Tianzifang, Arts and crafts quarter in French Concession, Shanghai, China
Tianzifang is a neighborhood of narrow alleyways and traditional shikumen buildings that house art studios, craft shops, cafes, and boutiques. The area spreads across interconnected lanes with hundreds of shops and work spaces.
The area began to change in 1998 when an artist converted old factory buildings into studios, attracting other creative people to the neighborhood. This marked the shift from a purely residential district to an arts and crafts hub.
The neighborhood draws artists and designers who have set up studios in its narrow lanes, and you can see handmade goods, small galleries, and people actively working throughout the area.
The best time to explore is in the morning or on weekdays when it is less crowded and you can better see people working. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk through narrow, uneven alleyways throughout your visit.
The name comes from a renowned painter who based it on an ancient Chinese artist, creating a term that means workshop or creative space. This naming reflects how the neighborhood emphasized its artistic character from the start.
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