Update: Yashow Market is currently closed for refurbishment. It is expected to reopen in the spring of 2015, with a much glossier look and less of its current stall holders. Read more
Along with Hongqiao and the Silk Market (Xiushui), Yashow is one of the most tourist-heavy markets in the city, but it’s also one of the best if you want (fake) jeans, bags, shoes, a good tailor or a gift to take home to your friends.
The market spans five levels: there are leather goods in the basement, clothes and DVDs on the ground and first floors, then pashminas, table runners and such, electronic goods and jewellery above that. Paper fans and umbrellas, kites and silk photo albums are all for sale.
The girls running the stalls (often no older than 16 or 17) are feisty but fun and if you’re polite but know what prices you should be paying, you should walk away with an armful of bargains.
