot the area.
Store after store
An original art deco movie theater which still is a movie theater and also home to Shanghai Tang, where (I forgot!) I bought jewelry.
Love that the streets are tree lined. Must be gorgeous in the spring.
Next time, I'm going to get one of these made for me.
And the most amazing mall I've ever scene. Every high end designer you can think of in one mall. This place used to be where one can buy cheap fakes! How things have changed. It's on Huaihai street formerly known as Avenue Joffre. I can't remember the name but its like ICBC (something like that). Unbelievable - chanel, vuitton, gucci, you name it, it's here and it's 5 stories!
I now understand why people come to Shanghai to shop! Love that they are not preserving many of the buildings and cultural areas. I'm definitely coming back for a) clothes to be made b) cooking lessons and c) exploring more of Hangzhou with Jerry
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