1. Chung Hwa Pencils: Every kid who has sat the gaokao knows about these pencils. Green and sleek, with a 2B lead for best performance, they are a snip at 1 RMB each. The pencils are made by the China First Pencil Company Ltd., which was indeed China’s first pencil company when it was started by Wu Gengmei in 1935.

2. Peh Chao Lin: This old-school cosmetics brand has branched out and modernized since it was established in 1931, but its classic rose-scented cold cream is still available in the original blue tins decorated with birds.

3. Feiyue: Almost a cliché but not quite, Feiyue sneakers are the footwear of choice for martial arts enthusiasts and hip laowai all over the city. The brand was launched in Shanghai in the 1920s, and taken over in 2006 by an enterprising French guy who has added a range of colors and designs. We reckon the classic blue and red logo on plain white shoes is still the best.

4. Warrior: Beloved of the lofty Yao Ming himself, Warrior (Huili) training shoes are built with basketball in mind. They were first made in Shanghai in 1927 and can be purchased today for under 100 RMB. Bargain.

5. Forever Bicycles: Although Forever has recently launched a new updated model with funky white-trimmed wheels, its retro postman’s bikes are still the most iconic. Launched in Shanghai in 1940, the Forever brand is still a common sight on the streets.