Step inside the Shanghai Arts & Crafts Museum (上海工艺美术博物馆, Shànghǎi Gōngyì Měishù Bówùguǎn; 79 Fenyang Rd, 汾阳路79路) to see an extraordinary collection of fine crafts. The museum is housed in a former French-style mansion built in 1905, once the residence of Chen Yi, Shanghai’s first CCP mayor.
Three floors cover everything from incredibly detailed embroidery and paper cutting to fine lacquer work, jade cutting and lantern making. Displays are laid out in rooms with original features, including pink alcoves, stained-glass windows and marble fireplaces. The 1st floor is part museum, part artist studios, with the chance to see crafters at work then buy some of their original pieces.