Shanghai Shops

With a treasure trove of boutiques, craft shops, mammoth malls, and everything in between, Shanghai won’t disappoint when it comes to shopping. As you’d expect from a city that is China’s financial nerve center, there’s plenty of money flying around, evidenced by the Lamborghini showrooms, Gucci stores, and Cartier boutiques. Take a walk down West Nanjing Road and it won’t be long before you hit a luxury mall.

However, there’s more to Shanghai’s retail offerings than bling alone. Mid-range Western names like H&M and Gap are well represented, as well as many domestic Chinese brands. The Old French Concession is home to some lovely independent boutiques selling clothing, shoes, and housewares; Xinle Road and Changle Road [1] are particularly good for clothing.

The “fake market” phenomenon is one that you’ll either embrace or choose to shun completely, depending on your stance on intellectual property. If you’re keen to take home a replica Mulberry satchel or Louis Vuitton wallet, you’ll definitely find one. Often, vendors keep their best quality goods behind a false screen, so make it clear that you want the best and you’ll be ushered into their secret stockroom. Most vendors speak limited English, but most transactions are bashed out with a calculator and vehement gestures.

Shanghai’s main fabric market [2] is great for having clothes tailored, but the process takes a good week from measurements to completion. If you’re in Shanghai for more than a week, go to the market on your first day so that there’s time to pick up your clothing before you leave. If it’s gifts and souvenirs you’re after, try the Dongtai Road Antiques Market [3] or the huge bazaar at the Yu Garden [4].

Shanghai’s Best Shopping [5]

• Most Fashionable: Changle Road and Xinle Road [1]
• Best Knickknacks: Dongtai Road Antiques Market [3]
• Best Haggling: Fenshine Plaza [6]
• Best Mall: Super Brand Mall [7]
• Best Nostalgia: Old China Hand Reading Room [8]
• Best Sneakers: Culture Matters [9]
• Most Eco-Friendly Fashion: NuoMi [10]
• Best Electronics: Pacific Digital Plaza [11]
• Most Classy Kitsch: Madame Mao’s Dowry [12]
• Best Tea: Song Fang Maison de Thé [13]