Editor's note: Shanghai is promoting the development of the "youth economy", which encompasses products and services shaped by the lifestyles, preferences, and spending habits of younger consumers.

As part of this series, we showcase small and distinctive shops across the city that reflect how young people shop, socialize, and unwind today. This edition spotlights the Wujiaochang shopping area in Yangpu district.

Wujiaochang shopping area

Wujiaochang is a bustling shopping area in Yangpu that has been transformed over the past two decades into a major commercial hub, featuring a mix of open-air retail complexes and corporate headquarters.

According to data from the Consumer Market Big Data Laboratory (Shanghai), total consumption in the Wujiaochang shopping area increased 24.1 percent year on year in 2025, the highest growth among Shanghai's seven shopping areas with annual spending exceeding 10 billion yuan (about $1.45 billion).

Below are several stores popular among young visitors.

Jishi Orange Tea

Jishi Orange Tea specializes in citrus-inspired beverages and lifestyle products centered around oranges and pomelos. Signature drinks include Sawasdee Orange, which blends Thai honey tangerine juice with green tea for a light citrus flavor. The shop also sells themed items, including citrus-scented soap, candied fruit snacks, hand cream, and orange-flavored chocolate.

Address: Room B2-42A, Hopson One, No 1099 Xiangyin Road

Apoli Itabakery

Apoli Itabakery combines traditional Italian baking techniques with a casual dining experience. The bakery offers a selection of Italian-style breads and pastries, complemented by coffee and tea beverages.

Popular items include ciabatta, Roman-style cream buns, low-temperature fermented donuts, and pastries inspired by classic Italian sweets. Drinks such as Italian-style coffee and Sicilian lemon tea are available to pair with the baked goods.

Address: Room L1-10, Hopson One, No 1099 Xiangyin Road

OCE

OCE (Original Color Edition) is a lifestyle brand founded in 2014 that focuses on simple, neutral-toned products for everyday living. The store at Hopson One covers about 2,600 square meters. The interior uses a white base palette, curved shelving, and wooden fixtures inspired by Scandinavian design. Inside, visitors will find a curated selection of home textiles, tableware, stationery, kitchen items, and decorative objects, along with men's, women's, and children's clothing made primarily from cotton and linen. Shoes, bags, and small furniture pieces complete the thoughtfully designed lifestyle collection.

Address: Room B1-43A, Hopson One, No 1099 Xiangyin Road

TA Climbing

TA Climbing is a haven for both beginners and seasoned climbers. The 288-sq-m indoor space features three climbing walls, each offering routes of varying difficulty to challenge and inspire climbers of all skill levels.

The interior adopts a minimalist industrial style, with clearly defined climbing areas and seating spaces where visitors can rest and socialize after training. The store also hosts climbing competitions and community events, making it a gathering place for local climbing enthusiasts.

Address: South Zone, 8F, Bailian Youyicheng, No 8 Songhu Road

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and the venues mentioned above