Shanghai's long-running Tongchuan Lu Marine Market is set to close later this year. The market becomes the latest on the list of our favourite wholesale markets in Shanghai to close in recent months, following the shuttering of Maojiatang Imported Goods Market and the Caoyang Fruit Market.
The market, which features all manner of seafood at rows of stalls stretching along both sides of Tongchuan Lu, has been under threat for a while, especially since the adjacent Caoyang Fruit Market's closure was announced late last year. As authorities look to sanitise Shanghai's market experience, it seems the Marine Market has paid the price for its somewhat ramshackle appearance and layout - with fish tanks (sometimes literally) spilling out onto the surrounding streets.
Of course, that ramshackle appearance and layout was exactly what gave the market its charm. That, and picking your way through the huge variety of fish and seafood on offer at low prices.
Local news reports state that the market will be gone by the end of October. Many of the vendors are expected to move to a new site, also in Putuo district but outside the outer ring road in the Taopu area of town.
You can find full details on Tongchuan Lu Marine Market on our website or by clicking 'read more' below - pay it a visit while you still can.