Tianzifang is located in Shanghai’s old Shikumen stone houses. It has become a lively place for artists and food lovers.

Tianzifang started as an old lilong (lane) in the French Concession. Now, its narrow alleys are filled with boutiques, art studios, cafés, and eateries. These places mix the charm of old Shanghai with a modern touch.

A Haven for Creativity and Culture

Wander through its winding lanes, and you’ll find:

• Vintage Eyewear and Music Boxes: Charming shops sell retro glasses and hand-cranked music boxes. These are great souvenirs for fans of vintage Shanghai.
• Independent Fashion Labels: Trendy Hong Kong streetwear boutiques mesh East‑meets‑West style, making Tianzifang a go‑to destination for Shanghai shopping enthusiasts.
• Artistic Workshops: Visit a street artist and order your own portrait. You can also check out the old studios of famous artists like Chen Yifei. His old apartment holds the easel, brushes, and items that inspired his great art. It is a must-see for art students.

Architectural Treasures of Old Shanghai

Every glance upward reveals the lane’s heritage:

• Tiger Skylights: Characteristic triangular openings in Shikumen roofs once designed to let in light and air.
• Terracotta Roof Tiles: Red tiles are neatly lined up. They are framed by old gable walls with cracks and green moss. These tiles quietly show Shanghai’s history of over a hundred years.

Culinary Adventures Around Every Corner

Foodies rejoice—Tianzifang’s culinary scene is as eclectic as its art:

• Creative Fusion Dining: Innovative small‑plate restaurants push the boundaries of flavor with ingredients you’ve never imagined.
• Themed Dining: At Fun Toilet Café, enjoy fun dishes served in toilet bowl seats and sink-shaped tables. It’s a popular spot for those looking for a unique dining experience.
• Rooftop Bars & Nightlife: As dusk falls, outdoor bars fill with an international crowd, sipping cocktails to the rhythm of live blues. Tianzifang's evening scene feels more intimate than Xintiandi. It has a refined elegance with string lights and plane trees.

Must‑See Art Studios & Galleries

• Chen Yifei Studio: Walk through the iconic painter’s preserved workspace.
• Ren Weiyin Gallery: Showcasing avant‑garde Chinese ink art in an intimate setting.
• Olfactory Library: A multi‑sensory experience of scent as art.
• BAS Art Center & Painters’ Quarters: A cluster of studios where local talent exhibits modern works.

Tips for Your Visit

• Best Time to Go: Late afternoon, to enjoy golden light on Shikumen walls and snag a table at a rooftop bar.
• Getting There: Metro Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station, Exit 1.
• Nearby Highlights: Xiangyang Market, Yongkang Road’s café strip, and the French Concession’s leafy boulevards.

Tianzifang has a mix of old buildings, modern art, and new food ideas. It invites you to explore and discover your own story. Don’t just visit Shanghai—experience the alleyway where tradition and creativity collide.