Shopping Beneath Your Feet
By: Ai mei
Shanghai is one of those cities that’s a nonstop shopping heaven. (I know because I live here!) From designer wear at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall, cheap bargains at Qipu Road Wholesalers Market, to the boutique stores at Chang Le Road; shopping opportunities are endless in this part of the world. You name it, they have it.
The only thing that can ruin a shopaholic’s day is when it rains. Walking down the street in a pour can be an unpleasant experience. There is no shelter, hailing a taxi is somewhat impossible and the Metro can be a distant walk from wherever you may be. I have had my fair share of wet shopping experiences, so when it rains I stay home, pop in a DVD and sip my cup of hot Chinese tea.
However, do not be discouraged as I’ve recently discovered a whole new shopping experience just beneath our feet - Underground Shopping Arcades to shield us from the rain! These underground havens are clean, stocked with heaps of merchandise and are easily accessible. Underground shopping arcades are usually located at a Metro line subway station. Most importantly, especially for bargain hunters, haggling is allowed. Bring lots of currency as payment is ‘CASH ONLY’.
Put on your comfortable shoes and visit some of these underground hot spots!
Yi Mei Mall at Jing’an Temple
Known to many as the place to get cheap manicures and fake eyelashes, this mall is across the street from Jiu Guang Sogo Department Store or Jing An Temple Station Exit 5. The two-level mini shopping arcade offers fashionable clothing from Hong Kong and Korea with many Korean-inspired accessories, makeup, shoes and even face products available.
Yatai Shenghui Underground Shopping Centre
Yatai Shenghui Underground Shopping Square, is at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Metro station (Exit 7 and 8). Many of the former Xiangyang market vendors were forced to relocate here after the market was closed at Huai Hai road. Famous for selling imitation merchandise and inexpensive souvenirs, most of the vendors sell pretty much the same thing. The funny thing is that it is located beneath a government building! My advice is to bring a Chinese friend and haggle your way for a bargain.
Pictures Courtesy of Baidu.com
People’s Square Underground Shopping Centre
Named as Famous Brands Street, it is connected to the People’s Square Station at Exit 1. This arcade is bursting with small fashion boutiques and cartoon-inspired shops. It also offers brands such as Nike, Adidas, Converse and Kappa for sporty shoppers. The fun does not stop even at the very end of the Famous Brands Street. It connects to another underground shopping area – D’mall. This place is a maze of shops selling clothes and fashion accessories at cheap prices.
Pictures Courtesy of Baidu.com
Zhongshan Park Underground Shopping Centre
As if we have not had enough of Paris Spring and Cloud Nine shopping malls, there is a new refurbished underground shopping arcade at Exit 3 of Zhongshan Park subway station. Walk through the long corridor and you will find a vast collection of clothes, bags, accessories and home products.
