The first thing that makes people fall in love with Shanghai is probably its overwhelming night life – parties on tops of skyscrapers, variety of people, music, clubs. At least that’s how it was with me. However, after a while there comes a time when you feel like you need more tranquility and break from this glittery razzle – dazzle. Fortunately, there are a few places in Shanghai where you can feel the slower, more relaxed rhythm of life – and Jiashan Market is one of them.
The first time I found myself at Jiashan market was my first spring in Shanghai when I joined the outdoor yoga group on meetup.com and Jiashan market was one of our spots. Later turned out that it is also a cosy , teeny – tiny market place for basically all kinds of Shanghai based entrepreneurs : from healthy food, through quesadillas, hand made jewellery and other accessories, home made food, cleansing juices and to even my favorite brand of natural cosmetics – Lalu food for skin. Since all the brands are trying to get more customers, you are sure to be nicely surprised with some great bargains.
Jiashan market takes place twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, from 11 to 4 pm. The entrance is either from South Shaanxi road or Jiashan Road,and the nearest Subway station is South Shaannxi Road, line 1 or 10. When you enter the compound, especially from 550 South Shaanxi Road, you will most probably be welcomed by the .... laundry hanging right over your head, but as you move on and pass local food vendors, selling all shapes and sizes of fish,meat and veggies, you will find the destination - the hidden lane 37. I bet once you try, at least a monthly visit to Jiashan Market will become one of your favorite Shanghai habits.