Shanghai is home to 20 million people, and the blend of old and new is slowly losing its balance. Already many sites and antiquated buildings are being demolished you can still see this Shanghai cathedral.
Dongjiadu Shanghai Cathedral
Now I know there is the “traditional Shanghai Old Street” and the Old Town, but don’t miss out on the Dongjiadu community. From the “Shanghai Old Street” take a long walk south on Henan Road (or a taxi) until it intersects Zhonghua Zhong Rd. Then go east, along Zhonghua Zhong until Dongjiadu Rd which will bring you to the Dongjiadu Cathedral. Built by the Spanish Jesuits, this Shanghai cathedral architecture seems out of place, and it is the oldest church in Shanghai.
Dongjiadu Fabric Stores
While visiting this Shanghai cathedral check out the shops selling fabric along Dongjiadu. In 2006 most of the fabric traders were moved about 500 meters to the new modern location of the Shanghai South Bund Soft-Spinning Material Market (399 Lujiabang Road). Some Dongjiadu Road stores still sell fabric and in a much more genuine atmosphere. These are the vendors who did not make the move to the 3-story new indoor fabric market venue, perhaps because they couldn’t afford it. However this area is much less tourist-ridden, and you can get better prices here, as well as a good old smelly, dirty, loud, and traditional Shanghai experience. Don’t forget to bargain. Some of the stores can tailor make your clothes.
Shanghai Junk Market
On your return north towards the more touristy area of the Old Street go on the east side, along the river. Follow Zhonghua Rd until it becomes Renmin Lu. At the corner of Zhonghua and Fuxing East Rd, there is an interesting junk market with electronic appliances, shoes sold by the pound and second-hand items. Continue to Renmin Lu, to see open storefronts with interesting goods, displayed on the streets. This should bring you back to familiar ground.
Mid-week is always better crowd-wise, and between 08:30 -18:00.
