10 Reasons to go to Tianzifang

Tianzifang might not be your first choice of places to check out on a free day, but maybe you should give it another chance. This back alley shop area is, yes, filled with tourists and teenagers taking photos, but there are plenty of reasons why. Here are 10 reasons to go check out Tianzifang.  

HEY TEA

Okay, okay. Hey Tea isn’t exactly in Tianzifang, but it’s right across the street. It’s worth mentioning because you’ll almost certainly notice the sprawling line of people waiting 2+ hours just to get a cup of cheese tea.

Toy Shops

Whether or not you’re actually interested in toys, there sure are a lot to choose from in Tianzifang. Robots, gag gifts, gadgets, it’s a toy wonderland for kids and adults!

Leather Shops

If you’re looking for a leather bag, holy hell you’ve come to the right place. While the fake markets specialize in shiny new pleather-ish bags, a couple of spots in Tianzifang have some real rustic, worn, amazing leather items up for grabs.

Pizza

Well yea, of course if there’s pizza available, any spot is instantly more attractive. Tianzifang has NY Style, which is pretty damn good.

Papercut portraits

Want a unique gift or just something to weird-out your new girlfriend/boyfriend? Here’s the perfect option!  

Outdoor Bars

What could be better than sitting outside and drinking a beer? There are a few decent little spots to do just that in Tianzifang, although you might have to pay about RMB 10 more than average (tourist prices).

Kommune Café

Don’t confuse this place with Commune Social, they’re not the same. BUT. Kommune Café is a great little spot for coffee, breakfast, a beer, or just a nice place to waste an afternoon people watching and reading a book. Fun fact, they've been here for more than 15 years.

Art

There are a whole slew of little art shops, galleries and displays around Tianzifang.

Interior Decorating Shops

Tianzifang is surrounded by some pretty kick ass furnture/interior decoration stores. You can get unique, one-of-a-kind items to make your living space look like that of a world explorer (or at the very least, get something from somewhere besides IKEA for once).

LIULI CHINA Museum

LIULI CHINA Museum is another one that’s not technically in tianzifang, it’s across the street. Close enough. This amazing space was founded back in April of, 2006. It’s known for having some truly unique collections but MOST OF ALL: the museum is known for its strange feather looking things on the side of the building that turn pink, purple and blue at night.

Good for Photos

If ALL ELSE FAILS, and none of this stuff interests you, it’s always a scenic spot to take some great photos.

Related Articles