Exotic oddities at Cat

Cat greets you with a floor-to-ceiling bookcase crowded with vintage-looking publications. Don't be fooled, they are not for sale; but the books lend such warmth to the place that it is like walking into the living room of a traveler with eclectic tastes.

This is actually a knick-knacks store, stuffed with a collection of oddities from exotic places. It's as though your sister returned from her backpacking trip and decided to sell all her souvenirs. Thai silver jewelery, textiles, bags and Balinese cat figurines (RMB 15) seem to be the main focus. A miniature bi-plane (RMB 498) graces the shelves beside wooden CD holders (RMB 168), and I noticed Thai cow-bone rice spoons (RMB 85) and coffee mugs (RMB 35). A good selection of Helen Legend clothing tops off this potpourri.

It is worth paying the shop a visit just to find that sweet nothing of a gift you've been meaning to give. The shop assistants speak basic English, so simple conversation is not a problem.

What I appreciate

The wooden CD holders

What customers appreciate

The full range of exotic knick-knacks