Apart from must-visit spots like the Bund and Lujiazui, the night markets in Shanghai have become a new icon of the city. Many international tourists wonder where Shanghai locals go for midnight snacks and pastime.
We would always recommend Shanghai night markets to international travelers because they are the best places to experience the authentic Shanghai local vibe without worrying about reservations, affordability, and language barriers.
This guide draws on tourists’ shop-hopping experiences in recent years and shares with you the most honest and useful tips for checking out night markets in Shanghai.
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- Four Reasons for Visiting Shanghai Night Markets
- Top 6 Night Markets in Shanghai: Local’s Favorites
- What to Eat at Shanghai Night Market?
- Tips for Shanghai Night Market Adventure
- Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour
- FAQs about Shanghai Night Market
Four Reasons for Visiting Shanghai Night Markets
1. Very Accommodating to Different Tastes
As a cosmopolitan megacity, Shanghai has gathered and localized cuisines from every corner of the world— Korean fishcake soup, Japanese takoyaki, American hot dogs, Southeast Asian coconut milk treats… just name whatever you want, and you can find it somewhere in Shanghai.
If you are keen on local specialties but have dietary preferences or allergies, most stall-owners are proactive about catering to your needs. Whether it is less spicy, no pepper, or reduced oil, there is no sacrifice of the pleasure on palates for your health.
2. Highly Cost-Efficient
Dining at a random restaurant in the CBD would cost at least hundreds of yuan, but only 50 yuan (approx. 8 US dollars) would be enough to snack your way to satisfaction: a plate of sizzling squid goes for roughly 15 yuan, wheel cakes for 3-4 yuan each, and a small plate of oysters for 20 yuan.
In fact, you can enjoy the leisure of indulging in a non-stop street food adventure that a premium restaurant would never be able to provide.
3. To Enjoy “Privilege” Like Locals
You would understand why old night markets like Sijing and Zhoupu are packed with office workers, residents, and students after trying those overpriced snacks with flavors toned down for visitors in a tourist-focused shop.
We once saw an English couple sit side by side with local aunties on a wooden bench, sharing grilled meat skewers. It is just a daily scene of mundane nightlife, which is free from staged commercial ads and souvenir vendors.
You would never get so close to the local life in any of the major tourist attractions.
4. Suitable for All Tourists
If you are traveling alone, you may take a leisurely walk and enjoy an after-dinner dessert. For couples, Hongquan Road and BFC offer light displays perfect for romantic photos. FOUND158 would be the top pick for a group of friends to get some drinks and chit-chat until midnight. For those who want to feel the pulse of street life, Zhoupu and Sijing night markets always stand out in variety and atmosphere. Night markets can always satisfy your needs for riverside sightseeing, neon-lit city photography, and dining.
Top 6 Night Markets in Shanghai: Local’s Favorites
1. City God Temple Market (Yuyuan Market)
For photography enthusiasts, City God Temple Night Market will delight your palates with both delicious food and picturesque scenes.
You can indulge in light snacks like xiaolongbao and fermented glutinous rice dumplings, which feature the typical sweetish taste of dishes from the Southern Yangtze River area or Shanghai local cuisine, or lose yourself in ancient buildings from Ming and Qing dynasties lit by thousands of red lanterns, the Zigzag Bridge, and the Mid-Lake Pavilion.
But you need to be aware of a few things:
Foods in the tourist-focused restaurants might be overpriced, and a huge crowd would be expected during the peak season. Therefore, we recommend visiting Yu Garden on workday evenings and then moving on to the night market. It is only a five-minute walk from Yu Garden Station.
Since September 2025, the “Meet China “consumption data screens have been applied in Yu Garden. Multi-lingual translation and notes of allergies and vegan diets are available. You can pay with Mastercard or Visa cards directly (password-free payment for an amount of 1000 yuan and below).
Restaurant Recommendation: Nanxiang Mantou (the ancestor of Shanghai xiaolongbao) & Da Hu Chun (the most traditional Shanghai pan-fried pork bun store)
2. FOUND158 (Julu Road)
One of the classic nightlife landmarks in Shanghai CBD is the Sunken Plaza at No. 158 Julu Road in Huangpu District. International customers make up over 60%. Bilingual signs can be spotted in every corner, so you will be perfectly accommodated. The restaurants offer specialties like Mexican tacos, barbecue, and Chinese tempura served with craft beer. The open hours span from the evening to midnight, which means there is plenty of time for socializing and engaging in the inclusive environment. That’s why it’s packed with people who are eager for a stress-free weekend. Walking from Shaanxi South Road Station of Metro Line 12 to FOUND158 takes only 8 minutes.
Food Recommendation: Mexican Taco, Belgian chips & Vietnamese dishes
3. Seoul Night Market (Hongquan Road)
Hongquan Road in Minhang District is a gathering hub for Korean visitors, who can guide you to authentic Korean fried chicken, fish cake soup, and cosmetic products. From the neon-lit shopfronts, the bustling food carts, to the talented street performers, every corner looks photogenic, especially on weekend evenings.
If you live in the Gubei Area, it could be a convenient stop along with a tour in Gubei Old Foreign Street. You can get off at Ziteng Road Station of Metro Line 10 and walk for 10 minutes to get there.
Restaurant Recommendation: Jongno Chamber ·Yuanjia Korean BBQ & Dongdamun Whole Pig Spicy Pot
4. Zhoupu Little Shanghai Pedestrian Street Night Market
- Highlights: Most stalls open until 2 am; 2. Abundant food choice in good prices: grilled oyster (6-8 pieces for 20 yuan), cold pot Bobo chicken (1 yuan each), sizzling squid, vermicelli with clam, steamed vermicelli roll, xiaolongbao & pan-fried pork bun…
- Drawbacks: Far from the CBD; 2. Not likely to have bilingual menus (Google Translate or other translation apps are recommended)
Zhoupu Night Market is a “food paradise” containing hundreds of regional snacks and flavors. It spreads on Kangshen Road in Pudong District, within a 10-minute walk from Zhoupu Station of Metro Line 18.
5. Dongchang Road Night Market
Stepping out of the Dongchang Road Station of Metro Line 2 near Lujiazui in Pudong, you can admire the Oriental Pearl Tower and the World Financial Centre in the daylight, but the Dongchang Road Night Market becomes the center of attention once evening approaches. The illumination of skyscrapers contrasts with the smoky lights of the street food stalls, but also creates a unique harmony. If you have a tight schedule and are eager to check off Lujiazui and the night market all at once, Dongchang Night Market is your perfect en-route choice.
Food Recommendation: Xiu’s Skewers, xiaolongbao & pan-fried pork bun
What to Eat at Shanghai Night Market?
Iconic Food in Shanghai
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- Xiaolongbao– It is Shanghai’s well-known specialty: various fillings wrapped in thin skin and burst with savory broth. It is available in Yu Garden and other night markets. Don’t miss the black vinegar dip— it is always its soul.
- Pan-fried pork bun– Its thin wrap is pan-fried crispy, trapping tender pork fillings and aromatic broth within. The mixed texture never fails to impress international tourists.
- Scallion Oil Noodles– Salty and fragrant scallion oil adds delicate flavors to plain noodles without being too greasy. For those who can’t handle spicy food or prefer something mild and light, it is an affordable premium dining experience.
- Sweet and Sour Pork Rib– This dish embodies the art of balancing sweet and sour flavors. You can have two most tempting tastes in one bite— no wonder it becomes one of the best sellers.
- Osmanthus-Flavored Sweet Rice Dumpling – Soft glutinous rice dumplings are served in warm osmanthus-flavored rice wine. It is highly recommended for refreshing your taste buds after a heavy, greasy meal.
Street Food
- Sizzling Squid – Squid turns tender, chewy, and completely free of any fishy smell. Just a brush of sweet and spicy sauce will unlock a true street-food icon known to travelers worldwide.
- Sweet-Glazed Grilled Rice Cake – Most international tourists would find its texture uniquely delightful— crispy on the outside, soft and mushy on the inside. Take a bite and let the sweet flavor blast into your mouth.
- Mixed grain pancake – The crispy crust carries the subtle aroma of toasted grains. You won’t want to miss this Chinese crepe.
Drinks
Freshly squeezed juice, iced milk tea, or Chinese bayberry soup are all perfect helpers to cut through the grease of fried snacks and have a relaxing summer night.
Tips for Shanghai Night Market Adventure
1. Best Time to Visit
Most night market stalls set their open hours from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. The stalls are set up around 5 pm to prepare for the peak hour around 8 pm. Options may be limited if you arrive around 3-4 pm. Looking for midnight snacks and drinks? Zhoupu Night Market opens until 2 am, and FOUND158 is hospitable to entertain night owls.
2. Transport
Going by metro is your best move. It’s cheap and convenient. The metro lines cover almost all the night markets, and each market is clearly marked on the bilingual map available on the platforms and in the carriages. If you are taking a taxi but speak little Chinese, saving the Chinese addresses on your phone and showing them to the drivers would be a foolproof way to go.
3. Payment
Since e-payment has matured and become widespread in China, most stall owners accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. Don’t panic if you don’t have a Chinese domestic phone number and are unable to register for e-payment. Cash is always a safe bet, and small amounts like 10 or 20 yuan would suffice.
All the night markets listed above are officially regulated with transparent pricing, which means you can choose whatever you want without worrying about tricks and traps. You need simply a budget of 50-80 yuan for a big meal.
4. Visitor Tip
Weekends are often much busier than weekdays — more stalls open but are packed with tourists. So, if you try to avoid crowds, visiting on weekdays suits you better. For FOUND158, Friday and Saturday nights are good times for interacting with other international tourists and enjoying a cosmopolitan vibe.
Shanghai has a muggy summer (June to September). The most straightforward coping strategy for the noon heat is to stay indoors until around 6 pm. If you are keen to experience the outdoor booths in FOUND158, mosquito repellents would be useful.
Last but not least, you can find more affordable souvenirs from street vendors than those displayed in the attractions.
5. Skip the Traps
It is less encouraged to buy a large portion of snacks if you haven’t tried them before. Try sample-sized portions to avoid waste.
Some stalls are recommended by influencers and go viral on social media, but that doesn’t mean they necessarily suit your tastes and are worth queuing. Encountering surprises in casual browsing is the key to the true joy of night markets.
Some Sichuan and Chongqing snacks are extremely spicy and thus challenging for international tourists. If you are used to something mild, please inform the stall owners.
Beverages in FOUND158 cost more than the average night market, so it is recommended to agree on a reasonable budget for a group meal.
Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour
If you want a tailored Shanghai itinerary without spending hours on research and logistics, China Xian Tour is ready to help. With 20 years of travel planning experience, China Xian Tour is keen to make your Shanghai night market exploration stress-free and enriching. Get in touch with us for details!
FAQs about Shanghai Night Market
Q1：I can’t speak Chinese. Will there be English menus?
It depends!
For internationalized night markets like FOUND158 and Old Foreign Street, bilingual signs are highly improved and convenient. Plus, some stall owners use English as their first language, so language barriers are not a concern.
However, there are rarely any English menus in traditional local night markets like Sijing and Zhoupu, so it would be helpful to install translation apps. Otherwise, gestures may also work if you have your orders in mind— just warmly greet the owners and point at the name or picture of the item on the menu.
Q2：Any must-try local snacks?
Pan-fried pork bun（Sheng Jian Bao）, xiaolongbao, grilled oysters or scallops, mixed grain pancake（Jianbing）& Stinky Tofu
Q3：Is Sijing Night Market worth visiting?
Suggestion: Sijing Night Market is definitely worth a specal trip if you prioritize tastes over dining environment. If your schedule is already packed, then saving your energy and expectations for other night markets is also a good idea.
Sijing Night Market is Shanghai’s largest and most cost-efficient open-air night market. You are treated to a feast by spending 50 yuan per person. Two obvious drawbacks are its location and environment. It’s located in the suburban area of Songjiang, so a metro round trip to the CBD takes roughly 2 hours. And aesthetics should always give way to food in this old and unadorned space.
Q4： Is the Yu Garden Town God’s Temple Night Market a “tourist trap”?
The snacks are adjusted to appeal to more foreign customers, but can be overpriced, so for gourmets, it could be a price trap. But if you are interested in traditional Chinese architecture and fancy classical and elegant photos, then it is a must-visit.
Q5：Anything else I need to pay attention to as a foreign tourist?
- Phone battery: Frequent use ofmaps, translation apps, and the camera will drain your phone battery quickly; it’s recommended to bring a power bank.
- Wi-Fi:You may find public Wi-Fi at night markets in business areas like BFC, but it’s not very likely to be the case in traditional markets.
- Health & Safety Note:Shanghai night markets are generally safe and hygienic.
- Transport:The metro is the most convenient and cost-friendly public transport for tourists. It runs until around 23:00, with late-night services available on weekends.
Q6：Are there any night markets near Lujiazui/the Bund that I can easily stop by?
Dongchang Road Night Market: Get off at Dongchang Road Station and you can get there. Some street snacks help to wrap up the day after appreciating the Oriental Pearl Tower and WFC in the daylight.
BFC Fengjing Night Market: It is located near the Bund, but doesn’t follow its busy scheduling — it opens only on weekends. It’s a wonderful spot for enjoying riverside views with the Lujiazui skyline across the water.
