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Home » Supplement

Where to branch out and create a green space

By Tan Weiyun and Qu Zhi | August 31, 2012, Friday | Print Edition

IN the middle of an urban jungle, a hint of greenery helps bring city life a little closer to nature, with a potted cactus or a branch of orchids brightening the dullest office and most downtown home.

Here are some flower, bird and fish markets in Shanghai to check out to add some green to city life.

Hongqiao Flower andPet Fish Market

This market, located near international communities in Hongqiao area, is the first choice for many flower fans in southwest Shanghai.

Spacious and neatly aligned, Hongqiao market is one of the largest flower markets in the city, featuring pot plants, flowers, antiques, aquariums and a wide variety of equipment for gardening and fishkeeping.

The cost of a branch of orchids ranges from 35 yuan (US$5.5) to 45 yuan; a fresh seedpod of lotus costs 4 yuan; a pot of jasmine is 15 yuan and a bunch of beauty blossom - verbenaceae - is priced at around 10 yuan.

More expensive greenery includes big pots of trimmed orchids for 300 yuan, while a pot of Snow White - bromeliad - is 180 yuan.

Compared with the plants zone, the aquarium area is a little shabby, with a limited - though colorful - selection of fish, plus fishkeeping equipment.

The market has generous parking space and many stallholders speak some English.



Address: 718 Hongjing Road, near Hongsong Road

Yahong Market

With a myriad of potted landscapes, pets, Chinese handicrafts and antiques crammed into one narrow alley, Yahong is not merely a market but an insight into Chinese traditional culture.

It's also one of the best places in Shanghai to pick up miniature trees in delicate boccaro pots. Chinese potted landscapes have been famous for centuries and are often described as "soundless poetry" or "living sculpture." Many Chinese express their love of nature through creating potted landscapes.

If the array of trees and plants on offer doesn't stir visitors' senses, then the cacophony of chirping and clucking birds plus barking dogs surely will. Less vocal pet options include turtles and rabbits.

Shoppers can try their luck at the antique shops. Or they can go to the market on Fridays when temporary stalls are set up and bargains abound.

Prices depend on the quality of plants and pots. A small pot plant can cost anything between 10 yuan and 400 yuan, while a marvelous Chinese potted landscape can set customers back more than 100,000 yuan.

Turtles and birds are priced from 15 yuan to 200 yuan. And special varieties of chicken that can be raised as pets cost between 100 yuan to 150 yuan, depending on size.



Address: Changhua Road, near Kangding Road

Caojiadu Flower and Bird Market

This old-fashioned market located in the city center is a one-stop flower and bird center. Its outer area is mainly crowded with bird sellers, offering birds plus a wide range of cages, food and other equipment.

The first floor features pot plants and fresh flowers - both home-grown and imported. Booth owner are happy to give customers plant care advice.

The second floor mainly sells artificial flowers made of silk, paper or plastic. In addition, visitors can find many antiques and handicraft items on this floor.

On the third floor are many wedding supplies, as well as shops selling pets such as goldfish and turtles. Shoppers can also find various wrapping paper options on the third and fourth floors.

Bargaining is usually required as prices go up during festivals and holidays. Both retail and wholesale customers are welcome. This is also one of the trading bases for many of the city's wedding planning companies.



Address: 33 Wanhangduhou Road, near Wanhangdu Road

Hours: 9am–6pm



Wanshang Market

This is among the biggest dazzling flower and bird markets in Shanghai, covering an area of 2,600 square meters. It is the place to find almost every species and variety you could possibly imagine would show up in a flower and bird market.

As well as plants and pets, shoppers can pick up everything from retro handicrafts to bric-a-brac.

A highlight of the market is its crickets and hundreds of varieties of containers for the insects. Cricket fighting has a long history and strong tradition in China, and is particularly popular among elderly locals in Shanghai.

The traditional cricket fighting season starts in September, and there is a gathering in Wanshang Market for cricket fighting once a year.

Cricket prices ranges from 20 yuan to 10,000 yuan.

As well as crickets, other insects are also on sale as pets.

The market is full of surprises - very noisy, a bit ramshackle and filled with strange smells and sights.



Address: 417 Xizang Road, near Dongtai Road

Supplement


 

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