Last updated: 2015-11-09
[Covet]: Christmas Trees
Whether you're looking to celebrate the season or maybe just in the market for a year-round centerpiece to really tie your Chinese bar together, here's a list of places to get Christmas trees.
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Whether you're looking to celebrate the season or maybe just in the market for a year-round centerpiece to really tie your Chinese bar together, here's a list of places to get Christmas trees.
There's two ways to go: first, the markets -- not bad, if you've got more time than money and enjoy the challenge of hard bargaining. Generally speaking, the markets stock good quality products, although their real Christmas trees thus far are a little disappointing -- more bush than tree. Selection is better in the stores, and if you're looking for a traditional evergreen Christmas tree, Rosa Gallica and The Secret Garden are your best bets. And then there's always the fakes. If you don't fancy the ritual scattering of needles in the carpet when the festivities are over, there are plenty of fake trees to choose from. So far, the Hongqiao and Caojiadu markets have the best selections.
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SHOPS:
The most up-market and foreigner friendly of the florists is Rosa Gallica. All prices are well marked and the assistant speaks good English, so if you aren't one for bartering in the December cold, this is the place to head to conveniently located on Ferguson Lane. The price for real trees (yes, the real deal, Chinese Christmas trees felled in the wilds of Northern China) ranges from 200rmb-900rmb depending on the size. Wreaths start at 100rmb and poinsettias (those plants with the big red flowers) are 35rmb each. They offer delivery and can plant trees in a large terracotta pot for an extra 200rmb which you can keep when you're done with the tree.
7 Donghu Lu, near Huaihai Lu. 5466 3038
The Graces Floral on Donghu Lu has real trees from abroad, but you must order them 20 days in advance and at a cost. Real trees are priced between 1000rmb and 2000rmb. Their fake tree selection is small and a 2m tree is 1200rmb. They have a few trinkets for hanging and some festive stockings.
122 Jianguo Xi Lu, near Shanxi nan Lu. 6415 3686
This small French import in the French Concession specializes in cut flowers -- worth a visit just to admire their roses and to take in that intoxicating smell. Although they speak little English they have wreaths and fake trees ranging from 300rmb-1000rmb, which they can decorate with their specialty -- roses -- and/or lights. They offer a delivery service.
Secret Garden is selling a 2m tree for 1200rmb, and you can add 300rmb to have it pre-decorated. Half the fun is decorating your Christmas tree yourself, but I guess if you're running a business or something and need something with the minimum amount of fuss, pre-decoration is the way to go. The trees are apparently imported from Norway which explains the price and can be adorned with dried fruits, cinnamon sticks and lights, should you so fancy. The Secret Garden also has the most attractive wreaths for 520rmb.
Lane 71 Mengzi Dong Lu
French speaking Lily Rose has some fake trees and wreaths for 250-350rmb. A 1m real tree is 300rmb, and they've got decorations available. They can do delivery.
Yongjia
406 Shanxi Nan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu
A small florist on the corner of Fuxing Zhong Lu is well stocked for it's size and a gem for the bargain hunter. A 2m real tree will only cost you 180rmb and a 3m tree 500rmb with prices still open to negotiation. Although they speak little to no English they are very helpful and friendly.
126 Caoxi Bei Lu
IKEA has plastic trees for 450rmb, but it's also really good for Christmas decorations. Lots of baubles, streamers, tinsel, ornaments, lights, and more. And when you get really tired of doing Christmas shopping, you're more than welcome to have a rest on their beds.
Carrefour of course has a Christmas section. The fake trees aren't the best quality, but then you only pay for what you get: 539rmb for a 2m fake tree is a good price. Their pine cone fake wreaths range from 45rmb to 68rmb, ready boxed next to the bells and tinsel. The Gubei branch of Carrefour also has the option of real plants on the third floor.
1188 Panyu Lu, near Kaixuan Lu, 64477189
You remember Holiday House. You were just there stocking up on Halloween gear. And remember when you bought your stuff at the cash register, the lady said, "We also do Christmas"? She wasn't kidding. Holiday House is well-stocked in a wide range of decorations tacky and non, and they've got a 2m fake tree for 160rmb. Their large wreath is 190rmb.
MARKETS:
718 Hongjing Lu, near Yan'an Xi Lu. 5117 3882
Set back from the road through a white archway, the Hongqiao market has all the traditional wreaths, trees, and decorations. This huge greenhouse is now looking like a rainforest meeting a Winter Wonderland. Turn right upon entering the building for fake trees, flashing lights, and all things festive and sparkly. Turn left for the cut flowers and real greenery. As with all fakes in Shanghai, some are better quality than others so shop around. A 3m fake tree could set you back as much as 3000rmb, depending on how well it's made. Poinsettias were in every stall and are cheap. Creative stall holders have taken traditional Christmas decorations and added a Chinese twist -- a wreath with chilli peppers and one made entirely of white feathers, so whatever your taste they have it all.
1148 Changshou Lu, near Wanhangdu Lu
You'll find this labyrinth of floristry on Changshou Lu. It is next to the bank, set back from the road and although it's a smaller place, it's still good to visit to stock up on cheap festive miscellany. It's like a laid-back Hongqiao. If you head up the escalator to the second floor you'll find fake trees in all shapes and sizes, ranging in price. Try a few different shops because the prices and quality vary a lot. Wreaths can be picked up for under 150rmb and real Christmas-like trees (spindly branches not ideal for hanging) are around 300-500rmb (prices open to negotiation).
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Good luck! Happy Holidays. For SmartShanghai's Christmas events and dinners listings, click here.
Main picture and picture at the top of this page copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc. 
