Presents from the Past: Christmas Shopping in Old Shanghai

“Watch the crowds on Nanking Road these days. Happy faces everywhere, and nearly everyone carrying huge bundles wrapped in colored paper. Yes, Christmas is just around the corner…” –China Press, December 1936

Need a little inspiration for your Christmas shopping? Take a look at what was on offer in Old Shanghai! After all, as the China Press mused, “in what other city in the world can so many varied products at such reasonable prices be found?”

Christmas presents from the past provide a unique insight into Old Shanghai, from the products themselves, to the stores that purveyed them, to the entrenched gender divides in advertisements targeting the men and women who would be opening those gift-wrapped boxes on Christmas morning.

Your Christmas Car: The 1920 Chandler Coupe

It’s really hard to beat a brand new car for Christmas, especially one as cool as a Chandler! In 1920, Chandler’s line of six cars was available from their local agent, China Motors, located in the lovely Star Garage on Bubbling Well Road (today Nanjing Xi Lu), designed by Spanish architect Abelardo Lafuente. In the U.S., where it was produced, Chandler was considered a medium-priced carmaker, and retailed for US$1995 to US$3595, but we’re not sure how much China Motors charged.