Shanghai's best markets for plants and flowers on the cheap

Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe (Hongqiao Flower Market)

'A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.' Unless that thing is flowers, in which case the beauty doesn't last quite that long. Still, if you want to spruce up your place with a pop of colour or add a little bit of green to your office desk, these are the best places to make it happen. Read on for our picks of the best plant and flower markets in Shanghai. 

(Go early if you can – these places tend to close earlier than their officially listed hours.)

Meilong Flower and Bird Market

Photograph: Yu Zhiming

Close to Jinjiang Action Park to the southwest of the city, this market may not be exactly what you’d consider conveniently located. However, its leafy aisles stock blooming flowers like hydrangea, azalea and camellia, and more towards the front, have greens and pitcher plants, native to Southeast Asia, hanging from the ceiling. There is also a succulents vendor whose shop stocks dozens of varieties ranging from 5RMB to thousands of RMB.

📍166 Yimei Lu, near Longli Lu (6410 5488). 7am-7pm daily. 

Hongqiao Flower Market

Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe

Hongqiao Flower Market feels like an IKEA, only dedicated to all things green. The massive space (20,000 square metres) sells potted plants, cut and artificial flowers as well as home decor. The vibe here is more flowers for decoration than get-your-hands-dirty in the yard, however with friendly vendors and a huge parking area, Hongqiao remains a favourite. 

📍599 Jinhui Lu, near Hongsong Lu (5117 3882). 8.30am-6pm daily. 

Lanling Flower and Bird Market

Photograph: Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Located in a residential area in Putuo District, this huge market is incredibly well organised: flower pots are nicely arranged and prices are hand written on pieces of cardboard with plant names, origins and tips for maintenance. What makes it well worth a trip is that many shops specialise in one type of plant (orchids, miniature bonsais or peonies, for example), giving the feeling that vendors know and love what they do here. 

📍1539 Lingshi Lu, near Nanhuayuan Lu (5635 9736). 8am-6pm daily. 

Wanshang Flower and Bird Market

Photograph: John-Mark Smith via Unsplash

Wanshang is a real hustle and bustle with birds chirping, vendors shouting and shoppers haggling. It feels more like a hub where seniors hang out and meet others who share their pastime interests, like bird keeping or cricket fighting. Flower stalls are small and passages cramped, and while there's only a limited supply of flowers and plants, it’s still worth a visit for a slice of old Shanghai life. 

📍417 Xizang Nan Lu, near Fangbang Xi Lu (6336 3530). 8am-5.30pm. 

Shuangji Floriculture

Photograph: Yu Zhiming

Located not far from central Pudong, Shuangji Flower Market is a huge space, with potted flowers and plants on the east side and cut flowers on the west. Walking into the space feels like wandering through a botanical garden. While the prices of potted flowers may not be as good, the trees and greenery are an unexpected bargain. There are also shops specialising in flowerpots, offering a variety of designs that go with different types of plants.   

📍1122 Yanggao Nan Lu, near Pujian Lu, Pudong (5090 3199). 8am-7pm daily. 

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