Yuyuan Bazaar
Step into old Shanghai at Yuyuan Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with traditional architecture, delicious street food, and unique souvenirs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Yuyuan Bazaar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into old Shanghai at Yuyuan Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with traditional architecture, delicious street food, and unique souvenirs.
"Absolutely stunning place! It's so beautiful, with nice little shops, places to eat street food and gold shops."
⏰ Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Weekends are packed! Visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience and better photos.
🍜 Sample All the Street Food
Don't miss out on local delicacies like crab buns and candied fruits. Come hungry!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Architecture
Throughout the Bazaar
Wander through charming lanes lined with ancient Chinese buildings, offering a glimpse into old Shanghai.
Street Food Delights
Various food stalls
Indulge in a culinary adventure with local snacks like crab-stuffed buns and candied fruits.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Market stalls and shops
Discover unique souvenirs, jewelry, and traditional Chinese handicrafts to take home.
Yu Garden Adjacent Charm
Next to Yu Garden
Experience the vibrant market atmosphere right outside the serene Yu Garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Crowds
Embrace the Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏰ Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Weekends are packed! Visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience and better photos.
🍜 Sample All the Street Food
Don't miss out on local delicacies like crab buns and candied fruits. Come hungry! 
📸 Perfect for Photos
The traditional architecture makes it a fantastic area for exploring and capturing memorable shots.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Galore
Find everything from home supplies and handicrafts to jewelry and festive items.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Weekends are packed! Visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience and better photos.
🍜 Sample All the Street Food
Don't miss out on local delicacies like crab buns and candied fruits. Come hungry!
📸 Perfect for Photos
The traditional architecture makes it a fantastic area for exploring and capturing memorable shots.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Galore
Find everything from home supplies and handicrafts to jewelry and festive items.
💰 Bargain for Treasures
Haggling is part of the fun for souvenirs and handicrafts. Be polite and have fun!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yuyuan Bazaar is a highly recommended, visually stunning destination offering a vibrant taste of old Shanghai. Visitors praise its beautiful traditional architecture, diverse street food, and ample shopping opportunities. However, be prepared for significant crowds, especially on weekends, which can detract from the experience.
"Yuyuan Bazaar, also known as Yuyuan Shangcheng, is situated outside the Yu Garden (also a stone throw to Chenghuang Temple), in the heart of old Shanghai city. There are many traditional Chinese buildings, which nowadays are used as commercial and retailing stores to sell local souvenirs, foods, products, snacks, jewelry and antiques etc.
In the bazaar, there are a great number of small lanes filled with stores. Yuyuan old street, in the north of Yuyuan Bazaae, mainly offers various commodities with traditional Chinese characteristics. These products include home supplies, handicrafts, and festive supplies. In addition, Yuyuan fashion street totally differs from the Old Street. Daily supplies, modern handicrafts, snack food and coffee beverages are mainly offered here. Moreover, the gold and jewelry industry is very prosperous in this area, so visitors can also buy golden earrings, necklaces or rings in many of the goldsmith shops.
On the day of our visit, it was weekend and so you can bet the area was packed with visitors and moving around was quite a challenge. Although it's touristy, it was still a great eye-opening experience for us to have a feel of the local culture and lifestyle!"
Ed Chung
"Absolutely stunning place! It's so beautiful, with nice little shops, places to eat street food and gold shops."
Dessi
"Extremely touristy but the whole area is a must visit if you're in Shanghai. Everything looks pretty much as you'd expect old Shanghai to look and so it's a fantastic area for exploring and taking photos.
There's lots of little shops, market stalls, tea and coffee shops and souvenir stores here so no matter what you're looking for you're likely covered. There's even a robot that serves you ice cream! All in all it's definitely a fun visit for an hour or two."
Darkspaceinvader
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yuyuan Bazaar is easily accessible via Shanghai Metro. Take Line 10 or Line 14 to Yuyuan Garden Station. From there, it's a short walk to the bazaar. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, Yuyuan Bazaar is located right next to the famous Yu Garden and is a stone's throw from the Chenghuang Temple, making it easy to combine visits.
Walking is the best way to explore the bazaar and its surrounding lanes. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
While there are parking lots nearby, they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Using public transport is generally recommended.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Didi are widely used in Shanghai and can be a convenient way to reach Yuyuan Bazaar, though traffic can be heavy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Yuyuan Bazaar itself is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. However, the adjacent Yu Garden does have an admission fee.
Most shops in Yuyuan Bazaar are open daily from around 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM, though some may have slightly different hours.
Yu Garden typically closes for entry around 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to explore both the garden and the bazaar.
Yes, the bazaar remains open and lively into the evening, with many food stalls and shops operating until around 10:00 PM.
Yuyuan Bazaar often hosts special events and decorations, especially during Chinese holidays like the Spring Festival, making it a magical place to visit.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of traditional Chinese souvenirs, including handicrafts, tea sets, silk items, calligraphy, jewelry, and festive decorations.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected in many of the smaller shops and market stalls. Be polite and have fun negotiating prices.
There are numerous goldsmith shops throughout the bazaar, particularly on the fashion street, offering a wide selection of gold earrings, necklaces, and rings.
Prices can vary greatly. While some items are reasonably priced, others may be marked up for tourists. Bargaining can help secure better deals.
Yuyuan Old Street focuses on home supplies, handicrafts, and festive items, while Yuyuan Fashion Street offers daily supplies, modern crafts, snacks, and coffee.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Don't miss the famous crab-stuffed buns, tanghulu (candied fruits), hand-pulled noodles, and various local snacks.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like tofu dishes, vegetable dumplings, and sweet treats.
Street food prices are generally affordable, with most snacks costing between 10-30 RMB.
Yes, in addition to street food stalls, there are also tea houses and restaurants offering a more formal dining experience.
Absolutely! Yuyuan Bazaar is a great place to sample and purchase various types of traditional Chinese tea. Many shops offer tastings.
📸 📸 Photography
The traditional architecture, bustling market lanes, and vibrant food stalls offer endless photo opportunities. The area near Yu Garden is also picturesque.
Crowds can make photography challenging, especially on weekends. Visiting during off-peak hours or being patient can help capture great shots.
You can find traditional knights for photos, adding a unique historical element to your pictures.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the architectural details. Evenings can be atmospheric with the lights.
Yes, food stalls are a highlight! Capturing the vibrant colors and preparation of the street food makes for excellent photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the crowds can be overwhelming, visiting during off-peak hours can make it more manageable. The adjacent Yu Garden also offers a more tranquil space for families to relax. Be sure to keep a close eye on children in crowded areas.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1For shopping, be prepared to bargain in the market stalls to get the best prices on handicrafts and souvenirs. While some items might be pricier, with a little negotiation, you can find great deals. The bazaar itself is free to enter, making it an affordable way to experience Shanghai's culture.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the vibrant street food displays and the unique handicrafts. The area around Yu Garden also offers picturesque views. Consider visiting in the late afternoon to capture the transition to evening lights for a different ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Old Shanghai
Walking through the bazaar feels like stepping onto a movie set, with its picturesque scenery and bustling energy. It's a place where you can truly feel the pulse of old Shanghai. The contrast between the ancient structures and the modern commercial activity is fascinating, offering a unique cultural experience.
For those interested in history and culture, Yuyuan Bazaar is a must-visit. It provides an authentic glimpse into the city's past while offering a dynamic present-day experience. The blend of historical aesthetics and vibrant commerce makes it a captivating destination for any traveler.
Culinary Adventures at Yuyuan Bazaar
+1Many visitors rave about the sheer variety and deliciousness of the food available. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample local specialties that you might not find elsewhere. Don't be afraid to try new things; the experience of discovering these unique flavors is part of the adventure.
Beyond the iconic snacks, you can also find traditional Chinese tea houses and small restaurants offering a more relaxed dining experience. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a meal, the culinary offerings at Yuyuan Bazaar are a highlight of any visit.
Shopping for Treasures
For those interested in adornments, the gold and jewelry industry is particularly prosperous here, with numerous shops selling exquisite gold earrings, necklaces, and rings. The Yuyuan Fashion Street offers a mix of daily supplies and modern handicrafts, alongside cafes and snack vendors.
Bargaining is a common practice in many of the smaller stalls, adding an interactive element to your shopping experience. Remember to be polite and enjoy the negotiation process to find the best deals on your treasures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit