A Jiashan for everyone

Imagine you find yourself in Shanghai with free time on a Saturday. You decide to take the metro to the Jiashan road metro station in the French concession.

You head out exit 2, make a 180 degree turn, and, on a whim, turn right at the intersection. While walking or biking  down Jiashan road, you pass no 37, 259 Jiashan road. You see a wooden sign, slightly faded, that proudly states “Jiashan Market.”

Deciding to check it out, you head down the alley. When you come to the first T junction, you turn to your right. You notice that there are a few tables set out along in the alley. One table is selling jewelry. Another is selling some child toys. What really catches your attention though is the sound of music wafting through the air.

Following the sound of the beats, you arrive at a small open square with white pavilions set up on all sides. A DJ，his equipment set up on a bicycle cart, is the source of the music you’ve been following.

The smell of roasting bratwurst fills the air. Congratulations. You’ve found the Jiashan Artisan and Crafts market.

Jiashan market, categorized as a pop-up market, is the oldest expat artisan food and craft market in Shanghai. It was founded in 2012 by Amelia Heaton-Renshaw as a farmer’s market and has continued to be one of the main exchanges for expat artisan food and crafting. It is currently in its third cycle of management. David Henry, owner of Jonas Emil Coffee Roasters and a long time vendor at Jiashan Market is the current manager following the 2017 summer break.

“We have a rain or shine policy,” David says, announcing his policy in the vendor wechat group. “That means we don’t close or postpone the market even if it’s raining. This policy has served us well so far.” Jiashan Market tries to keep a balanced approach between food vendors and artisan crafters, ensuring that no more than two vendors are selling the same type of product. Charities are also prominent at Jiashan market. Shanghai Young Bakers has been present at the market for many years and recent charities include Heart to Heart Shanghai. According to Mr. Henry, management of the market has always been in the hands of its vendors and they have a vested interest in keeping Jiashan market vendor friendly.

The craft section of Jiashan market varies between local crafters and small start-ups importing attractive and unusual items. The food vendors are balanced between on the spot edibles and take home selections. Sparrow Organic Products offers a variety of olives that can’t be found anywhere else in Shanghai at affordable prices. Ben’s bakery presents an assortment of cakes and pretzels. For the lunch crowd, the choice is varied between Bratwurst, Polish Pierogis, Guadeloupian burgers, traditional mexican food by Cinnic and if you’re lucky, Eli’s well known Lebanese delicacies as well as many other artisanal foods. Also present to liven the atmosphere are Peddler’s Gin, with its special gin drinks, and Lemon, with its crafted cocktails.

Jiashan market has a very intimate atmosphere. Regulars come to meet their friends and hang out in a relaxed environment. The end of market day generally takes on the air of an afternoon party with drinks flowing and music playing as the market winds down. It’s never too crowded but always has enough people to make you feel you are somewhere worthwhile. The two main events for the market are the seasonal opening markets and the yearly Christmas market, both of which extend the market to 6 p.m. on that day.

Jiashan market has something for everyone and you owe it to yourself to visit and see if it has something for you. The market is open every first and third Saturday from September to December and February to June.

Come on down. You won’t regret it.