As a result, many stall owners shifted their business to selling replicas and knick-knacks with a Chinese flavor, such as figurines of Chairman Mao, old Shanghai poster reprints, portraits of Qing Dynasty emperors and brass and jade Buddha statues.

This made the market grow famous among foreign tourists looking for unusual Chinese souvenirs.

It has been recommended by travel guide Lonely Planet as a good souvenir hunting ground in Shanghai.

Yesterday, foreign visitors to the market told Shanghai Daily that it would be a shame for the city to lose the antique market, as it's a unique and interesting place reflecting Chinese culture and the identity of Shanghai.

Sam Foster, from Los Angeles, was recommended by a friend to visit the market.

He bought a brass horse at 130 yuan (US$21) and three silk scarves at 60 yuan each.

"The street market is cute, odd and very different from normal shopping. When you go to a mall, that's got Hermes and Prada," Foster said.

"Part of its charm is in the old buildings, and it certainly wouldn't be the same if they put it in a neighborhood of new buildings."

Aurelien Armagmac, from Paris, said the market is very special as it's in the center of Shanghai.

"It is nice to have it near big office towers, and it is part of the authenticity of the city," he said.

Sean Jackson, from New York, said the market is exceptional, with a lot of interesting people, beautiful art crafts, antiques and — most importantly — history.

"It's a shame that people want to move this history from Shanghai when it's so special and important to identity of the city," Jackson said.

"New York doesn't have a place like this.

"If New York had a place like this, people would fight to keep it where it is, to maintain its originality and its character," Jackson said.

The New Yorker resisted Chinese-themed knick-knacks and bought a United States hockey jersey as a gift for his sister — although there was something not quite right about it.

"It's not the right colors, and that's why I like it.

"I'll always remember this street," Jackson said.