Beneath Shanghai's modern exterior lies a maze of underground markets. If you know where to look, these hidden spots offer a wild mix of finds: deep-discounted replica brands, Mao-era memorabilia, and century-old antiquities. Enter stage left Shanghai’s Old Book Market, previously dubbed the Wenmiao Book Market 文庙旧书市场 and situated next to the Shanghai Confucius Temple.

Interested in other Shanghai antique markets? READ MORE: Juqi Antique Market – A Hoarder's Dream, A Minimalist's Nightmare

What is the Shanghai Old Book Market

Located on the fourth floor of the Fumin Shangsha (福民商厦) building on Fuyou Road, the historic Shanghai Old Book Market has recently reopened as an every Sunday market, welcoming a steady stream of visitors eager to explore offerings of a bygone Shanghai era.

Unlike your typical literary market, the space is a blend of nostalgia and curiosity, showcasing an array of vintage books, magazines, comics, illustrated pocketsize children’s books, Maoist literature, and various curios and relics of yore. For those intrigued by the remnants of China’s literary past or simply in search of unusual collectibles, this market serves as a fascinating destination.

A Bit of History

Historically, the Shanghai Old Book Market has roots that date back to the mid 1980s, initially emerging as a place for vendors to sell used books and other printed materials from throughout China’s history. Over the years, it has evolved into a haven for collectors, historians, and casual browsers alike. In 2020, the market was forced to close during COVID and remained so until earlier this year. The market has faced challenges, particularly from urban development, but its recent reopening signifies a revival of interest in this unique cultural space.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a mix of notable items, with a strong emphasis on, as you may have guessed by the market’s name, vintage and rare books. The stalls are often filled with old Maoist texts, Communist propaganda, and other publications from the mid-20th century. For those interested in the historical context of China, these books provide a glimpse into China’s past. Additionally, visitors can peruse a variety of knick-knacks, trinkets, and souvenirs – antique postcards, vintage maps, ceramic pottery, family heirlooms, jade jewelry, and other collectibles that add to the market’s charm.

The market’s demographic leans toward older visitors chasing echoes of their youth, yet younger generations also weave through the stalls, captivated by the romance of bygone print in our hyper-digital world."

While the market may not host events or readings like your typical book market, its allure lies in the stories behind the items for sale. Many vendors are knowledgeable about their wares and can share insights into the significance of these remnants of China's literary history, providing cultural and historical context to your browsing.

How to Visit

Logistically, the Shanghai Old Book Market is conveniently situated near Yuyuan Gardens and accessible to both locals and tourists. It looks like nothing from the front, just a regular market full of household items you most likely would just buy on Taobao these days – paper goods, electric plugs, cleaning supplies, and the like. 

But take the escalator past the weekend shuttered antique shops to the fourth floor, and you’ll uncover a sprawling indoor “garage sale” of sorts, replete with stacks of worn books, piles of fading photographs, rusting coins, wrinkled calligraphy scrolls, hand-painted one-of-a-kind fans, magazines from the 1920s with curling edges, and so much more.

Open every Sunday, the market operates from 6am-5pm making it an easy stop for anyone exploring the city. Do note that the market is at its busiest in the wee hours of the early morning, so make sure to stop in before lunch to ensure you have the best chance of finding what you’re looking for at the best (and most auspicious) selling price. The market’s location on Fuyou Road is central, a few minutes’ walk from the Yuyuan Garden metro stop Exit 7, allowing for easy access via public transportation. The market is free to visit.

As the market continues to draw in those with a penchant for history and literature, it stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural artifacts. The Shanghai Old Book Market is not just a place to find old books; it’s a space where the past is kept alive through the stories embedded in its collections.

Fumin Shangxia, 福民商厦, 223 Fuyou Lu, 福佑路223号

Interested in other Shanghai antique markets? READ MORE: Juqi Antique Market – A Hoarder's Dream, A Minimalist's Nightmare