No matter the age, your families' creative side can be indulged by a walk down Fuzhou Lu. Start at Raffles City and meander your way towards The Bund, stopping at the many arts and crafts boutique, and bookstores along the way. To get you started, here are the five places we like to visit when hanging out in Shanghai's cultural street. So, take the time to get amongst the atmosphere, stop for a coffee along the way and pick up a new book or pen set while you're there.
1. KeyRoad Stationery
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Not your standard stationery store, KeyRoad is slightly more eclectic with reasonable prices on a vast range of notepads, pens, paints, folders and other hidden gems. It's bright, clean and feels new inside, with all items neatly packaged. If you're looking for something unusual and fun, check this place out.
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2. Shanghai Foreign Language Bookstore
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This institution is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Fuzhou Lu. Spread out over four floors, you'll find English language books and magazines along with a diverse selection of gifts. 'Kidsunion' is a whole floor dedicated to children's books, and there is something for every child here. Learning books, the Usborne collection, Roald Dahl, Ladybird Tales, Geronimo Stilton and many more, are available at reasonable prices. The bottom floor houses books on travel, cooking, health and lifestyle along with popular novels. There is also a small cafe inside, perfect to relax in while you flip through a magazine or new book purchase. Spending time here is reminiscent of bookstore browsing rarely undertaken these days, so if you enjoy enjoy this pastime, be sure to indulge an afternoon here.
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3. Baixin Stationery Store
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With over 100 years of history, this quaint stationery houses a beautifully-presented range of calligraphy pens and ink, cards, puzzles, ribbons, notes and much, much more. You'll be surprised how long you spend browsing through every well-stocked corner, no doubt finding many artisanal items along the way. There is a small coffee shop along with bathrooms, which are perfect for a rest before you continue along the street. If you're looking for a thoughtful gift, this is the place to go.
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4. Yixin Stationery Supplies
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Differing from the other established stores, this is a genuine local business. Located on the corner of Fuzhou Lu and Shanxi Nan Lu, you'll see a shoe repairer set up out front on various days through the week. With a comprehensive range including pens, pencils, highlighters, paint, folders and notebooks, this shop is full of items you never knew you needed and will have you coming back in the future. If you want a cheap place to go for odds and ends, don't overlook this diamond in the rough.
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5. Manyong's Four Treasures of the Study
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This small local store covers all your needs when it comes to stone seals, calligraphy supplies, Chinese scrolls and framing. There is no English here, so you may need your best charades to get through anything complicated. Otherwise, browse around and buy what you need. If you are after some traditional supplies to get into the Chinese spirit, then find your way here.
See listing for Manyong's Four Treasures of the Study
[Cover image via Pexels]
