Cat people

Walking along the river, you will come across a small store called Cat House (No.1, Lane 103 Xijing Street 西井街103弄1號, www.douban.com/group/cathouse). As its name suggests, the shop sells various kinds of fancy goods in the shape of cats and – possibly cats' favorite food – fish.

A cute cat-shaped flowerpot greets visitors at the door, complete with a long, curved moustache and green leaves growing exuberantly all over its back.

Dozens of postcards featuring photos of cats are attractively strung together on the walls. The shop also features wooden cats from Thailand in different sizes and colors, some of which are humorously holding fishing rods.

There are also stones painted with pictures of cats, besides a number of lamps and musical instruments, all in the shape of cats. A representation of the Egyptian feline goddess Bast, who symbolizes security, fertility and motherhood, is naturally given a prominent place in the shop.