Tianzifang

Narrow lanes with craft shops, galleries, and cafes in old shikumen houses. Good for daytime browsing but closes early and gets dark. Watch for pickpockets.

Maze of narrow alleys in the French Concession where traditional shikumen houses became boutique shops, art studios, craft stores, and small cafes. Feels like a living neighborhood with tourism layered on top - laundry hanging above galleries, local grandmothers sitting next to craft shops. The lanes pack with tourists during the day browsing jewelry, art prints, souvenirs. Most shops close after 8pm and it empties out. Browsing alone is fine during the day since the lanes are compact and feel safe when busy. Small restaurants serve everything from dumplings to Thai food - quality varies, some are tourist traps with high prices. English works in main shops, less so in smaller stalls. Pickpocketing happens in crowded lanes, keep bags in front. Interesting during the day but skip it at night when it closes down and gets dark.