Shopping Guide for Shanghai_ Travel Guide on TripAdvisor

Asia › China › Shanghai Region › Shanghai › Travel Guides

Chinese tourists are known for their love of shopping, so it's fitting that the country's most developed

metropolis is a shopping mecca. With luxury brand flagship stores, bargain markets and independent

boutiques, Shanghai has something for everyone.

Good for Shopping Fanatic Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Like a Local

10 Places

4 City Tips

Shopping Guide for Shanghai: Travel Guide

by Kat V, San Francisco, California

Exclusively commissioned by TripAdvisor Found this guide helpfu

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Shopping Guide for Shanghai: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Guide-g308272-k1613-Shanghai.html

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Kat V's City Tips

■ Don't be shy about haggling. It's expected and prices always have space for it built in. While high-end storesand shops within malls are more firm about their prices than market stalls, discounts are sometimes given ateven the most unexpected places: It doesn't hurt to ask!

■ Many locals do not speak English. Have your hotel concierge write down the addresses of your destinations inChinese so that you can show these to taxi drivers. Local expat websites have the addresses of most locationsposted in both English and Chinese, and you can always use a smartphone to find the address you want.

■ While Shanghai is generally a safe city, petty crimes like pick-pocketing and tourist scams are common. Lookup "tea scams," "art scams" and "taxi scams" online to avoid being duped.

■ Don't forget to have cash ready in local Renminbi. Most major stores accept credit cards, but many small


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Kat V Says:

Foodie Luxury Traveler Hidden Gems Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior

Shopping Fanatic Nightlife Seeker

Tips

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“This long road - divided by People's Square into East Nanjing Road (Nanjing Dong Lu) and West Nanjing Road

(Nanjing Xi Lu) - runs right through the middle of Shanghai, and is one of its most famous streets. East Nanjing

Road has a pedestrian promenade (from Middle Henan Road to People's Square) which features decades-old shops

and a mix of local and international brands; while West Nanjing Road stretches from People's Square to Jing'an

Temple, and features high-end malls and international brands like Louis Vuitton, Zara and Muji.”

Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)Points of Interest & Landmarks


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East Nanjing Road can be more about sightseeing and window shopping local wares, but look out for Chinese delicaciesfrom Shanghai First Food Hall, as well as Chinese calligraphy and painting materials at nearby Fuzhou Lu.

Plaza 66, the "fakes" market at Han City, and 10 Corso Como are some West Nanjing Road highlights. Luxury andhigh-street brands are also present all along the street.

Plan to stay: More than 3 hours

Address:Nanjing East Road, Huangpu DistrictShanghai 200000China


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Kat V Says:

Thrifty Traveler Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic Family

Tips

At Qipu Lu, it's a case of haggle or be ripped off. Try asking for the bulk price and start from thera little more than one item can help bring the price down.

Better quality goods are often found on the higher levels, with higher prices too.

An easy way to remember Qipu Lu is to think "Cheap-oo Loo." That's what it sounds like and stu

See more photos

“The Qipu Lu market is really four levels of department stores, all selling wholesale clothing and accessories. Casual

shoppers might not have the patience for this sprawling market complex, but patient mavens willing to weave

through endless stalls selling many of the same things can find diamonds among the rough.”

Qipu Road Clothing Wholesale MarketPoints of Interest & Landmarks


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the name suggests).

Plan to stay: 2-3 hours

Address:No.303 Qipu Road, Zhabei DistrictShanghai 200000China

Hours:Sun - Sat5:30 am - 6:30 pm


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Kat V Says:

Foodie Must See Thrifty Traveler Hidden Gems Solo Friends History Buff Couples Senior

Shopping Fanatic Family

Tips

Definitely haggle here. Prices may seem cheap by western standards, but they are still hiked up

See more photos

“This bazaar right outside the famous Yu Garden (Yu Yuan) is the epitome of a tourist market. Find all kinds of

Chinese souvenirs here, such as jade carvings, tea and scroll paintings, while being surrounded by impressive Ming

Dynasty architecture. You can also find interesting odds and ends at the one-off shops interspersed among the

endless identical souvenirs.”

Yuyuan BazaarSpecialty & Gift Shops


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There is a notions market right outside the main complex that sells wonderful trimmings, ribbons, beads, and lace at lowprices.

While it is always crowded, weekdays are much better for people that can't handle overwhelming crowds.


Address:No.269 Fangbang Middle Road,Huangpu DistrictShanghai 200010China

Phone:021-63559999

Hours:Sun - Sat9:00 am - 10:00 pm


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Kat V Says:

Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Shopping Fanatic

Tips

Tourists with a week or more in Shanghai can get clothing tailored to order. Men's shirts, suits, ladies dresses, and woolovercoats for both sexes are popular. If you don't have a Mandarin speaker with you, communicate through the shop'sstash of photos. (Results are best when you can leave a piece of clothing for them to copy.)

Doing a bit of internet research beforehand can turn up recommendations of specific stalls you should go to for betterquality.

Great silk fabrics and finished pieces can be found here, but bring someone knowledgeable with you. Some stalls try topass off synthetic fabrics as silk.


“While the South Bund Fabric Market is more famous, this cloth market is less touristy and can have better prices.

(Some say the quality is better here too.) Have clothing tailored to order or pick up ready-to-wear suits, coats and

traditional Chinese dresses (qipao).”

ShiLiu Pu Cloth MarketSpecialty & Gift Shops


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Address:168 Dongmen RoadShanghaiChina

Phone:021-63301043


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Kat V Says:

Must See Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Hidden Gems Trendsetter Solo Friends Couples Senior

Shopping Fanatic Family Art and Architecture Lover

Tips

Certain roads have more boutiques than others. Wander along Wuyuan Lu, Anfu Lu, Fumin Lu, Xfor starters.

Spin Ceramics is a favorite for traditional Chinese porcelain with modern aesthetics.

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“The tree-lined former French Concession is a pleasant area to stroll around, and is peppered with independent

boutiques, selling items from homegrown designers as well as imported brands. There are plenty of cafes for a bite

and a drink while you rest your weary feet in between shops.”

Old French ConcessionHistoric Walking Areas


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■ Dong Liang is a good place to find a sampling of fashion-forward Chinese clothing brands in one boutique.


Address:Puxi Central, Huangpu DistrictShanghai 200000China

Hours:Sun - Sat12:00 am - 12:00 am

Other:Website


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Kat V Says:

Foodie Hidden Gems Trendsetter Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic

Family Art and Architecture Lover Nightlife Seeker

Tips

While most shops lie inside the warren of alleys, many interesting boutiques can also be found rLu.

See more photos

“This trendy enclave is a former residential area and many of its traditional shikumen lane-houses have been

re-purposed to house art galleries, shops and cafes. Tianzifang still has a very residential feel however, as many

long-time residents still live in the area, and hanging laundry provides a whimsical contrast to the trendy wares and

hip clientele.”

Tian Zi FangSpecialty & Gift Shops


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■ Many of the shops sell the exact same "art" targeted towards tourists. Explore deeper to find truly unique pieces.


Address:No.210 Taikang Road, HuangpuDistrictShanghai 200000China

Phone:021-54657531

Other:Website


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Kat V Says:

Luxury Traveler Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic Family

Tips

See more photos

“Huaihai Road runs through the former French Concession and beyond, but the section of Huaihai Middle Road

(Huaihai Zhong Lu) is a shopper's dream. The street has been home to luxury brands like Gucci and Ferragamo for

many years, but three establishments opened within the space of a year have sent the road's fashion pedigree

through the roof. Shanghai Times Square houses Lane Crawford, the department store brand from Hong Kong;

discerning fashion labels such as Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and Balmain have their own stores at IAPM

mall; and K11 Art Mall features brands like Max Mara, Cheap Monday and Chinese designer Wang Yang, with art

installations interspersed throughout.”

Huaihai Road Commercial StreetPoints of Interest & Landmarks


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■ The South Shaanxi Road (Shaanxi Nan Lu) stop on Metro Lines 3 and 10 lead you to the heart of Huaihai Zhong Lu.


Address:Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu DistrictShanghai 200021China



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Kat V Says:

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XintiandiNeighborhoods, Points of Interest & Landmarks


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Solo Friends Couples Senior Luxury Traveler Family

Tips

Vera Wang's controversial bridal salon is nearby on Madang Lu.


“The main Xintiandi complex features re-purposed shikumen, much like Tianzifang does, but with a more upscale

atmosphere. The pedestrian district has some stores, but a lot of the best shopping is to be found within the North

and South Block buildings, at the Xintiandi Style shopping mall and kitschy boutiques along Madang Lu.”


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Address:Lane 181, Taicang Road, HuangpuDistrictShanghai 200021China

Phone:021-63112288


Other:Website


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Kat V Says:

Thrifty Traveler Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic Family

Tips

To check if a pearl is real, rub it against your teeth. Real pearls feel slightly rough, fake pearls fee

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“The Hongqiao New World Pearl Market is further away from tourist centers than most people would like, but it's

less crowded than most markets and worth the trek. The first floor of the building features the usual fake market

selection, while the second and third floors are filled with jewelry and pearl shops, and this is the main reason to

come here. Get inexpensive finished jewelry pieces, or design your own jewelry from the pearls and semi-precious

gems available.”

Shanghai's Hongqiao Pearl MarketFlea & Street Markets


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Once again, haggle, haggle, haggle. Pearls are much cheaper in China than they are in the west, since many are producedhere. Never take the first price offered.


Address:No.3721 Hongmei Road, ChangningDistrictShanghai 200000China

Phone:021-62623851,021-62623863


Other:Website


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Shanghai International Glasses MallShopping Malls


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Kat V Says:

Thrifty Traveler Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic Family

Tips

You can get even special lenses here, such as polaroid and anti-glare, for cheap. (If you are wary of the lens quality,simply buy the frames you like and have lenses installed when you get back home.)

Pick up an extra pair just in case your first one breaks. Lots of people do since they are so affordable.

Take Exit 3 from the Shanghai Railway Station stop on Metro Lines 1 and 4.

Many shopkeepers speak English here.

Three Yeh is another optical market that can be found at Exit 5 of the Shanghai Railway Station.


“A little known fact is that prescription eyeglasses are very cheap in China. This glasses market right outside the

Shanghai Railway Station has three floors of optical shops that give you a free eye exam and can craft your lenses

while you wait. Find inexpensive frames in wild colors and fun styles, fake-branded or unbranded; and if you don't

wear eyeglasses, you can buy sunglasses here too.”


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Address:No.1688 Zhongxing LuShanghaiChina

Phone:021-66051938


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Shopping Guide for Shanghai_ Travel Guide on TripAdvisor