4 of Shanghai's best glasses markets for a quick set of frames
Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe (3 Yeh Optical City)
For all you shortsighted people out there (and farsighted too), these markets are for you. With rows and rows of shops selling glasses in all shapes and colours, there's bound to be one that catches your eye. Here, we've rounded up four great glasses markets selling all things eyewear.
Shanghai International Eyewear City
Photograph: Scott Van Daalen via Unsplash
As a massive three-storey shopping centre filled with nothing but lenses, frames, glasses and the like, this eyewear ‘city’ pretty much lives up to its name. If variety is what you’re after, Eyewear City has countless options to choose from among the three busy floors.
📍1688 Zhongxing Lu, near Hengfeng Lu (5679 7266). 9am-8pm daily.
3 Yeh Optical City, Pudong
Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe
The Pudong branch of this eyewear market occupies a single floor of Oriental Book City near the recently opened L+ Mall close to Lujiazui. The atmosphere is calm and quiet – great for those who prefer a laid-back, no pressure shopping experience. Service at 3 Yeh, Pudong is friendly and attentive, with vendors who speak basic English selling all things eyewear like lenses, frames, glasses and sunglasses.
📍First Floor, Oriental Book City, 660 Shangcheng Lu, near Nanquan Bei Lu, Pudong (6888 9279). 10am-8pm (Mon-Thu); 10am-9pm (Fri-Sun).
Sunmoon Eyeglasses City
Photograph: chuttersnap via Unsplash
This one-storey building houses a small number of vendors. English is limited here, so consider bringing along a Chinese-speaking friend to help out if needed. Compared to other markets, Sunmoon’s selection is fairly limited, but the surrounding block has plenty smaller sunglass shops.
📍555 Qingyun Lu, near Xizang Bei Lu (139 1720 9209). 8am-6pm daily.
3 Yeh Optical City, Jingan
Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe
If the Pudong branch wasn’t enough, the Jingan branch of 3 Yeh is on steroids. Bright and spacious, dozens of stalls are spread out over two floors. Unlike its Pudong counterpart, vendors here are more proactive about getting your attention. Sharpen up your bargaining skills – with the large number of vendors, you’re likely to get a price you’re comfortable with.
📍Fourth and Fifth Floors, Huanlong Plaza, 188 Moling Lu, near Meiyuan Lu (5632 1259). 9am-7pm daily.