Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Shanghai-style Silk
Hand-painted or embroidered silk scarves, qipao (cheongsam) dresses, and silk pillowcases in traditional Shanghai floral motifs. Quality varies widely — look for pure silk certification.
Price: ¥80-600 ($11-83)
Where: Dongjiadu Fabric Market, Nanjing Road department stores, Suzhou Creek area
Longjing (Dragon Well) Green Tea
The premium green tea from nearby Hangzhou, widely available in Shanghai tea shops. The best grades are harvested before the Qingming Festival in April.
Price: ¥60-800 per 50g ($8-110)
Where: Tianshan Tea City (Tianshan Road), specialty tea shops in French Concession
Blue and White Porcelain
Traditional Chinese porcelain in classic Ming-era blue and white patterns — from small cups to decorative plates and vases. Authenticity varies enormously.
Price: ¥30-3000+ ($4-420)
Where: Dongtai Road Antique Market, Yu Garden Bazaar, Shanghai Museum shop
Vacuum-packed Shanghai Specialties
Smoked fish, braised pork belly jerky, sesame paste snacks, and dried hairy crab (in season) make excellent food souvenirs that travel well.
Price: ¥20-150 ($3-21)
Where: City Supermarket (citywide), Jia Jia Tang (South Bund), local supermarkets
Shanghai Art District Prints and Posters
Art prints, vintage Shanghai propaganda posters (reproductions), watercolor city scenes, and hand-lettered calligraphy from local artists.
Price: ¥50-500 ($7-69)
Where: M50 Art District galleries, Tianzifang, Xintiandi boutiques
Jade Jewelry
Traditional Chinese jade bangles, pendants, and carved figures. Real jade should be purchased from reputable dealers with certificates — avoid unmarked street stalls.
Price: ¥200-10,000+ ($28-1,400)
Where: City God Temple area jewelers, reputable department stores with certification
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Dongtai Road Antique Market
Shanghai's most famous antique market with 100+ stalls selling vintage furniture, Mao-era memorabilia, jade, porcelain, calligraphy, and curios. Most items are replicas or reproductions — quality and authentic pieces do exist at higher prices.
Where: Dongtai Road, Huangpu District
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Tianshan Tea City
A multi-story emporium entirely dedicated to Chinese tea, teaware, and tea ceremony accessories. Over 300 vendors selling every variety of Chinese tea with free tasting — a tea lover's paradise.
Where: 520 Tianshan Road, Changning District
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Yu Garden Bazaar
The tourist-focused shopping area surrounding Yu Garden is the most atmospheric place to buy traditional Shanghai-style gifts, snacks, silk, and crafts in Qing Dynasty-inspired architecture.
Where: Adjacent to Yu Garden, Huangpu District
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Dongjiadu Fabric Market
A massive fabric market where tailors can make custom garments in 24-48 hours from thousands of fabric options. The best place to get custom suits, qipao, or silk dresses at very competitive prices.
Where: 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sinan Mansions Farmers Market
Weekly Sunday market with local organic produce, artisan foods, freshly baked goods, and specialty coffee. A Shanghai expat institution.
Where: 505 Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu
Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sundays only)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Nanjing Road (East)
China's most famous shopping street with major department stores (No. 1 Department Store, Brilliance), flagship brand stores, and international fashion retailers along a 5.5km pedestrian and road stretch.
Best for: International brands, Chinese department stores, mass-market fashion
Huaihai Road
The stylish French Concession shopping boulevard with upscale international brands, boutique fashion stores, cosmetics, and café culture. More local and sophisticated than Nanjing Road.
Best for: Mid-range to luxury fashion, cosmetics, lifestyle brands
Tianzifang
Dozens of independent boutiques in renovated shikumen alleyways selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, artisan fashion, photography prints, and unique Shanghai-themed gifts.
Best for: Unique souvenirs, independent fashion, handmade crafts
IAPM Mall (IFC)
Shanghai's most prestigious luxury shopping mall in Xintiandi/Huaihai area with Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, and every global luxury brand, plus excellent dining.
Best for: Luxury goods, designer fashion, high-end watches
Shanghai IFC Mall
Located in Pudong's Lujiazui financial district, IFC houses premium brands alongside excellent dining options including Din Tai Fung, Da Dong, and Apple Store.
Best for: Premium brands, electronics, dining while shopping in Pudong
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
IAPM Mall
Premier luxury mall in Xuhui with 200+ brands, excellent dining floor, and underground connection to metro
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Shanghai IFC Mall
Pudong's top mall with luxury brands, food court, and cinema; connected to Lujiazui metro
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Raffles City Shanghai
People's Square mall with high-street fashion, food court, and cinema
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Grand Gateway 66
Xujiahui's landmark mall with international brands, supermarket, and entertainment complex
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at markets (Dongtai Road Antique Market, fabric markets) — start at 30-40% of asking price
Fixed-price stores (malls, department stores, chain shops) do not accept bargaining
Be friendly and patient — aggressive bargaining is less effective than building rapport
Always be prepared to walk away — vendors will often call you back with a better price
Compare prices between stalls before committing to a purchase at any market
For high-value items like jade and antiques, bring a knowledgeable local or don't buy unless you know what you're doing
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques certified before 1911 may require export permits; Chinese authorities restrict export of historical items; always ask for receipts
Tax Refund: China does not currently have a tourist VAT refund scheme like Europe
Duty Free: China duty-free shops available at both Shanghai airports; duty-free allowance includes up to 1.5L alcohol and 400 cigarettes
Shipping: International shipping available at post offices (China Post) and DHL/FedEx offices; Shanghai main post office at 276 Suzhou North Road