Top 8 Shopping Areas in Shanghai

Shanghai, famed as the “Shopping Paradise” and the “Oriental Paris”, offers an irresistible allure that makes shopping an essential and unmissable part of any visit. Be it the pursuit of high-end luxury labels, the discovery of traditional Chinese souvenirs, or the immersion in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets, this metropolis unfailingly delivers a shopping escapade that is both superlative and all-encompassing.
 

1. Nanjing Road - The Most Prosperous Shopping Street

Nanjing Road is one of the most bustling shopping streets in Shanghai, stretching over five kilometers in length and divided into two parts. The eastern part is dotted with specialty stores and diminutive shops that offer a wide array of clothing and electronic items. On the west side, you'll find upscale shopping malls and flagship stores of international luxury brands such as Cartier and Dior. Along this vibrant thoroughfare, numerous cafes and restaurants are conveniently situated, affording weary shoppers a welcome respite. Additionally, there are tram lines running from one end of the street to the other, providing an energy-saving way to go shopping.

More to see:  East Nanjing Road, East Nanjing Road Shopping Malls & Restaurants, West Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Shopping mall
A shopping mall on Huaihai Road

2. Huaihai Road - Luxury Goods Gathering Place

Huaihai Road, a quintessential high-end fashion shopping boulevard in Shanghai, is home to a sprawling array of over 400 stores. It serves as a magnet for a multitude of international luxury brands. Renowned names such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton have established their flagship emporiums here, presenting the latest and trendiest collections of clothing, bags, shoes, and other fashionable accouterments of the current season.

3. Yuyuan Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar of Traditional Features

Yuyuan Bazaar, being one of Shanghai's historical and cultural landmarks, exhibits a distinctively unique Chinese traditional style. It houses a diverse range of Chinese-style commodities and handicrafts, accompanied by numerous food stalls. Here, visitors can purchase souvenirs that are rich in Chinese characteristics, such as silk products, antiques, jade, and traditional handicrafts, thereby enabling them to immerse themselves in and experience the alluring charm of Chinese traditional culture. 

Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai
Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai
An exquisite store in Tianzifang
An exquisite store in Tianzifang

4. Tianzifang - The Fusion of Art and Shopping

Tianzifang, nestled in the French Concession of Shanghai, is a charming district where many edifices preserve the architectural essence of the 1930s. Comprising a labyrinth of narrow and winding alleys, it houses a profusion of art studios, galleries, and specialty boutiques. Here, one can relish the sight of avant-garde paintings, sculptures, photographic masterpieces, and other forms of artistic expression, while also having the opportunity to acquire handicrafts, exquisite jewelry, T-shirts emblazoned with artistic motifs, and other unique commodities. Moreover, it serves as a haven for photography aficionados, as even a spontaneous click can yield a photograph replete with artistic charm.

5. Xintiandi - The Trendy Place Blending the Old and the New

Xintiandi, a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity, as well as an integration of the East and the West. The northern block preserves the time-honored Shikumen buildings, while the southern block infuses new urban vitality. Surrounding the area, prosperous edifices host a variety of establishments such as gourmet restaurants, cozy book bars, exotic cafes, and high-end shopping malls. The nightlife here is also very rich. There are many bars and entertainment venues, which are good places for you to relax and feel the vitality of modern urban Shanghai after shopping.

Xintiandi, Shanghai
Xintiandi, Shanghai
Prcelains in the Yunzhou Curio City
Prcelains in the Yunzhou Curio City

6. Yunzhou Curio City - The Treasure Hunting Spot for Antique Collections

The Yunzhou Curio City, a significant antique trading market in Shanghai, houses hundreds of stalls brimming with a diverse range of antique treasures. Within it, one can discover antique porcelain pieces hailing from various epochs and exhibiting an array of shapes. Vintage cameras are also present, bearing the photographic memories of bygone times, and old vinyl records that enable one to savor the charm of the music from years past.

7. AP Plaza – A Paradise for Budget Shoppers

The AP Plaza is renowned for its budget-friendly offerings. The stalls are densely populated with an extensive assortment of merchandise. Here, one can encounter “substitute” items of clothing in the styles of various prominent brands, sporting diverse designs that stay in tune with the latest fashion fads. Despite their lack of authenticity, the prices are highly accessible. If the genuineness of the products is not a concern for you and you place greater emphasis on cost-effectiveness and distinctive aesthetics, then exploring this market for a shopping spree will prove to be an engaging and enjoyable experience.

8. The South Bund Fabric Market - The Ideal Place for Custom-Made Clothing

South Bund Fabric Market, Shanghai
South Bund Fabric Market, Shanghai

The South Bund Fabric Market stands as an optimal destination for bespoke clothing. It presents a rich selection of fabrics, such as silk, chiffon, leather, and others, which vary in both material and color. Be it an elaborate dress, a trendy suit, or a traditional Chinese cheongsam or gown, the proficient tailors here are capable of customizing it to your precise specifications. Bargaining is a common practice in this market. You can engage in price negotiation with the tailors and thereby obtain satisfactory custom-made clothing at a more economical price.

More to see:
Shanghai Shopping Malls,
Xujiahui
8 Major Cities in China for Enthusiastic Shoppers

- Last updated on Dec. 13, 2024 by Sherry Xia -
Questions & Answers on Top 8 Shopping Areas in Shanghai
Asked by Dumisani Ndlovu from BOTSWANA | Dec. 31, 2019 06:46Reply
Macbooks and Laptop market for new and used ones
Where can I find a market for new and refurbished macbooks and laptops in Shanghai?
Answers (2)
Answered by Mona from AUSTRALIA | Jan. 01, 2020 19:50
00Reply


Maybe you can have a look at Meiluo City, which is located at No.1111, Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui district.
Answered by Dumisani from BOTSWANA | Jan. 04, 2020 20:08
00Reply


Thanks Mona. I appreciate.
Asked by Joe from US | Dec. 26, 2019 15:34Reply
Game shop near the Bunt in Shanghai
Hi, is there any game shop where I can buy Nintendo Switch games for my kids?
Answers (1)
Answered by Joey from AUSTRALIA | Dec. 29, 2019 18:59
00Reply


You can take bus 71 from East Yan'an Road station to Middle Xizang Road station, and walk north around 600m to Xinya Game shop. It takes 20 minutes with CNY2.
Asked by iqbalmahmud from BANGLADESH | Dec. 13, 2019 16:07Reply
How can i going Shanghai south railway station to 1038 West Nanjing road west get mall
Answers (1)
Answered by Larry from USA | Dec. 16, 2019 19:01
00Reply


Take metro line 1 to Changshu Road station, then interchange to metro line 7 to Jing'an Temple station, and walk north around 700m to West Nanjing Road. It costs CNY4 with 35 min.
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