Shopping Places In Shanghai For A Lively Experience In China

Taste the real flavours of shopping with these best shopping places in Shanghai.

producing a frenzy of street bazaars and glitz of mega marts. China has always been associated with shopping for producing everything and Shanghai is just a glimpse of it. On your trip, make sure to visit the best shopping places in Shanghai. Shanghai has everything ranging from traditional Chinese souvenirs to arts and crafts, antiques, famous brands, and gourmet food to satisfy your shopping-deprived soul. From high-end stores to cosy boutiques and crowded market streets, you will taste what actual shopping feels like.

10 Places For Shopping Places In Shanghai

Here are the best shopping places in Shanghai district that will encourage shopping addicts to book a vacation in Shanghai:

1. The Bund

The Bund is one of the best shopping places in Shanghai.

Photo: Georgio / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most iconic landmarks, the Bund is equally famous as a luxury shopping paradise. There are luxury boutiques, designer stores, and world-class tailors, who will deliver you with unmatched fitting. With the flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Omega, Breguet, and Tiffany & co., you can indulge in shopping like no other place in the city. Apart from shopping, Bund also boasts a fine-dining experience with hotels like Peninsula or Waldorf Astoria. If you want a unique shopping experience, visit Rockbund Art Museum, where you can shop for arts and related merchandise.

Location: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
Timings: 24*7
Must Buy: Branded clothes, jewellery, watches, and fine dining

2. Yuyuan Bazaar

Yuyuan Bazaar is one of the best shopping places in Shanghai.

Photo: MiLu24 / Wikimedia Commons

Located at Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar is a commercial complex where you can buy almost everything that belongs to Chinese traditions. This complex of shops and kiosks will offer you an opportunity to get jade and wood carvings, Chinese silk materials, fans, and antiques. The bazaar reaches its peak in the time of festivals. Along with the shopping experience, you get a chance to indulge in colourful events and decorations. If you get tired of hopping from one store to another, take a break and try their flavourful dishes like herbal teas, pastries, dumplings and chow mein. Don’t let the location’s traditional architecture and cultural atmosphere distract you from negotiating for the best prices.

Location: No. 218 Anren Street in Huangpu District
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
Must Buy: Chinese jade carvings, luxurious silk scarves, handmade fans, and porcelain teapots

3. Tianzifang

Tianzifang is one of the best shopping places in Shanghai.

Photo: Vind 🌙 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Even if you are not a shopaholic, you must visit Tianzifang to witness one of the most vibrant bazaars in Shanghai. Located in the French Concession area, you will see the best of both worlds, old market charm and modern shopping arena. The shops here are lined in the alleys, creating a maze-like area. You will get to see Shikumen-style buildings, housing art studios, cafes, and boutiques. You can shop for handmade jewellery, clothes, special tea, arts and crafts, and antiques. It is the best place to shop for everything you know about in China. To take a break and recharge yourself, you can visit small cosy cafes and enjoy a cup of their special teas.

Location: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Must Buy: Handmade ceramics, quirky accessories, artistic prints, and designer trinkets

4. Dongtai Road Antique Market

Dongtai Road Antique Market is one of the best shopping places in Shanghai.

Photo: Bert Peers / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A heaven for antiques and old treasures, Dongtai Road Antique Market in Shanghai is a charmer. Though little less visited by tourists these days, this market is the best place to find everything ancient China possessed. However, in 2015, the market was relocated to a different area due to the development, but the charm is still intact. The market has shops selling vintage items like jade pieces, vintage cameras, old coins, and souvenirs. Located amidst modern Shanghai, this market sets a perfect contrast between the old and the new world. When purchasing antiques, make sure to identify the real pieces and bargaining is a common practice.

Location: Dongtai Road, Luwan District
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Must Buy: Vintage posters, porcelain, old coins, and antique furniture

5. Hongqiao Pearl Market

Entrance lobby of the Hongqiao Pearl Market, a must-visit.

Photo: N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons

For all the passionate jewellery enthusiasts out there, the Hongqiao Pearl Market stands as a prime example. You will come across the largest pearl collection along with gemstones on display. From stunning freshwater pearl necklaces that catch the eye to uniquely custom gemstone rings that reflect personal style, the variety available is amazing and diverse. Moreover, you can find a range of a multitude of electronics, fashionable handbags, and stylish clothing items, along with other unique items. Even if you are not purchasing, take a moment to appreciate the incredible artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each piece of jewellery.

Location: 3721 Hongmei Road, Changning District
Time: 10 AM – 8 PM
Must Buy: Freshwater pearls, gemstone rings, silk bags, and accessories

6. Global Harbor Mall

Image showing the interiors of the Global Harbor Mall.

Photo: Jpbowen / Wikimedia Commons

Global Harbor is one of the most upmarket malls and best shopping places in Shanghai, promising an international-class shopping experience. Its European-style architecture and over 480 international brands speak of luxury here. Apart from a dose of retail therapy, you can also choose to entertain yourself as the mall houses a theatre and a museum. If your budget allows, do not leave the place without buying designer clothes, timepieces for connoisseurs, cosmetics, and high-grade confectionery chocolates. Be on the lookout for designer outfits or sit back or soak up the opulence, Global Harbor promises a whole day of indulgence.

Location: 3300 Zhongshan North Road, Putuo District
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Must Buy: Designer apparel, luxury watches, cosmetics, and gourmet chocolates

7. Qipu Road Clothing Market

The view of the central portion of the Qipu Road Clothing Market.

Photo: Xuezhenhao080716 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Qipu Road Clothing Market is a haven for budget-friendly clothes. As the area is famous for being the largest wholesale as well as retail market, you can get your hands on some of the best clothing items. It is indeed a great place for you to shop for your family and friends. Not just limited to clothing, but you will also get an extensive collection of footwear and accessories for everyone. Prepare yourself to walk a lot as the market is spread across many lanes, streets and buildings. As a street market, you can bargain and come down to an acceptable price.

Location: 168 Qipu Road, Zhabei District
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Must Buy: Trendy clothes, shoes, handbags, and scarves

8. South Bund Fabric Market

Shop with a variety of fabrics in the South Bund Fabric Market.

Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This fabric shopping place in Shanghai is truly renowned and lauded for the superior personalised tailoring services. From an alluring range of elegant fabrics of rich silk, wool, and cashmere, you can choose what suits your requirements best. It is then tailored by highly skilled artists who understand their work in and out. The market is a multi-storey market and you can have the best shopping experience, by browsing through the extensive collection of fabric. If you have a few days on your end, you can get your clothes stitched too and prices are affordable too.

Location: 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District.
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Must Buy: Fabrics

9. IFC Mall Shanghai

View of the IFC Mall Shanghai, an amazing shopping spot for a shopaholic.

Photo: LN9267 / Wikimedia Commons

Situated right in the centre of Lujiazui, IFC Mall Shanghai has become a symbol of luxury and elegance. This spectacular mall has exclusively housed some of the most high-end brands with outstanding names like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. This together creates a paradise for any shopaholic’s dreams. In addition to an extensive shopping experience, this marvellous mall offers excellent and exquisite fine dining restaurants and even includes a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema. This redefines a complete lifestyle destination where each visitor can indulge in various pleasures. The beautifully designed chic interior is further highlighted even more by the breathtaking views of the iconic Pudong skyline.

Location: 8 Century Avenue, Pudong District
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Must Buy: High-end handbags, designer watches, high-end cosmetics, and electronic devices

10. Shanghai Cloth Market

Closeup of hanging shirts in the Shanghai Cloth Market.

Photo: Parker Burchfield / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This place is a real gem for those who have a passion for clothing. The market is known for its great selection of relatively affordable textiles and high-quality tailoring services. With the thousands of stalls offering products in cotton, silk, and lace, you can create your custom outfits or a wide variety of home decor options that match your taste. The lively and colourful atmosphere of the market is combined with its huge variety of choices. This has made it one of the beloved destinations of locals and tourists visiting the city.

Location: 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Must Buy: Silk fabrics, lace, home décor textiles, custom-made outfits

Shopping places in Shanghai are a perfect amalgamation of the old and new. On one side, you get to shop for antique Chinese items and on the other side, you get to shop for the trendiest clothing and accessories. With so many options, you can satisfy your shopaholic soul. Make sure to first finalise your Shanghai trip with TripXL to have the best vacation of your life.

Cover Photo: Aleksandar Pasaric / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time is in the morning or early afternoon when you are most energised and markets are less crowded.
Yes, bargaining is common, especially in the street markets Yuyuan Bazaar and Qipu Road Market.
When looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs to buy from China, you must buy jade carvings, silk fabrics and a bespoke cheongsam.
The Bund, IFC Mall and Global Harbor Mall stand out among the best shopping places for their class.
Indeed, most markets and shopping malls are well connected through an enormous network of metro lines and bus routes.

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