Tianzifang
Literary young people’s photo gathering place
Tianzifang is right in the heart of Shanghai, covering over 30,000 square meters. It’s a mix of the French Concession, Shikumen lanes, and factory areas. The buildings are super varied, showing how Shanghai grew from rural spots to a modern city. You can see styles influenced by Western classical, modern, and eclectic designs, which give them a lot of history and culture.
Tianzifang isn’t just some old place; it’s a lively cultural hub. They have all kinds of events like art shows, craft markets, and traditional music performances. You can really feel the mix of old Shanghai culture and modern art here.
And it’s a food paradise! There are tons of snack stalls and cool restaurants with all kinds of dishes. You can try local favorites like xiaolongbao, shengjianbao, and Yangzhou fried rice, or dig into food from all over the world.
For shopping, Tianzifang is a dream come true. You’ll find lots of boutiques and little shops selling unique crafts and art. It’s a perfect spot to grab special souvenirs or unique gifts for your friends and family.
Popular Restaurants Near Tianzifang
Enjoying authentic Shanghai cuisine during your travel in Shanghai.
Renhe Restaurant (Zhaojia Banh Road Branch) 人和馆(肇嘉浜路店)
Crab Roe Rice: This dish has crab meat and crab roe, and I think they add some fish too. You can taste the fish! The crab roe is huge and super noticeable. The servers mix the rice and crab together for you. One bite is soft and super flavorful.
Signature Braised Pork: This has a bright red color and is rich without being greasy. It’s a classic Shanghai dish. They use high-quality black pig, and you can see the layers of fat and meat. The meat is tender, and the skin is soft. If you come late, it might sell out!
Stir-Fried Eel with Bamboo Shoots: This one’s sweet and salty. The eel is really fresh, and its softness pairs perfectly with the crunchy sweetness of the bamboo shoots. You’ll finish it in no time with rice!
Sweet Rice Dumplings: After your meal, try a warm bowl of these little dumplings. They’re chewy and just sweet enough, with a hint of osmanthus flavor. You can order a small portion too!
Address:
407 Zhaojia Banh Road
Hours:
Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM;
Monday to Friday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Average Spend:
203 CNY (about 28 USD) per person
Practical Travel Tips
- There’s a shopping mall called “Sun Moon Light Square” nearby. If it’s hot during the day, you can browse the mall first, then come to Tianzifang in the evening. Relax in a bar and soak up the vibe of old Shanghai.
- Tianzifang gets super crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want to take photos or shop, it can feel really cramped! For a more relaxed experience, try going on a weekday to avoid the rush. Mornings or later in the afternoon are also good times since it’s usually less busy.
Sometimes you’ll find temporary stalls around Tianzifang. The products there might not be reliable, and the prices and quality can vary a lot. If you plan to shop, it’s best to stick to official stores to avoid fake items or unnecessary purchases.
- The streets in Tianzifang are narrow, and you might do a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes—avoid heels or shoes that aren’t good for walking. Also, Shanghai’s weather can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket in case it cools down suddenly.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Open all day.
Admission
- No admission fee required.
How to Get to Tianzifang
By Bus
- You can reach Tianzifang in Shanghai by several bus routes, including 17, 24, 864, 304, and Tunnel Line 8. All these buses stop at either the Jianguo Middle Road and Ruijin Second Road station or the Dapuqiao station. From there, it’s just a short walk to Tianzifang.
By Subway
- You can take Line 9 of the subway to Dapuqiao Station. Once you exit from Exit 1, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Tianzifang.
How Visitors Rate Tianzifang
International tourists
Local tourists from China
I can sit quietly in a café corner, savoring a rich cup of coffee, while watching the crowd pass by and feeling the city's pulse. I can also pop into a small shop and pick out a special Shanghai craft, appreciating the artisan's skill.
Every time I visit Tianzifang, I’m drawn in by its vintage charm. It feels like a little haven just for me. Here, I can set aside my worries and stress, enjoying a rare moment of peace and comfort.
Compared to before, there aren’t as many visitors now, which gives everyone more space. It’s easier to take great travel photos without feeling crowded. Plus, it’s right by the subway station, making it super convenient to get to. There’s also a mall across the street, so it’s definitely worth a travel visit!
Wandering around and snapping photos is a great experience at night. Plus, there are lots of hidden little bars where you can pop in for a drink if you’re feeling tired.
