Shopping in Shanghai | Best Roads for Designer Brands + Markets & Malls

Shopping in Shanghai is best done in sprees through top shopping districts, and travelers looking for some hardcore retail therapy won’t be disappointed in China’s largest city. If you have heard that Shanghai has a reputation as a global shopping mecca, we can assure you that it’s so true! This extravagant metropolis has well earned its renown among the shopaholics, as it offer an intoxicating blend of everything from high-end indulgence to authentic local finds.

You can forget about leisurely browsing. In Shanghai, the shopping experience is a dynamic adventure, best tackled with a strategic plan and a willingness to dive headfirst into this gigantic retail scene. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Nanjing is a must-visit. This opulent boulevard is lined with gleaming malls housing international designer brands, where you can find the latest collections from renowned fashion houses and indulge in exquisite jewelry and watches. Beyond the dazzling storefronts, hidden gems await in the form of bespoke tailors and antique shops, offering a taste of Shanghai’s refined elegance.

However, Shanghai’s shopping scene is not solely about extravagance. The city’s bustling local markets, such as the Fabric Market or the South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market, provide a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of Shanghainese residents. Here, you can haggle for unique fabrics, custom-made clothing, and traditional crafts. Furthermore, you can explore the various streets specializing in specific goods; from electronics on Huaihai Road to the numerous tea shops scattered throughout the city, there is something to pique every interest. Don’t forget the souvenir shops, offering a plethora of trinkets and mementos to commemorate your Shanghai shopping spree. From silk scarves and hand-painted fans to delicate porcelain and traditional Chinese tea sets, you’ll find the perfect reminders of your time in this captivating city.

Feeling overwhelmed? You can relax here as we have listed five main areas in Shanghai where you can have the best shopping experience. Let’s have a look!

1. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Stretching from Chen Yi Square (near Bund Sightseeing Tunnel) to People’s Park, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is not only a shopping paradise for travelers looking for designer brands and elite fashion shops, it also is a foodie haven. The area stays plenty busy during weekdays, but on weekends, look out! This district is set aglow with neon lights, energetic crowds and more street food than even the most dedicated foodie can sample.

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2. Xintiandi (New World)

Shoppers looking for a bit of high-class culture in a car-free shopping zone will love wandering through the upscale shops in Xintiandi. This charming area of Huangpu is known as New World and is loved for its array of upscale boutiques, European restaurants, cafés and wine bars housed in restored shikumen, or stone-gate buildings. The top indoor shopping mall in Xintiandi is Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre.

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3. Huaihai Road

Often compared to Champs-Élysées in Paris and Fifth Avenue in New York, Huaihai Road is the crème de la crème of Shanghai shopping. Rocking global standouts like Louis Vuitton and high-end fashion stores in Shanghai Times Square, Huaihai Road is a can’t-miss shopping experience in Huangpu District. Visitors can take the metro to Middle Huaihai Road Station to reach the street, which runs between Yanzhong Park and Fuxing Park.

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4. Shanghai Markets

Travelers can’t say they’ve been shopping in Shanghai until they’ve hit up at least one traditional market. Shanghai’s markets are the best places to find quality fabrics, particularly silk, at affordable prices. Local markets also are the best places to buy handmade souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, jade and wood carvings, traditional clothing and regional artwork.

Can’t-miss Shanghai markets

• Fabric Market (South Bund), 399 Lujiabang Rd, Huangpu
• Jingan Temple Jewelry & Curio Market, 588 Xiexu Rd, Dapuqiao, Lu Wan Qu
• Tianshan Tea City, 518 Zhongshan W Rd, Tian Shan, Changning District
• Caojiadu Flower Market, Putuo, Wanhangdu Rd, Wanhangduhou 33
• Lao City God Temple Antique Youbika Market, 69 Jiuxiaochang Rd, Huangpu

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5. Shanghai Shopping Malls

Shoppers who prefer air-conditioned, indoor shopping over outdoor shopping streets will want to add a few of the best Shanghai shopping malls to their itineraries. These top five one-stop shopping spots in Shanghai include plenty of luxury stores, souvenir shops, restaurants and entertainment – all under one roof!

• Shanghai No.1 Department Store, 830 Nanjing Road, Nan Jing Lu, Huangpu
• IAPM Mall, 999 Huaihai Road, Huai Hai Lu Xi Duan, Xuhui District
• K11, 300 Huaihai Road, Huai Hai Lu Dong Duan, Xuhui District
• Hong Kong Shopping Centre, 9 Renmin Ave, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu
• Pacific Department Store, 218 Tianmu W Rd, Zhabei District

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