Editor's Note:

This year is the 21st anniversary of the opening of the Shanghai metro. The subway has facilitated more than 13 billion journeys during its 21 years, and half of Shanghai citizens cite the metro as their favored mode of transport. To commemorate the anniversary, each week the Global Times will take an in-depth look at one metro station and its surroundings. In the case of downtown stations, we will focus on points of interest within walking distance; while for suburban areas, we will cast our net a little wider.

Tiantong Road Station, located on metro lines 10 and 12 in Hongkou district, often suffers from its close proximity to Yuyuan Garden and Nanjing Road East, two of Shanghai's most famous landmarks. But while the neighborhood surrounding Tiantong Road Station is perhaps best-known for the bustling wholesale clothing market situated above it on Qipu Road (often jokingly referred to as "Cheap Road"), the area also boasts several less hectic attractions, including the Shanghai Post Museum and the former home of one of the city's most famous artists.

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Qipu Road market

As one of Shanghai's most active markets, looking for bargains on Qipu Road is probably the closest one can get to wholesale shopping without actually visiting factories. Here one can find clothes for all ages, as well as shoes, accessories, bags, swimwear, cosmetics and children's toys. Visitors who tire of shopping can also enjoy a wide array of beauty services right in the market, including manicures and hair extensions.

The market centers around four large, air-conditioned buildings which stand at the intersection of Qipu Road and Henan Road North. The Old Xingwang building, located at Exit 1 of Tiantong Road Station, is a good place to start. The basement is filled with shoes and replicas of branded wallets and bags. Other levels feature trendy and fashionable clothing items bearing a host of local and foreign brand names. There is also a food hall on the fifth floor.

The building joins with an adjacent shopping center, the New Xingwang, via an enclosed bridge on the second and third floors.

Of course, being a wholesale market, the quality of the items on offer varies greatly. One should also be extremely wary of claims of product authenticity.

Tips for visiting the Qipu Road market：

The market runs most days from 7 am to 5:30 pm, although visitors who want to avoid the most crowded periods should go during weekdays.

Bargaining is necessary and be prepared to bargain hard. Before agreeing to any transaction, check all products carefully and thoroughly.

Try not to show too much interest in any particular product; even if you are actually very keen on purchasing it. If a shop owner detects interest, bargaining can be very difficult. If the owner doesn't budge in terms of price, give up and walk away; since shopkeepers will normally beckon you back with a much lower price. If a shopkeeper doesn't agree to your price, don't lose heart; since the item you want can probably be found at another shop.

Keep close watch on your mobile phone, wallet and other belongings, particularly in crowded areas.

Shanghai Post Museum

From Exit 2 of Tiantong Road Station, one can easily reach the Shanghai Post Museum at the intersection of Tiantong Road and Sichuan Road North.

Shanghai Post Museum is a historic landmark in Shanghai. Photos: Hu Bei/GT and Xinhua

 

Originally built in 1924, the 51-meter-tall edifice which houses the museum features a host of European design elements, including Corinthian columns and statues of Greek gods. On top, a baroque clock tower stands majestically over the road below and the building's rooftop garden.

After extensive renovations, the building was reopened to the public in 2006, when it was designated as a historic landmark.

Inside one can find not only a functioning post office, but also the first post museum in China. On display are stamps dating from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). There is also a recreated horse-drawn mail carriage from the late Qing period and an antique mail truck used in the 1910s. These and other relics offer a glimpse into Chinese history through the development of its mail system.

The museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm, every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

After visiting the museum, one can leave via the exit on Suzhou Road North for a stroll along Suzhou Creek.

Artist's former home

A few minutes' walk north from Exit 6, one can see two parallel rows of shikumen (a traditional stone lane house) on Shanxi Road North. There (Lane 12, 457 Shanxi Road North), stands a historic treasure which even many Shanghainese are unaware of: the former residence of Wu Changshuo (1844-1927) (pictured below).

Wu was a prominent artist during the late Qing Dynasty and is noted to this day for his traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy works and seals.

In 1913, Wu moved into the brick home when he was 69 years old. There he lived until his death at age 84. During his life, Wu often met with friends in his residence. Most of those he entertained were also important Chinese artists, like Qi Baishi (1864-1957).

Nowadays, the nearly 100-year-old building is still occupied by local people.