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):

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…...

Secret Garden
Address: 347 Zizhong Lu, near Madang Lu, near Xintiandi [all details] and Carrefour Jinqiao Shopping Mall, 555 Bi Yun Lu (Pudong)
This company is only eight months old and already a favorite amongst both the expat community and locals, we went to see what the fuss was all about. Sure enough, this little florist lives up to the hype. The shop is not jam packed with flowers but rather arrangements have been carefully selected and look exquisite. The owners will gladly guide and give advice on coordinating your bouquet. Buying a bunch of flowers has never been so enjoyable. They are also offering a valentine's promotion: the "Romance Collection," nine roses for 168rmb; the "Love Collection," 30 roses for 450rmb; or go completely flower crazy with the "Passion" collection, 99 roses for 1180. Note: deliveries both in Puxi and Pudong are not going to set you back more than 30rmb as they own a store on both sides of the river. In addition, this Valentine's, Secret Garden are offering flower arranging classes for you and your special someone in the comfort of your own home.

Rosa Gallica
Address: Ferguson Lane, 376 Wukang Lu
Tucked away down Ferguson Lane is Rosa. This is a beautiful store with more lush greenery inside than possibly the whole of Shanghai. Only six months old, this store is thriving. All flowers are imported from Kunming, making Rosa's a very special little place. Valentines bunches of roses are prepared with white mesh netting and priced at 100rmb. You can also buy an unusual Valentine wreath for 45rmb. Delivery will cost between 15-50rmb.

Au Nom de la Rose
Address: 122 Jianguo Xi Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu [all details]
This famous French chain deals specifically in roses and offers the flower in a variety of packages and bouquets. Prices range from 128rmb and higher for bouquets and they also offer several imported rose-related products. If you looking for several different varieties and colors of roses to put together a Valentine's Day bouquet, head on down and see the experts.

Online Flower Shops

If however, the freezing climates have forced you into a state of hibernation then not to worry, there is an alternative way of purchasing a beautiful bouquet whilst still sitting in your thermals in the comfort of your own home. There are a few online flower shops, most are foreign sites though that have florist connections in Shanghai. Check these out.

www.yaoflowers.com – Priced in US Dollars, and far more expensive than florists and markets in Shanghai are Web sites like Yao Flowers. Purchasing is simple, with the choice of buying extras like a vases or teddy bears at the click of a button. 4 roses, 4 champagne roses, and 2 pink lilies will set you back 54 USD. It's purchasing without the hassle but all the fun's taken out of it.

www.shanghai-flowers.com - Based in Shanghai, this site has a virtual flower shop where you can interactively choose the different flowers you want for your bunch. Be warned though: the photo quality is not that good. This site also offers other gifts too in addition to a bouquet. Singing telegram anyone?

Photo by Charlie Xia (currently on exhibition and for sale at Art Labor).

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