Visitors to the bustling Chinese city of Shanghai should make it a point to explore the intriguing Dongtai Road. If you enjoy shopping or have an interest in antiques and knick-knacks this location will prove to be a delightful area to investigate. The actual antique market at this location is in fact only approximately 200 metres in length, but it includes more than 100 kiosks and stands of different sizes offering an amazing selection of merchandise.
Essentially an al fresco flea market, this is a place where you will find all kinds of curios and antiques, although these are not necessarily priceless original items. However the sheer variety of merchandise will entrance the visitor, with quaint and mysterious objects like old paintings, bamboo creations, jade items, calligraphy brushes, bronze ware, old coins, antique fans, bird cages, apparel, lighters, sculptures, badges, accessories and much more.
Apart from the mesmeric array of fascinating items for sale, the unique ambience and quaint atmosphere of this environment make it an appealing place to visit. The sights and sounds of Dongtai Road present an authentic insight into the everyday life of the local residents. You will see people of the older generation indulging in a game of mah-jong or cards at street corners, occasionally raising their voices in excitement. In front of the kiosks and stalls the visitor will see shoppers arguing and haggling over the merchandise.
Historical records indicate that this road was originally constructed in 1902 when the throne was occupied by the Qing Dynasty Emperor Guangxu. In its early days this avenue was a place for meeting and socializing whilst having breakfast and morning tea. The Chinese are known for their fondness for collecting curios and antiques since times of old, and people would bring their collections along to swap goods and trade ideas. Gradually antique boutiques started to appear and Dongtai Road began to become a popular marketplace for antique lovers. With so much to see and experience a visit to Dongtai Road will never disappoint.
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Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
