Museum of Folk Art (Minjian Shoucangpin Chenlieguan)

Description:

• Another step closer to reaching Shanghai's planned 100 museums, this one showcases collections of just about any folk arts and crafts you can think of, which can be quite interesting if you like your Chinese tchotchkes. Rotating exhibits have included tiny shoes for bound feet and 1930s cigarette labels. If this doesn't grab you, come see the significantly more interesting building housing the exhibits. This was the original Sanshan Guild Hall (Sanshan Huiguan), the only one remaining of several guildhalls that used to dot the neighborhood. Funded by merchants from Fujian Province, it was built in 1909, in a traditional style with upturned eaves, carved beams, and colorfully painted rafters. The stage, in particular, stands out for its elaborate carvings.

• © Frommer's 2012