Why go
About
Yuyuan Bazaar, also known as Yuyuan Tourist Mart or City God Temple Market, is a bustling traditional Chinese market complex that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Situated in the heart of Shanghai's Old City, this vibrant commercial area surrounds the famous Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple. The bazaar features traditional Chinese architecture with curved roofs, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful lattice windows that transport visitors back to ancient China.
The area is divided into several sections including the Old Street, the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse area, and various shopping lanes. Yuyuan Bazaar is not just a shopping destination but a living museum of Shanghai's commercial history, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern tourism. The market has been a commercial hub for centuries, originally serving as a gathering place for merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Today, it offers an authentic taste of old Shanghai while providing visitors with a wide array of traditional goods, local snacks, and cultural experiences.
Make time for
Practical ideas, not a checklist
- Explore the traditional architecture and winding alleyways of the Old Street
- Taste authentic Shanghai snacks like Nanxiang steamed buns and crab shell pastries
- Visit the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse for traditional Chinese tea ceremony
- Shop for traditional Chinese handicrafts including silk products and jade jewelry
- Admire the intricate wood carvings and architectural details of the buildings
- Experience the lively atmosphere of the night market with illuminated lanterns
- Watch traditional Chinese craftsmen at work creating calligraphy and paintings
- Visit the nearby City God Temple for cultural and religious insights
- Try your hand at bargaining with local vendors for souvenirs
- Capture beautiful photos of the traditional architecture against modern Shanghai skyline
Good to know
- Historical Period
- Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
- Architectural Style
- Traditional Chinese with Ming and Qing influences
- Best Time to Visit
- Spring and Autumn, evenings for illuminated views
- Nearest Metro Station
- Yuyuan Garden Station (Line 10)
- Special Events
- Lantern Festival celebrations, traditional cultural performances
- Famous Food
- Nanxiang Steamed Buns, Crab Shell Pastries, Sweet Osmanthus Cake
- Shopping Highlights
- Silk products, Jade jewelry, Chinese tea, Traditional handicrafts
- Cultural Significance
- Preserved traditional commercial district of Old Shanghai
