Where to buy in Shanghai, where to go shopping in Shanghai, where to shop in Shanghai? Check out our Shanghai shopping guide with the list of 12 most famous, best shopping places in Shanghai (best places to shop in Shanghai), best shopping area in Shanghai, ranging from local markets to luxury shopping malls, making you want to pack your bags and go right away!
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Traveling to Shanghai without experiencing shopping is a big mistake! Not only is it a bustling financial center, Shanghai is also a “shopping paradise” with all kinds of things: from bustling shopping areas, bustling flea markets to trendy shopping malls. Here, you will find fashion items, souvenirs or handmade products with your own style.
Explore the top 12 shopping places in Shanghai with Living Nomads, meeting all your shopping needs!
Best shopping places in Shanghai: Nanjing Road – Shanghai’s Most Vibrant Shopping Center
- Address: From The Bund (Waitan) to People’s Square, Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Nanjing Road stretches over 5.5 km and is Shanghai’s main shopping street, welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors every day. The eastern area near The Bund concentrates on local shops and souvenirs, while the western area is more modern with a chain of large-scale shopping centers such as New World City Mall, containing brands such as Uniqlo, Sephora, Zara, etc.
On Nanjing Road, businesses are quite diverse in price and quality segments, shopping costs range from 80 – 1,500 CNY/product (~290,000 – 5,451,000 VND). The atmosphere here is always bustling, bustling during the day, sparkling with neon lights at night, reminiscent of Champs-Elysées (Paris) or Fifth Avenue (New York). If you have the opportunity to come to Shanghai, you must definitely visit Nanjing Street to take photos, shop or simply join the crowd in the “heart” of this sleepless city.
Xujiahui – Technology and Fashion Shopping Area
- Address: Xujiahui, Xuhui, Shanghai, China
Are you a technology enthusiast or want to “hunt” for a camera, phone or game console at a good price when traveling to Shanghai? Just stop at Xujiahui subway station (line 1), a series of large and small shopping centers are located close together waiting for you to explore. Among them, the most prominent are Metro City, Pacific Digital Plaza and Taipingyang Suma Plaza – where hundreds of electronics stores from computers, smart watches to PS5 and Xbox game consoles converge.
Shanghai Highlights Half Day Bike Tour
A smartwatch costs only 500 – 1,200 yuan (~1.8 – 4.3 million VND), new laptops from 3,000 – 6,000 yuan (~10.9 – 21.8 million VND). In addition, Xujiahui is also an ideal place to shop for clothes and fashion accessories, with many stores from affordable to high-end. Cinemas and large supermarkets such as Carrefour or Grand Gateway Plaza promise to bring a truly vibrant and convenient shopping experience in Shanghai style.
Huaihai Road – French-Style High-End Fashion Paradise
- Address: Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Located parallel to Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road is a completely different world – gentle, elegant and full of European style. With a history of more than 110 years, this place used to be the center of French living in Shanghai, so it is not difficult to come across ancient villas or European-style cafes along the more than 6 km long street.
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The central area (Middle Huaihai Road) gathers hundreds of high-end brands such as Cartier, Celine, Miu Miu, COS, along with a chain of French and Italian restaurants serving from brunch to fine-dining. The cost of shopping here is quite high, ranging from 800 – 5,000 CNY (~2,900,000 – 18,100,000 VND). A place dedicated to tourists for “luxury” shopping combined with artistic photography with the “breath” of Paris in the heart of Shanghai.
Best places to shop in Shanghai: Plaza 66 – Luxury Brand Center of Global Brands
- Address: 1266 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China
Plaza 66 is considered a “holy land” of shopping for the high-end fashionistas. More than a 5-star shopping mall, it is also part of a skyscraper complex – a symbol of the bustling Jing’an district. Owning more than 100 stores from expensive brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Balenciaga, Hermes, … Plaza 66 regularly organizes fashion shows, launching new collections that attract many fashionistas around the world.
High-end items range from 5,000 – 50,000 CNY/product (~18,100,000 – 181,700,000 VND), suitable for brand followers who love to hunt for limited products. The service here is highly appreciated thanks to professional English-speaking staff, luxurious resting areas and many high-class restaurants. Visit Plaza 66 to experience the classy lifestyle in the heart of China’s most modern urban area.
IFC Mall – High-class Shopping Combined with Entertainment in Lujiazui
- Address: No. 8 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
Located in the middle of the bustling “financial street” Lujiazui, IFC Mall impresses with its modern design, open space, and abundance of natural light. In addition to gathering high-end brands such as Gucci, Rolex, Ermenegildo Zegna, this center is also famous for its Japanese – Korean culinary chains such as Genki Sushi, Tonkatsu Wako.
Spending at IFC Mall is usually around 2,000 – 15,000 CNY/person (~7,269,000 – 54,500,000 VND). If you want to combine shopping with relaxation, entertainment, cultural and culinary exploration, try the modern CGV cinema or visit the Paradox Museum just a few minutes’ walk away. The location near the subway station and the Oriental Pearl TV tower makes IFC Mall the perfect stop for a day of exploring Shanghai.
Where to go shopping in Shanghai: Yuyuan Bazaar – Ancient Market, Bold Chinese Features
- Address: No. 137, Aren Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Walking into Yuyuan Bazaar is like returning to ancient Shanghai – where curved tiled roofs, red brick walls and crowded shops create a scene steeped in time. Located next to the famous Yuyuan Garden, this market attracts thousands of tourists every day to shop and explore the local culture.
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From paper fans, silk umbrellas, ceramics, lanterns to exquisite handicrafts, the prices range from 30 – 200 yuan (~109,000 – 726,000 VND) for small products, if you are good at bargaining, it will be even cheaper. When walking around Yuyuan Market, do not miss the opportunity to try Xiao Long Bao, fried rice cakes or spicy cold noodles, only about 15-30 yuan/portion (~54,500 – 109,000 VND).
Tianzifang – Art Street With Unique Crafts and Designs
- Address: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Tianzifang is like an art maze in the heart of a modern city. The space here is renovated from old residential areas in the shikumen style – nostalgic and full of creativity. On each winding alley are a series of art galleries, design studios, handicraft shops and fashion boutiques.
When coming here, people often look to buy sketches, decorative ceramics, hand-printed cards, leather notebooks or vintage souvenirs with prices ranging from 80-500 yuan (~290,000 – 1.8 million VND). Equally famous are the cafes and craft studios where visitors can sip drinks and watch artists at work. Tianzifang is not noisy but brings a quiet, creative and very “ordinary” feeling.
Super Brand Mall – Large Shopping Center Near TV Tower
- Address: 168 Lujiazui West Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
Located right next to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Super Brand Mall is a high-end shopping center with more than 10 floors of modern shopping. With an area of over 250,000m², it gathers more than 1,000 large and small brands such as Zara, Uniqlo to high-end brands such as Coach, Michael Kors.
The price of a Uniqlo dress bought at Super Brand Mall is around 199–399 yuan (~723,000 – 1.45 million VND), while designer handbags can cost up to several thousand yuan. In addition to shopping, the top floor also has a food court overlooking the Huangpu River, allowing visitors to rest after a round of shopping. By the way, combine a visit to the Pearl Tower or join a cruise on the Huangpu River at night.
Shanghai Antique Market – Searching for Old, Nostalgic Items
- Address: 457 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Shanghai Antique Market (Fuyou Antique Market) is an interesting destination for tourists who are passionate about antiques and collecting. Although it is no longer as large as before, the market still has many stalls selling antique clocks, film cameras, Ming and Qing porcelain, Mao Zedong badges, old books and newspapers, coins, etc.
Each item here seems to have a story. Prices are very flexible, from a few dozen yuan to thousands of yuan depending on its rarity. For example, an old Leica film camera can cost up to 2,000 – 5,000 yuan (~7.2 – 18.1 million VND), while small items such as Zippo lighters and ancient coins cost around 50 – 200 yuan (~181,000 – 726,000 VND). Note that visitors should bargain skillfully and check the item carefully before buying.
The Bund Shopping Area – Bustling Shopping Area Near Shanghai Bund
Address: Stretching along Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Along the west bank of the Huangpu River, The Bund shopping area is an impressive visual experience combining shopping and admiring the famous colonial architecture. It attracts fashionistas with luxury boutiques such as Shanghai Tang, Omega or local genuine leather craft brands.
Although the prices in this area are a bit “higher” than average, around 200 – 1,000 CNY (~726,000 – 3,634,000 VND) for souvenirs or high-end leather products, the quality of the products and the luxurious shopping space make the experience well worth it. Don’t miss Three on the Bund fashion complex for cosmetics and food shopping. In the evening, linger to sip coffee at the rooftop bar while admiring the panoramic view of Pudong with its bright lights.
Xintiandi – The Trendy Complex for Shopaholics
- Address: Lane 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Along the west bank of the Huangpu River, The Bund shopping district is a visually stunning experience that combines shopping with admiring the famous colonial architecture. It attracts fashionistas with its chain of luxury boutiques such as Shanghai Tang, Omega or local genuine leather craft brands.
From an old Shikumen area, Xintiandi has been transformed into one of the most stylish entertainment and shopping complexes in Shanghai. Interspersed between the ancient stone-paved alleys are a series of high-end fashion stores, European-style cafes and restaurants serving multinational cuisine.
In particular, this area is included in the itinerary of many Shanghai day tours, combining a visit to Yuyuan Garden and the ancient town of Chenghuang Temple. Shopping costs here are usually around 300 – 800 CNY (~1.09 – 2.9 million VND), reasonable for exclusive fashion products, designer accessories and high-end perfumes.
Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
Although the prices in this area are a bit “higher” than average, around 200 – 1,000 CNY (~726,000 – 3,634,000 VND) for souvenirs or high-end leather products, the quality of the products and the luxurious shopping space make the experience well worth it. Don’t miss the Three on the Bund fashion complex for cosmetics and food shopping. In the evening, linger to sip coffee at the rooftop bar while admiring the panoramic view of Pudong with its bright lights.
Global Harbor Mall – European Shopping Center in Shanghai
- Address: 3553 Zhongshan North Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China
Global Harbor Mall impresses at first sight thanks to its classic European architectural design, with soaring domes, marble corridors and majestic clock towers. This is one of the largest shopping centers in China, with a scale of more than 480,000m², integrating shopping – entertainment – relaxation, including the famous Hyatt Regency hotel.
This shopping center is a “paradise” for all ages: from Zara, H&M, UNIQLO stores to high-end fashion, children’s toys, high-end domestic cosmetics such as Herborist or Pechoin. On average, spending here ranges from 100–500 CNY (~363,000–1,817,000 VND).
In addition, Global Harbor Mall also has an IMAX cinema, an indoor ice skating rink and a European cultural museum on the top floor. The Secret Garden cafe on the 5th floor with a panoramic view of the beautiful glass dome is also a “very Shanghai” virtual living spot that sophisticated tourists cannot miss.
Smart Shopping Tips in Shanghai
To have a fun and “good” shopping experience in Shanghai, you need to know a few useful tips below:
- Bargaining at traditional markets: When shopping at markets like Qipu Road or Xiangyang Market, bargaining is necessary. The secret is that you should start paying about 50% of the original price offered by the seller, then gradually negotiate. Don’t be afraid to leave if the price is not suitable, sometimes the seller will call you back to suggest a better price.
- Distinguishing real from fake goods: Shanghai has a lot of eye-catching fashion items, accessories, and there is no shortage of fake goods. If you want to buy genuine branded goods, prioritize large shopping malls such as IFC Mall or Plaza 66.
- Tax refund for tourists: If you shop at registered tax refund stores and spend 500 CNY or more, don’t forget to keep your receipt and bring your passport to complete the VAT refund procedure at the airport – it can be up to 11% of the order value!
FAQ About Shopping in Shanghai
Which neighborhood in Shanghai has many unique souvenirs?
Tianzifang Old Street and Xintiandi District are two famous places, concentrating many art shops, crafts and souvenirs with strong Chinese culture.
Where to buy genuine branded goods in Shanghai?
You should visit large shopping malls such as Plaza 66, IFC Mall, or Nanjing Road – where many prestigious international brands are concentrated and have clear invoices.
Which antique market is reputable and worth exploring?
Although Dongtai Road Antique Market has moved, it is still worth visiting to find antiques, stamps, coins and decorative items with ancient imprints.
When should you go shopping in Shanghai?
The ideal time is from 10am to 3pm on weekdays, when the shops have just opened and are less crowded, allowing you to choose and bargain more comfortably.
From the ancient town of Tianzifang, to the branded paradise of Nanjing Road or the bustling traditional markets, shopping in Shanghai is not only a place to “spend money” but also a journey to discover the cultural identity that blends the ancient and the modern. Each place brings its own nuances, enough to make you linger.
Now, save this list of shopping places in Shanghai for your upcoming trip!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to
- Shanghai Museum Half Day Tour
- Shanghai Disneyland Admission Ticket
- Huangpu River Cruise（Qingjiang Line）
- Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
- Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Observation Deck Ticket
- Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Ticket
- [World Highest Skywalk] Shanghai Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Exclusive Skywalk Experience
- Oriental Pearl Tower
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Read more: Shanghai travel blog — The fullest Shanghai travel guide for first-timers.
