Top Shopping Malls in Shanghai: From Cultural Icons to Luxury Centers

Written by Catherine | Updated March 04,2026

Are you planning to go shopping during your Shanghai tour? It is definitely a shopping paradise for you. Shanghai shopping malls are not only shopping destinations, but also a comprehensive destination with cultural experiences, entertainment and dining. And the shopping environment is very friendly to foreigners with English signs and service and international credit cards are supported.

What are the kinds of malls? From iconic K11 Mall to luxury IFC Mall, from family-friendly Super Brand Mall to hundred-year-old Nanjing Road, Shanghai offers plenty of choices for every tourist. No matter you seek high-end shopping or authentic handicrafts, or just want to experience the bustling atmosphere, you can find a suitable destination. Now, follow us to explore the most suitable shopping malls for different travelers.

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• Why Shanghai is Asia’s Premier Shopping Destination
• Most Iconic Shopping Malls
• Top Luxury Shopping Malls in Shanghai
• Best Family-Friendly Shopping Centers
• Famous Shopping Districts
• Insider Tips for Shopping in Shanghai
• Plan a Shanghai Tour with China Xian Tour

Why Shanghai is Asia’s Premier Shopping Destination

• Shanghai is often the first city in China where international luxury brands launch their new collections, which means that you can be among the first to purchase the newest products.
• Shanghai offers a top-notch shopping experience. Besides shopping, customers can also experience art, history, culture or take part in entertainment projects in many malls.
• Shanghai offers diverse shopping choices and can meet the needs of all tourists.
• Many Shanghai shopping malls are close to the downtown area or metro stations, allowing tourists to combine shopping with sightseeing.

Most Iconic Shopping Malls

Global Harbor Mall: Shanghai’s Massive Retail Complex and Landmark

• Location: No. 3300, North Zhongshan Road, Putuo District
• Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
• Transportation:metro line 3, 4, 13: Jinshajiang Rd. Station

The most eye-catching feature of Global Harbour Mall is its magnificent palace architecture. Looking from the outside, it is like a huge castle. After entering, the gilded dome, exquisite engravings, and crystal chandeliers will make you feel like in a European classical palace. The design makes it stand out among numerous modern shopping malls, making it one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Covering an area of over 480,000 sq. m., it is also one of the largest Shanghai shopping malls. What makes it a success? Its position as a super life center that does not have top luxuries but meets all living needs. Here, you can find entry-level luxury brands, like Coach, high street fashion brands, like Zara, and also local designers’ brands. The most outstanding is its diverse dining options. From affordable snacks to cuisines from all over the world, you’ll find an impressive variety of options. With an indoor playground, IMAX cinema and many fashion stores, such as Pop Mart, families and young travelers also prefer to choose it.

Joy City Shopping Mall: Entertainment Meets Retail

• Location: No. 166, Xizang North Road, Jing ‘an District
• Opening hours: 10:00 -22:00
• Transportation: metro line 8, 12: Qufu RoadStation

Joy City can be said as the most trendy and landmark shopping mall in Shanghai. For locals, it has been an amusement park in the city. The Sky Ring Ferris Wheel on the rooftop is the most famous landmark. During the ride, the Suzhou River and city skyline unfold before your eyes. To catch the most breathtaking views, it is better to take it at sunset time. Admission is free for children under 1.2 m. Next to it is a night market on the open terrace, which usually operates until 02:00 – 03:00. There are both various kinds of food and live band performances. This is unique to the mall.

Another outstanding feature is the pop-up events spanning the year. The mall hosts over 50 international top IP exhibitions every year, such as Chiikawa, Detective Conan, etc. You will encounter many young people dressed like the character they love. The atmosphere is full of vitality. Sometimes, there are also fashion shows and art exhibitions. Of course, abundant restaurants from internet-famous restaurants to chain restaurants are all available.

K11 Shopping Mall: Art and Culture Fusion

• Location: No. 300, Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District
• Opening hours: 10:00 -22:00
• Transportation: metro line 1, 14: Site of the First CPC National Congress – South Huangpi Road Station

K11 is the first mall in Shanghai and even China that puts forward the concept of an “art shopping center”. So, once you enter, you will feel as if you are in an art gallery. The waterfall cascades down from a height of 33 meters and the green wall covers the entire atrium. You can also see art installations everywhere, from the sculptures at the elevator entrance to the illustrations at the bathroom door. And the art installation in the atrium is changed from time to time, making it a popular photo spot. A unique atmosphere of nature and art is created here.

It is recommended to explore from B3 to L4 one by one. On the B3 floor, there are always free exhibitions themed by humanity and art. B2 gathers plenty of cultural and creative products, including the Pop Mart. B1 is an ideal place for rest. There are several characteristic cafes for you to choose. L1 and L2 are the luxury stores and designer stores. Finally, fill your belly on L3 and L4. No matter the authentic Cantonese cuisine or various international cuisines, all can be found here. On the third floor, there is also a City Farm, where edible vegetables and herbs are planted. The food materials in some restaurants are sourced here.

Top Luxury Shopping Malls in Shanghai

Shanghai IFC Mall: The Ultimate Luxury Experience

• Location: No. 8, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area
• Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
• Transportation:metro line 2, 14: Lujiazui Station

When it comes to the luxury Shanghai shopping malls, IFC Mall is definitely a world-class luxury shopping landmark. Here gather over 200 international brands. Many stores have opened two-story or duplex flagship stores, offering the most comprehensive product range. After entering, you will see LV, Chanel and Hermes occupying the occupying the most prominent positions in the atrium. Head to the second floor, various international first-line luxury flagship stores stand before you, like Dior, Gucci, Cartier… On the fourth floor, several Michelin-starred or Black Pearl restaurants are gathered.

Here, you can also enjoy a premium shopping experience. Most clerks can communicate with you in English fluently and provide professional advice. Some stores will also prepare water and gifts for customers. The restaurants provide baby tableware and baby bib. The most convenient is that the mall supports tax refund services for overseas tourists. It’s a must-visit destination for luxury shoppers when travelling to Shanghai.

Plaza 66: High-End Fashion Hub

• Location: 838, Hengshan Road, Xuhui District
• Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
• Transportation: Metro line 1, 9, 11: Xujiahui Station

Plaza 66 is a widely recognized high-end shopping center in Shanghai. It positions itself as a hub for luxury shopping. Since its opening in 2001, a total of over 120 internationally famous brands have gathered here. And now, it also continues to introduce new brands, such as the jewelry brand Popop under Pop Mart. LV and Gucci are the flagship brands. In addition, there are Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Celine, Cartier, Bvlgari, etc. Many of the world’s top-selling luxury stores are located here.

The sales consultants in the vast majority of stores can provide fluent English services, ensuring smooth communication. You can also ask for help at the service center. The mall also offers a range of exclusive services including gift wrapping, valet parking and personal shopping assistance. As the first centralized tax refund point for immediate tax-free shopping, it also allows foreign tourists to apply for tax refunds immediately after shopping with their passports and invoices.

Iapm Mall: High-end Night Shopping Mall

• Location: 999, Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District
• Opening hours: 10:00-23:00
• Transportation:Metro line 1, 10, 12: South Shaanxi Road Station

Iapm Mall is the first high-end and trendy shopping mall in Shanghai with “nighttime consumption” as the core theme. The mall will open until 23:00 and some restaurants and entertainment venues will extend the opening hours to 01:00, much longer than other malls. Overseas visitors can the enjoy tax refund service here.

Over 230 high-end trendy brands have gathered here, and about 15% are the first stores in Shanghai. Many top brands, such as Gucci and Miu Miu, operate impressive two-story flagship stores here. The largest Prada flagship store in China also stands here. Inside the mall are also plenty of fashion brands favored by the youth. The sales associates are very enthusiastic and will always sincerely offer suggestions on matching when trying on clothes or accessories. When it comes to dining options, both Michelin-starred restaurants and characteristic foods can be found. B1 and L5 are the floors for delicious food.

Best Family-Friendly Shopping Centers

Super Brand Mall: One-Stop Shopping Destination

• Location: No. 168, Lujiazui West Road, Pudong New Area
• Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00-22:00; Friday – Sunday: 10:00 – 23:00
• Transportation:metro line 2, 14: Lujiazui Station

Super Brand Mall is a super-large shopping center located in the core area of Lujiazui. For kids, this mall will be their paradise. In the west area on the 2^nd floor, there is a Kids’ 3rd Home Theme Area with an area of 4,000 m^2. Shanghai’s first Alpha World has been introduced. Children can slide down the Super Wings-themed slides, play in a ball pool, and have fun in a role-playing kitchen.

The ShineDream Miniature World on the 6^th floor restores the real world and historical scenes of Shanghai in a 1:87 scale. Kids will feel like travelling into an exquisite “Lilliput”. You can look for the attractions you have visited together with your kids. On the 8th floor, there is China’s first immersive children’s drama hall. You can take your kids to watch a performance. The Beijing Opera Cats and The Octonauts are performed regularly. There are also frequent free pop-up stores, which will be a surprise for the kids. Parents can also buy toys and clothes and enjoy a meal in a kid-friendly restaurant.

Tips: The Disney’s flagship store is on the opposite of the mall! You can buy gifts without going to the amusement park. Baby Care Room is set on the 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th floors.

Livat Shanghai – Most Kid-friendly but Far From Downtown

• Location: No. 788, Jinzhong Road, Changning District
• Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
• Transportation:metro line 2: Songhong Road Station

The main advantage of Livat Shanghai is its large-scale kids playgrounds and childcare service. On the 5^th floor, there is a large outdoor playground open free for kids with varieties of facilities like aircraft-shaped cabins, balance bridges, etc. Your children can have fun here for a long time. Another unmissable spot is the Cartoonyworld FUM MUSEUM on the 3^rd floor of the forest atrium. It is themed by Africa Safari. Jungle flying, rafting adventure and rock climbing all can be experienced here. Children can fully immerse themselves in the activities.

Want to spend a relaxing time going shopping and having a meal? Head to the Livat Junior on the 1^st floor of the river atrium. It is equipped with a free indoor playground and offers a 2-hour childcare service. You can reserve on the official mini-program of Livat Shanghai. It opens from 10:00 – 20:00. The age and height of the kid should be within 4-10 years old and 0.9-1.4 meters, respectively. After arriving, staff will register the information and assign a dedicated person to take care of your kids. Also, they will provide anti-slip socks and drinking water.

New World City Shopping Mall – Diverse Experiences

• Location: No. 2-88, West Nanjing Road, Huangpu District
• Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
• Transportation:metro line 1, 2, 8: People’s Square Station

Since its opening in 1915, New World City has already had a history of over 100 years. And the mall has transformed from a traditional department store into a super life hub integrating shopping, entertainment, hotel and food. The first Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in mainland China is right on the 10^th floor, where children can take photos with the wax statues of figures all over the world, such as Michael Jackson, Jackie Chan, etc.

To attract young customers, the mall also opened the Fun District and Sankeng New District, the gathering place of cartoon culture. The Naruto World here, the world’s first officially authorized “Naruto” theme park, is the must-visit place for animation lovers. Besides, it also has the first indoor real ice skating rink in Shanghai and an indoor climbing gym. Just let the children have fun freely. When the children are tired, enjoy a meal in the Radisson Blu Hotel. Its appearance is shaped like a UFO. And it boasts the highest rotating restaurant in Puxi and a sky dome bar.

Famous Shopping Districts

Nanjing Road: The Most Famous Historic Shopping Street

• Location: 558, Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District
• Transportation:metro line 1, 2, 8: People’s Square Station; metro line 2, 10: East Nanjing Road Station

Visiting Nanjing Road is definitely one of the top things to do in Shanghai. It is one of the most famous and historic business streets in Shanghai. Along the street stand both historic European buildings and modern commercial buildings. When the night falls, the dazzling neon lights twinkle, taking you back to Old Shanghai.

It is recommended to visit there in the late afternoon. And start from People’s Square and walk eastward to the Bund. In this way, you can feel its prosperity at daytime and appreciate the charming views at night. Along the way, you will pass through many time-honored brands and some traditional Shanghai shopping malls, like the No. 1 Department Store.

 

Middle Huaihai Road: Luxury Boutique Collections

• Location: XuhuiDistrict
• Transportation: metro line 13: Middle Huaihai Road

Compared with Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road is more visited by the locals. The road actually covers a long distance and has been divided into three sections: West, Middle and East Sections. There are several large shopping malls along the way.

The West Section boasts independent flagship stores of top luxury brands, such as Cartier. The Middle Section is the most lively and interesting part. The art installations and trendy shops are everywhere. And the East Section features high-end boutiques. The above iapm Mall and K11 Mall are right here.

Yuyuan Bazaar: An Archaistic Shopping Street

• Location: 265, Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District
• Transportation:metro line 10. 14: Yuyuan Garden Station

Yuyuan Bazaar is not a modern shopping mall, but a historical and cultural block that imitates the architectural style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. When night falls, the archaistic buildings are illuminated by the yellow lights, presenting the most beautiful moment. This is where its charm lies.

There are also numerous time-honored brands, selling classic snacks and traditional handicrafts. Try to taste Nanxiang xiaolongbao, pear-syrup candy and spiced beans. All are recommended local snacks. It is the best place to select souvenirs for your family and friends. Silk products, Chinese-style clothing, paper-cutting, Chinese knots, jade wares, and tea sets all can be found. It is next to Yu Garden. So you can combine them in one tour.

 

Insider Tips for Shopping in Shanghai

• Best Timesfor Discounts: The 55 Shopping Festival held during May – June is the time with the greatest discounts throughout the city. Shanghai Summer during July – early October targets foreign tourists and offers exclusive discounts.
• Payment Method: Overseas bank cards, including UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc, are supported in most important business circles and large shopping malls. Tourists from some countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, South Korea, Malaysia, etc, can use their own E-wallet directly.
• Language Barriers:Almost all the major shopping malls are equipped with English signs and the service center offers English service.
• Tax Refund Procedures:Some Shanghai shopping malls have launched the “Refund-upon-purchase” policy, which means you can get the cash refund at the Centralized Refund Counter on the spot. The Counter is usually at the service center or the designated floor. After entering the mall, you can pay attention to the stores with a sign of “TAX REFUND” or “即买即退”. Another traditional way is to apply at the airport upon departure.

Plan a Shanghai Tour with China Xian Tour

Besides shopping, Shanghai also welcomes every tourist to feel its complete charm through the attractions, such as the modern skyline in Lujiazui, the classic Yu Garden and the historic the Bund, etc. Most are near the above shopping malls or districts and can included in one day. If you are interested in it, China Xian Tour can recommend our featured itineraries for you or craft a personalized trip based on your preferences. To ensure you are satisfied with the tour, we will understand your travel style first and then plan a reasonable tour to include the scenic spots you like and meet your requirements. Feel free to contact us for more details.