The fun of attending a flea market is far more than simply bargaining and dealing. Sifting through heaps of old goods, spending time looking for something long regarded as obsolete, and talking to fellow market enthusiasts all make for an interesting weekend day out.
And as the weather improves, now is the time to check out what's available in the city in terms of flea markets. And the Global Times has discovered a few events all taking place regularly during March.
In your dreams
Started in February 2012, the Dreams Flea Market takes place on the last Sunday of every month. "The market is centered around the theme of nostalgia and a refusal to succumb to the idea of luxury. And sometimes we have a sub-theme for a particular market event," initiator and organizer Yu Sisi told the Global Times. At the Dreams Flea Market, shoppers can find original pottery works, vintage jewelry and adornments, and retro-styled clothing.
"The upcoming event on March 24 (note this isn't the last Sunday of March) will also be promoted as a Pets Charity Drive Event Day, highlighting the care of abandoned cats and dogs," said Yu. From the 200 yuan fee ($23.16) paid by every vendor for their booth, 10 yuan will be donated to specific animal rescue organizations which will purchase cat and dog food with the funds. Pet lovers will also be entertained by pet sports events taking place on the day.
Yu, who was born in Beijing but now lives in Shanghai, first became fascinated by flea markets while studying in the Netherlands. She said that almost all of the items in her home at the time came from a nearby flea market. "When I settled down in Shanghai, I found that the city had a dearth of such flea markets, even though many people were interested in the idea. So that's why I set up the Dreams Flea Market," she said. And in April, she will organize a night flea market together with the graduates from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology.
Date: March 24, midday to 5 pm
Admission: Free Address: Bund Square, 810 Longhua Road East
龙华东路810号海外滩
Call 137-6435-6672 for details
Step back in time
In honor of the place our fair city once was, the 200-square-meter-or-so indoor Zhonggu Flea Market takes browsers on an atmospheric travel back through time to old Shanghai.
The goods on sale at the market trace a history from the Republic of China (1912-49) right up to the Cultural Revolution (1966-76) and these include old photos, maps, suitcases, furniture, books, clothes, antique toys and various household utensils.
"Most of the goods are genuine retro items and their value as a part of this city's heritage and culture is priceless," the flea market organizer and shop owner, surnamed Wang, told the Global Times.
Date: March 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1 pm to 5 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 110 Lintong Road
临潼路110号大院内
Call 6535-0498 for details
Basement bargains
Walking down a long stairwell to a basement in a residential building on Pingwu Road, the arrows on the wall will eventually guide you to the record store, Uptown. However, on one Saturday every month, the premises are transformed into the bustling Uptown Market.
Handmade items, fashionable jewelry and independent-name fashions can all be found at the market. The Uptown Market also features food sellers and live music played by local bands and DJs. The booth fee for sellers is 50 yuan for the day, and admission is free for shoppers.
Date: March 23, 2 pm to 7 pm
Admission: Free
Address: Basement, 115 Pingwu Road
平武路115号地下室
Call 6223-8368 for details