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[SmartShop] Flowers
Bloomin' marvellous flowers in Shanghai - By Laura, Feb 05, 08
Stuck in Shanghai for CNY we find ourselves huddled like penguins under the bleak winter sky, miserable and cold, fearing for the survival of our frozen little toes. And yet¡ and yet ¡ scattered around this concrete jungle lies the answer to bringing back color and warmth into our homes -- flowers!
With Valentines Day fast approaching, flowers are a sure ticket to receive a smile and possibly something more from your significant other. Of course, amongst the rubies and gems of the flower world are a number of florists that charge excessively high prices for a standard bouquet or lack variety in their flower selection, and finding flowers to fit your taste and budget can be a hassle.
SmartShanghai has trawled the snowy streets of Shanghai to find you the perfect flowers for Valentine's. Here's our pick of the bunch (pun proudly intended):
Yongjia Flower Market
Address: 406 South Shanxi Lu [map & taxi printout]
A small flower market but in a good location, Yongjia is about 10 minutes from Shanxi Metro. It has approximately 20 stalls, fewer English speakers and less of a buzz than the larger flower markets in the city. If that doesn't dissuade you, you'll notice Yongjia flower market does have its pluses. The prices are reasonable at 30rmb for a bunch of roses (10 stems), but be warned, the creativity of the bouquet is far from exciting. Perhaps add some lilies to a bunch for an extra 40rmb to spice up a traditional bouquet. Delivery around Puxi works out at 20rmb extra. To Pudong it's an extra 50rmb.
Hongqiao Bird and Flower Market
Address: 718 Hongjing Lu
The Mecca of Flower Markets. Walk under the stone archway and head towards the warehouse in front of you. If this place doesn't sell the flower you're looking for, there's a strong possibility it never existed. From cut flowers to herbs and potted plants, Hongqiao has everything and at reasonable prices. You'll pay around 130rmb for a decent sized bouquet of roses, but haggling it down to 100rmb shouldn't be too problematic. Every stall also offers delivery services but prices are pretty steep. To Puxi expect to pay an extra 70rmb while Pudong addresses are looking at around 100rmb extra.
With Valentines Day fast approaching, flowers are a sure ticket to receive a smile and possibly something more from your significant other. Of course, amongst the rubies and gems of the flower world are a number of florists that charge excessively high prices for a standard bouquet or lack variety in their flower selection, and finding flowers to fit your taste and budget can be a hassle.
SmartShanghai has trawled the snowy streets of Shanghai to find you the perfect flowers for Valentine's. Here's our pick of the bunch (pun proudly intended):
Flower Markets
Of course, a great starting point for flowers is one of the many flower markets in the city. These are almost always located inside some sort of warehouse and provide both quantity and the opportunity to bargain for prices. If indeed you do view bargaining as an "opportunity" and not as an ungodly ordeal, here are a few flower market options:Yongjia Flower Market
Address: 406 South Shanxi Lu [map & taxi printout]
A small flower market but in a good location, Yongjia is about 10 minutes from Shanxi Metro. It has approximately 20 stalls, fewer English speakers and less of a buzz than the larger flower markets in the city. If that doesn't dissuade you, you'll notice Yongjia flower market does have its pluses. The prices are reasonable at 30rmb for a bunch of roses (10 stems), but be warned, the creativity of the bouquet is far from exciting. Perhaps add some lilies to a bunch for an extra 40rmb to spice up a traditional bouquet. Delivery around Puxi works out at 20rmb extra. To Pudong it's an extra 50rmb.
Hongqiao Bird and Flower Market
Address: 718 Hongjing Lu
The Mecca of Flower Markets. Walk under the stone archway and head towards the warehouse in front of you. If this place doesn't sell the flower you're looking for, there's a strong possibility it never existed. From cut flowers to herbs and potted plants, Hongqiao has everything and at reasonable prices. You'll pay around 130rmb for a decent sized bouquet of roses, but haggling it down to 100rmb shouldn't be too problematic. Every stall also offers delivery services but prices are pretty steep. To Puxi expect to pay an extra 70rmb while Pudong addresses are looking at around 100rmb extra.
Florists
There are millions of fresh flower shops around the city and many of them are run by English speakers. Here are our favourites
The Duck
Feb 09, 08
great article! this is top quality journalism if ever i saw it!
trotte
Feb 09, 08
I looOOooOOooOve Secret Garden, orgeous compositions for cheap prices and really professional -and cute- florists ^^
hailey
Feb 12, 08
Well done,Laura!
zengyan
Dec 14, 09
This site is not bad
http://www.flowerstocn.com/
http://www.flowerstocn.com/
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