Magical markets! Explore Shanghai's hidden gems this May Day holiday

In the blossoming days of spring, don't miss out on these hidden gems in Shanghai, the local markets. Whether you're drawn to the healing charm of flowers and plants or the trendy allure of cutting-edge fashion, there's a unique springtime experience waiting for you. This May Day holiday, head to the markets and discover delightful surprises and moments of joy in the city!

Dongtai Market: Blooming Whisper | 东台好市•花语集

Credit: Ti Gong

The 2025 Shanghai International Flower Show, themed "Blooming Xintiandi," unfolds across the Xintiandi area as its main venue. As one of the highlight events, Dongtai Market: Blooming Whisper debuts at the Xintiandi Galleria.

Covering a vast 6,500-square-meter panoramic dome space and a 2,000-square-meter outdoor garden living area, the event brings together over 60 brand booths, more than 100 varieties of seasonal flowers, and over 800,000 fresh flowers and plants. It also features multiple live music stages, themed parades and nearly 100 interactive activities.

If you go

Date: May 1-5, 11am-6pm

Venue: Xintiandi Galleria | 太平洋新天地

Address: 111 Ji'an Rd, Huangpu District

黄浦区吉安路111号

Wonder Market | 玩物丧志集

Credit: Ti Gong

This edition of the "Wonder Market" brings together 318 groups of passionate creators, covering a wide range of categories, including original handmade crafts, trendy collectibles, art derivatives, lifestyle aesthetics, botanical and zoological specimens, and vintage collections.

On-site, visitors will find uniquely crafted designs, adorable art toys, artistic derivatives and a specially curated exhibition of rare plant and animal specimens. Each piece on display tells its own story, showcasing the designer's creativity and imagination, offering visitors a vibrant and inspiring market experience.

If you go

Date: Through May 5

Venue: 4/F,1933 Old Millfun | 1933老场坊四楼

Address: 611 Liyang Rd, Hongkou District

虹口区溧阳路611号

Anti Rat Race & Healing Market | 反卷治愈系市集

Credit: Ti Gong

This May Day holiday, Columbia Circle is transforming into a healing "home," where over 60 design vendors will bring visitors an anti rat race, healing market experience, offering endless home inspiration and heart-warming little treasures. But the charm of the market goes beyond that – it rekindles the vibrant spirit of the city, fosters simple, genuine conversations between people, and fills visitors with renewed emotional energy.

Plus, there will also be exciting live music performances, workshops and laid-back photo spots for visitors to enjoy during the event.

If you go

Date: May 1-5

Venue: Columbia Circle | 上生·新所

Address: 1262 Yan'an Rd W., Changning District

长宁区延安西路1262号

BFC Flower & Bird Market | BFC外滩花鸟市集

Credit: Ti Gong

On warm spring days, come enjoy the blossoms on the Bund! BFC will be holding a Flower & Bird Market, offering a vibrant, sprawling garden across 100,000 square meters. Step into this healing oasis surrounded by flowers and greenery!

Click to learn more: Bund Flower & Bird Market celebrates nature, creativity, and community

If you go

Date: Through April 30

Venue: Bund Financial Center | 外滩金融中心

Address: 600 Zhongshan No. 2 Rd E., Huangpu District

黄浦区中山东二路600号

"No Ugly Things" Market | "没有丑东西"市集

Credit: Ti Gong

Jointly curated by EKA Tianwu and Mingle magazine, the "No Ugly Things" Market will open over the May Day holiday. With the theme of "There are no ugly things – only undiscovered versions of yourself!," the market will showcase a variety of stylish treasures for visitors to unlock their very own fashion energy. As spring's romance blooms across every branch and fills every corner of EKA Tianwu, why not bring your brightest mood and come discover a little healing time this holiday?

If you go

Date: May1-5

Venue: EKA Tianwu | EKA·天物

Address: 535 Jinqiao Rd, Pudong New Area

浦东新区金桥路535号

Second Nature Artisans' Market | 第二自然匠人市集

Credit: Ti Gong

Wander through the market with a coffee in hand and discover the creativity of 88 artisans. Just a turn away, you'll be greeted by stunning views of the Huangpu River, with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Lujiazui skyline shimmering in harmony. Enjoy an artistic stroll by day, be captivated by breathtaking sunsets in the evening, and bask in the neon-lit river waves by night – all the romance of Shanghai captured in a single moment.

If you go

Date: Through May 2

Venue: Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal | 北外滩国客中心码头

Address: 500 Dongdaming Rd, Hongkou District

虹口区东大名路500号

Vintage Recycle Market | 旧物循环市集

Everything can be recycled, and nothing should be carbon-heavy! The first "Vintage Recycle Party" at Ruihong Tiandi is coming! The event features four themed areas: Old Item Recycling, Second-hand Trading, Turning Waste into Treasure and Low-Carbon Living.

It's a holiday social scene designed for "eco-players," combining both environmental significance and a fun, engaging experience, all under the theme "Everything can be recycled, and nothing should be carbon-heavy."

If you go

Date: May 1-5, 1pm-9pm

Venue: Moon Bay, Ruihong Tiandi | 瑞虹天地月亮湾

Address: 188 Ruihong Rd, Hongkou District

虹口区瑞虹路188号