Dongtai Lu Antiques Street

Shanghai’s Dongtai Lu is famous for its antiques, and is a destination that should not be missed on any trip to Shanghai. Heading there on weekends is particularly exciting.  Varying antique stalls extend about 5 blocks, offering a combination of both real and fake antiques along with Chinese memorabilia.  My last visitors bought old school Chairman Mao alarm clocks, Mahjong bracelets, and a fantastic porcelain vase. Located in a relatively undeveloped area surprisingly close to Xintiandi, a visit to Dongtai Lu is a classic Shanghai experience.  Most of the shop owners live in the apartments above their businesses, so the area has a much lived in feel. Clothes hung out to dry on poles out windows are right next to large cuts of meat also left out to dry.

 

Those planning on shopping here should be sure to BARGAIN. The area depends heavily on tourists, so the stall owners are very adept at soaking out the highest possible sale price. Many stalls sell many of the same and/or similar items, so shop around for the best price.