Shanghai Shopping: Top Shopping Places, Malls & Recommennded Souvenirs to Buy

Written by Clementine | Updated February 26,2026

Shanghai is a city that allows you to experience the complete shopping experience in one day. Wondering what Shanghai is best known for shopping? Shanghai shopping is known for luxury and fashion stores. In the morning, you may select the luxuries in a top shopping mall. In the afternoon, you already try to find the uniquely designed commodities in a special store in a lane.

Shanghai shopping choices are quite abundant, ranging from large shopping districts and art districts to traditional bazaars. Follow us to see the top shopping areas and malls that you can include in your Shanghai tour. Some recommended Shanghai local souvenirs are also included for your reference.

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• Why Shanghai Is One of Asia’s Best Shopping Cities
• Shanghai Shopping Quick Guide: Find the Right Area for You
• Best Shopping Areas in Shanghai
• Best Malls and Shopping Centers in Shanghai
• What to Buy in Shanghai China
• Practical Tips for Shopping in Shanghai
• FAQs about Shopping in Shanghai
• Plan Your Shanghai Tour with China Xian Tour

Why Shanghai Is One of Asia’s Best Shopping Cities

1. In Shanghai, you can always come into contact with the latest and most unique consumption options. Over 90% of the world’s famous high-end brands have opened a store in Shanghai. And every year, it attracts over 3,000 brands to hold the new product launch event here.
2. Shanghai has the largest number of “Time-honored Chinese Brands” in China. Its total number is nearly 200. And these brands also cooperate with trendy IP and develop new products to catch consumers’
3. From the century-old business streets, Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road, the modern top-level business circles, Xintiandi, to the special blocks, Tianzifang, Shanghai can meet the consumption needs of every person.
4. To ensure every customer feels “at ease, secure and comfortable”, Shanghai optimizes the tax refund service and fully promotes the offline seven-day no-hassle return policy. Foreign tourists can pay with their international credit card in more stores here.

Recommended reading: Shanghai Pass: A New Method for Cashless Payment in Shanghai

Shanghai Shopping Quick Guide: Find the Right Area for You

Best Shopping Areas in Shanghai

Nanjing Road: The Main Shopping Street in Shanghai

Nanjing Road, running west from the Peace Hotel on the Bund, is the best place to shop. It is renowned as “The First Commercial Street of China”. It mainly consists of Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street and Nanjing West Road. The former is an affordable business circle and a must-visit attraction in Shanghai, and the latter is a high-end, luxurious and fashionable block.

Here you will find stores selling the complete range of goods available to Chinese customers. Even though you do not speak Chinese, you can go into the shops, look around, and buy the merchandise. You will find that the excellent linen, tableware, cotton sheets, and towels (designs usually poor) are good buys. In summer and during public holidays, many stores will extend the opening time to the early hours of the morning, making the night tour a major feature of this Shanghai shopping street. On both ends of the street, there are Dangdang trolleys for tourists to go sightseeing on this long street leisurely.

Huaihai Road: Trendy Boutiques and International Brands

Huaihai Road is a shopping paradise that style lovers can not miss. Because it gathers about 2,000 famous brands. Among them, over 1,600 are international brands. It also covers a wide range of choices, from top luxury goods to cutting-edge fashion brands. From west to the east, this Shanghai shopping district is divided into three sections: “Century-old Classics”, “Dynamic Innovation” and “Elegant and Exquisite”, making it suitable for tourists with diverse needs. Along the road are many time-honored brands and high-end shopping malls, including iapm, K11 and Hong Kong Plaza, etc.

Huaihai Road is considered as the leader of the consumption trend. Many international brands and fashion brands open their first store or launch their new product here. It has been a gathering place for first stores, flagship stores and concept stores.

The Bund & Nearby Streets

The Bund is not a normal shopping area in Shanghai. It offers a unique shopping experience integrating history, culture, art and fashion. The high-end shopping at the Bund is not merely about purchasing goods; it is also an enjoyment of the environment and services. In Bund 18, besides plenty of international luxury brands, you can also appreciate the interior decorations of this restored historic building. The BFC Bund Finance Center is a modern landmark at the Bund, where you can go shopping in the flagship stores of fashion brands and appreciate the Lujiazui skyline at the open terrace.

Besides luxury goods, you will also find the special Shanghai souvenirs you love. Shanghai Gift store is one of the best places to choose the souvenirs. Its products combine the elements of Shanghai-style culture and intangible cultural heritage skills. Urban Archeo store focuses on the cultural and creative products related to the old buildings in Shanghai.

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Xintiandi: Chic Shopping District in Shanghai

If you want to experience a high-quality and stylish urban leisurely lifestyle, Xintiandi is definitely the best shopping place in Shanghai. It is transformed based on the old Shikumen architecture. Outside are the historic appearances with the red and blue brick walls and black-lacquered gates, while inside are the modern fashion stores, offering a strong contrast.

In this shopping district, Beili Area focuses on the high-quality international fusion dining and bars, Nanli Area gathers fashion brands, designer stores, beauty collection stores and large cinemas, and Hubindao Shopping Center is themed by “Health, Exercise, Life”, which is more suitable for families. If you are tired after shopping, there are also various kinds of foods waiting for you, such as the seafood hot pot, creative Zhejiang cuisine, baked food, milk tea, etc.

For foreign tourists, they can conveniently handle cash tax refunds at the centralized refund points in the business district after shopping. Nearly 20 merchants support this policy.

Tianzifang: Best Place for Shanghai Art Stores

Tianzifang is definitely one of the most unique Shanghai shopping places. It ingeniously blends the old Shanghai lane life, avant-garde art atmosphere and independent designer shops together. When you are exploring in the maze-like lane, there may be surprises from time to time.

The artistic charm of Tianzifang is that you can have a close contact with the creation and bring the unique artworks home. When strolling along the lanes, you may even encounter some artists and designers. Here, tourists can step into an art store to chat with the owner, who is willing to share the stories and concept of his designs. Or try to mix a bottle of perfume with your own unique scent by yourself and experience the simple handicraft making in a workshop. Besides, you can also buy some characteristic local designer goods, such as handmade Miao embroidery products or a T-shirt with elements of Shanghai culture and Chinese traditional culture.

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Yuyuan Bazaar

Yuyuan Bazaar is the best Shanghai shopping place to experience the traditional charm of Shanghai and buy special souvenirs. The architectures here are in Ming and Qing styles. So even if you do not buy anything, wandering in the street itself is a kind of enjoyment. The bazaar boasts numerous time-honored Chinese brands and intangible cultural heritages. You can buy the delicate golden accessories in LAO MIAO Jewelry, experience the traditional Chinese medicine and select some health-preserving gifts at Tonghanchun Hall, and taste the famous local foods, like Xiaolongbao, pastries and pear-syrup candy. In the Lantern Festival or New Year’s markets, you can also find many petty commodities with the element of traditional handicrafts and festivals, such as the perfume satchel, Chinese knot, etc. What’s more, the price of goods here is basically affordable.

Xujiahui: The Premier Hub for Electronics & Modern Malls

As the top one place for locals to buy digital products, Xujiahui has densely distributed e-markets. It attracts a large number of consumers with its abundant goods and cheaper prices. There are also varieties of modern shopping malls to meet the needs of customers with different budgets and likes.

If you seek luxuries and high-end brands, Grand Gateway and Oriental Department Store are ideal malls. For young tourists who love popular fashion, Pacific Department Store and Huijin Department Store provide more choices and a lively atmosphere. Metro City is also popular among youth because of its special round-shape outlook and abundant catering and entertainment options. Shanghai No.6 Department Store and Huilian Department Store serve more consumers with their people-friendly positioning and affordable prices. To facilitate customers, a sky bridge system is built to connect the main shopping malls, such as Grand Gateway, Oriental Department Store and Metro City.

Best Malls and Shopping Centers in Shanghai

Plaza 66: Paradise for Luxury Shopping

• Location: 1266, West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
• Opening hours:10:00 – 22:00
• Features: a high-end luxury shopping center with the core concept of “Home to Luxury”.

The most striking of Plaza 66 is its brand directory. More than 100 of the world’s top luxury fashion brands are gathered here, including Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada and so on. Many brands set the their first specialty stores or flagship stores in the Chinese mainland here. Its rotunda and atrium are famous fashion show venues in Shanghai, where many world’s top brands hold the shows and exhibitions. Here, you can get the chance to experience the latest fashion trends up close. So it is an ideal place for upscale shopping in Shanghai.

IFC Mall – High-end Living Experience Space

• Location: 8, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Opening hours:10:00-22:00
• Features: Luxury brands and global foods

The architectural form of the IFC Mall is inspired by the diamond and the indoor design is dominated by champagne and off-white, creating an elegant and delicate shopping environment. It is home to over 260 international famous brands. Among them, 15% are entering the Chinese mainland market for the first time, and about 40% are making their debut in Shanghai. L1 – L2 is the world of these brands. L3 – L4 are mainly all kinds of Chinese and western restaurants, LG1 gathers the trendy brands and designer brands and LG2 is composed of the beauty zone and a food market.

Super Brand Mall – Multi-Functional Mall

• Location: 168, Lujiazui West Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00-22:00; Friday to Sunday: 10:00-23:00
• Features: International, multi-functional and high-quality living place.

The fashion retailers in Super Brand Mall cover a wide range of choices from international famous brands to popular fashion trends. The catering options also vary from high-end restaurants to popular chain stores. To enrich the entertainment experience, it is equipped with abundant entertainment facilities, such as cinemas, KTV, Escape Room, etc. It also constructs a “Kids’ 3rd Home” theme area for children, making it a family-friendly shopping center in Shanghai.

K11 Art Mall – A Perfect Combination of Shopping and Art

• Location: 300, Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Opening hours:10:00-22:00
• Features: The world’s first original brand integrating the three core elements of “art, humanity and nature”

When going shopping in K11 Art mall, you will find that it perfectly integrates art into every corner of your shopping experiences. Especially the chi K11 art space on the third basement floor, the soul of this mall. Since its opening, over 70 high-quality art exhibitions, workshops and lectures have been held here periodically. There are also artworks from many renowned artists at home and abroad. They are not exhibited collectively, but scattered on each floor, making shopping an interesting art discovery tour. Besides, it ingeniously combines the natural elements into its design with an urban farm on the third floor and a 33-meter-high artificial waterfall in the atrium.

Global Harbor – A Large-scale Mall with Abundant Experience

• Location: 3300, North Zhongshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai
• Opening hours:10:00-22:00
• Features: A huge mall with three themed spaces

The most noticeable feature of Global Harbour is its large scale. It is 560 meters long from north to south and about 150 meters wide from east to west. Inside the mall, it is divided into three main areas: Sun Hall, Central Square and Garden Atrium. Each area is decorated with Corinthian columns, a large dome, exquisite murals and numerous green plants, offering a characteristic visual feast and shopping environment. The brands here are also diverse, including plenty of international famous brands and fast fashion brands. At the large rooftop garden, there are always fashion and cultural events such as open-air movies, fashion weeks, music festivals and e-sports. From here, you can also overlook the skyline in Puxi.

IAPM Mall: Late-Night Shopping and Fine Dining

• Location: 999, Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Opening hours:shopping: 10:00 – 23:00; catering: 10:00 – 00:00/01:00 the next day
• Features: High-end and fashionable landmark with a concept of night shopping.

The purpose of IAPM Mall is to establish a shopping paradise in Shanghai that is not restricted by time. So its opening time is longer than other malls. As for the brands, it gathers about 240 international high-end fashion brands. Along the Huaihai Middle Road is a 220-meter-long flagship store corridor, including Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Burberry, etc. Iapm is also a paradise for food lovers. It introduces several Michelin-starred restaurants and well-known eateries. Over half of them are first stores in Shanghai. If you are hungry after shopping, you can taste the creative roast duck, delicate Cantonese cuisine, authentic Thai food, etc.

Joy City: Entertainment-Focused Shopping with a Rooftop Ferris Wheel

• Location: 166, Xizang North Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
• Opening hours:10:00 – 22:00
• Features: Targeting young generations

The most famous landmark of Joy City is the SkyRing Ferris Wheel on the rooftop. When the lights are on at night, it creates a romantic atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couple’s date. Inside the mall, there are also many special stores and workshops where you can try to make the leather gifts, accessories, and woodenwares. It also integrates international fashion brands, trendy fast fashion, beauty and skincare stores, and various kinds of cuisine.

What to Buy in Shanghai China

Traditional Shanghai Souvenirs

The traditional souvenirs in Shanghai are not only meaningful, but also useful. The most representative should be the silks, which are superb and make wonderful gifts. One of the best places to buy silk fabric is the Shanghai Silk Shop. Shanghai stores also stock excellent quality silk scarves and ties, cashmere and wool sweaters, and handbags, wallets, and jewelry.

When strolling in Yuyuan Bazaar, you can also find some useful gifts, such as chopsticks and paper fans. Shanghai is an important printing center, so you can also buy fine writing paper, notebooks, diaries, greeting cards, and calendars.

Modern & Trendy Gifts

As a modern metropolis, Shanghai also offers many modern and trendy gifts, such as the Shanghai-style Qipao, unique clothing in local fashion brands, and accessories from independent designers.

For art enthusiasts, try to find original works, limited edition prints, or art derivatives in art districts, art galleries and art stores. If you seek for life quality, buy the small items that can enhance the happiness of life, such as local aromatherapy products and beauty products.

Specialty Foods

Choosing authentic local food as souvenirs is also popular. What can you take? The white rabbit milk candy is the most famous and popular. In addition, the local pastries, pear-syrup candies, and spiced beans are also representative local snacks. If you are fond of tea culture, it is also a nice choice to buy some tea or a tea set at the tea shops, like Yinxi Teahouse, North Teahouse, etc.

Practical Tips for Shopping in Shanghai

Best Places for Street Shopping in Shanghai

For tourists who prefer street shopping in Shanghai, Tianzifang, Nanjing Road, Qibao Old Street and Yuyuan Bazaar are all recommended. All of them are in distinctive architectural styles and can give you a unique shopping experience.

Tips for Getting Good Deals

In some markets in Shanghai, bargaining is a very common part of shopping. The most important step is to compare prices by visiting several stores. In this way, you can have a rough estimate of the actual value. During the bargaining, communicate with the owner politely. Sometimes, if the owner has a pleasant chat with you, he will be more willing to offer a cheaper price. And if you pay by cash, it may be easier to get a discount.

The shopping malls in Shanghai usually have a fixed promotion season, especially during Spring Festival, May Day, National Day and the Nov 11 Big Sale Period. To buy high-quality items, besides the large shopping malls, the South Bund textile fabric market is popular among some foreign tourists, because it can customize clothing and is cost-effective.

Payment Methods

Mobile payment is the main payment method. Besides, some major international credit cards are supported in main business circles and malls, such as Visa, MasterCard and JCB. Of course, cash is acceptable in all stores.

Related reading: How to Pay in China As a Foreigner

Tax Refund Guide

There are two major tax refund policies: the regular process and the more convenient “Buy Now, Return Now” service. After buying the goods at the designated stores and reaching the tax refund standard, ask for the invoice and Tax Refund Application Form. If the store supports the “Buy Now, Return Now” service, you can complete the refund at the designated point and get the money on site. While, the regular process requires customs inspection and stamping at the airport. After that, you need to submit the tax refund form to complete the process.

Navigation & Transportation Tips

Considering the large area of Shanghai, it is recommended to download a map app to navigate, such as Baidu Map and Amap. Metro and bus are the first choices for travel around the city. But pay attention to the closing time, it is usually 22:30 – 23:00. If you go out late at night, taxi and online hailing are also very convenient. >> See more details about transportation in Shanghai.

Store Hours in Shanghai

The opening hours of the large shopping centers in Shanghai are basically from 10:00 – 22:00. The restaurants, cafes, and markets are usually from 08:00/08:30 – 22:00. Most convenience stores offer 24-hour service.

FAQs about Shopping in Shanghai

What are the typical shopping hours in Shanghai?

The “55 Shopping Festival” from the end of April to the end of June, the “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season from July to October, the four-season theme consumption seasons, the seasonal promotion of shopping malls and major festivals are typical times.

Is it easy to shop in Shanghai without speaking Chinese?

Yes. The employees in large business circles are usually capable of basic English communications. Besides, you can also use the translation app to help you.

What are the best places to shop with my children?

Apart from the Super Brand Mall mentioned earlier, most comprehensive shopping malls/centers in Shanghai have children’s clothing brands, toy stores, and indoor play areas. You can buy suitable items for your children, and also find a nice place for them to have a great time playing.

In addition, the Lego brand flagship store on Nanjing East Road, Lujiazui iFC, or the Disney store on Nanjing East Road are highly recommended for families with children.

Should I worry about the shopping traps?

For large shopping malls and shopping centers, items are clearly priced, so you usually don’t need to worry about shopping scams. However, in some tea houses and galleries in scenic spots, be cautious of the excessive charges that are higher than the actual value of the items.

Plan Your Shanghai Tour with China Xian Tour

Shanghai is not only a world-famous metropolis, but it also boasts many historic buildings. To feel its charm completely, we are glad to tailor a satisfactory trip based on your needs. Follow us to appreciate the modern skyline, explore the various century-old international architecture and taste the authentic local food. We will also arrange the hotels, tickets, guide and driver for you. So you can completely immersed in the tour. So contact China Xian Tour right now to start your Shanghai tour.