No 9 Nanluoguxiang [Photo: Google.cn]

Now that retro shops are popping up all over the city, how about a windup drumming monkey to occupy the sweltering nights ahead and drive your friends mad into the bargain?

This new shop on Nanluoguxiang hadn't been christened at the time of going to press, with only a cardboard sign to usher the funsters in, but has probably the best selection of wind-up tin toys in town.

You'll find everything from hopping frogs (10RMB) to a showstopping giant robot (290RMB) and a huge selection of eerie clowns.

Address: 9 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District

Tel: 138 1075 2555

Time: Open 1pm-midnight daily.

(CRI May 5, 2009)