The 2025 Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season is in full swing, and Tianzifang, an alley with a long history, rich culture, and brimming with local characteristics, has emerged as one of the city's liveliest corners.

Its newly refreshed lanes are attracting crowds, with many international travelers falling in love with this blend of old Shanghai charm and new creative energy. From traditional flavors to quirky cultural shops, here's a guide to some of the must-visit spots.

Pongciao chocolate gift shop

Looking for the perfect Shanghai souvenir? Step into Pongciao, located right at the entrance of Tianzifang. With its bright, mood-lifting colors and macaron-style packaging, this shop is Instagram-ready from every angle. The chocolates, made from imported cocoa, come in vibrant colors and creative flavors. MBTI-themed packaging makes them ideal gifts for friends, while the store also offers creative souvenirs and handmade ice cream, perfect for carrying home a sweet memory of Shanghai.

Address: No 258 Taikang Road

Wang Jiao Lu Hao (First store in Shanghai)

Straight out of a Hong Kong movie, this dessert shop brings authentic Cantonese sweets to Shanghai. Its signature dish is the silky, pudding-like shuang pi nai, or Cantonese Steamed Milk Egg Pudding, famously loved by Hong Kong actors. At just 15 yuan (about $2) per portion, it's perfect for sharing with friends. You can even order takeaway to surprise your family with a taste of Hong Kong sweetness.

Address: Room 6A, 1F, Building 2, No 200 Taikang Road

Wei Xiang Zhai (Shanghai heritage brand)

A true Shanghai classic. Wei Xiang Zhai has been serving locals for generations, and its sesame noodles have even made it into the Michelin Guide. For just 14 yuan, you'll get a bowl generously topped with rich sesame sauce. Mix it well to release the full flavor. Add a spoonful of spicy minced pork, pair it with beef broth, or try the local specialty pork liver and kidney noodles for an authentic taste of old Shanghai.

Address: No 220 Taikang Road

Mocha Cat Cafe

Cat lovers, this one is for you. Mocha Cat Cafe is home to fluffy, friendly cats, including the star of the shop, "Snowball", a chubby white cat as soft as a marshmallow. The cafe is cozy and well-managed, with thoughtful touches like shoe covers, sanitizer, and complimentary self-service drinks. Guests can also feed the cats with treats provided by the cafe, making it an unforgettable, heartwarming experience.

Address: Back Entrance, No 20 Alley 248, Taikang Road

Yi Ben Hao Su

This boutique specializes in Shanghai-style pastries such as the famous butterfly cookies. Beyond the sweets, it's also a must-visit for collectors, offering a free art-style souvenir stamp. The bold pop-art design combines modern icons like the Oriental Pearl Tower with historic sites like the City God Temple, perfectly capturing Shanghai's dual character: fast-paced cosmopolitan and yet steeped in tradition.

Address: No 45 Alley 248, Taikang Road

Blan Bunny's Plant Kingdom

Step into a fairy-tale world dedicated to rabbits. Blan Bunny offers beautiful tea sets, jewelry, fragrances, and complimentary tea tastings. Visitors can also join its popular stamp collection activity: complete three stamps (tasting, purchase, sharing) to receive a delicate tea strainer, plus enjoy a 10 percent discount (limited to 100 people daily). Unsurprisingly, this whimsical shop has become a favorite among international visitors.

Address: No 35 Alley 155, Middle Jianguo Road

3 Card Studio

In an age of instant messaging, 3 Card Studio revives the art of writing. Surrounded by handmade cards, stamps, and postcards, you may be inspired to pen a note to your future self. The shop also offers symbolic keepsakes such as fragrance sachets, Shanghai-themed postcards, and fridge magnets, perfect for travelers looking to bring home something meaningful.

Address: Nos 3-6 Alley 210, Taikang Road

Butter%

A dessert shop with a loyal local following, Butter% is known for its sugar-free sweets. Its retro interiors are always buzzing, with guests flocking in for the sought-after matcha cake. The flavor is bold, slightly bitter, and distinctly tea-forward, rich without the guilt. The shop now also offers a low-sugar version based on customer feedback, but either way, you'll want to order fast before it sells out.

Address: 1F, No 147 Middle Jianguo Road

Sources: Official WeChat accounts of the publicity department of the CPC Huangpu district committee at "shhuangpu" and Blan Bunny