Shopping in Shanghai: Top Souvenirs & Where to Buy

One of the most fascinating aspects of Shanghai is that you can find anything and everything. Whether you're looking for traditional souvenirs to bring home, ultra-high-end goods, or delicious snacks that you won't find anywhere else, Shanghai has it all. Shopping in Shanghai can be a daunting experience, especially if you don't know where to start. In a personalized itinerary, we can help you pinpoint which areas are right for you.

Best Souvenirs to Buy in Shanghai

Certain items, including unique Qipao, stunning jade, and luxurious real Chinese silk, are only available in Shanghai or the surrounding areas.

Chinese Silk Products

Shanghai silk in a silk workshop

As an ancient stop on the Silk Road, it's no wonder that China is renowned for its fabulous silk, and you can find it in all sorts of different forms in Shanghai. Indulge in a sleek silk dress, a lovely patterned scarf, or top-of-the-line bedding. If cared for properly, silk can last a long time and will certainly add an intriguing and elegant note to any wardrobe or decor.

Qipao (Cheongsam)

Qipao in a store in Yuyuan Bazaar

Traditional Qipao, or Cheongsam, are traditional dresses that have evolved in style since they first emerged during the Qing Dynasty. Today's Qipao are more modern and form-fitting, with elegant lines, signature Mandarin collars, and braided pankou buttons in the front and collar of the outfit.

While you'll find variations on the Qipao throughout China, Shanghai's Hai Pai style is utterly unique, with Western-style touches that make it both fashion-forward and traditional.

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Jade Jewelry

Chinese jade

China is certainly the land of jade, and you'll find plenty of it in Shanghai, such as Hongqiao International Pearl City and Shanghai Xiuyutang. In this lovely sculpture studio, visitors can admire gorgeous works of jade carving. Jade is aesthetically pleasing, but it also holds an essential spot in Chinese culture as a healing and protecting stone. You'll find jade in white, purple, and green, giving you a range of colors, shapes, and variations to choose from.

Tea Sets

Golden Teapot in a gold store

Tea culture is an ancient and beloved tradition in China, so when shopping in Shanghai, it's a good idea to keep your eyes open for tea sets. These tea sets elevate your tea-drinking experience with six designated tea cups and a beautiful pot that does double-duty filtering your tea to perfection. Having one of these tea sets also allows you to properly engage in the ritual of tea culture, which is more than just enjoying a warm beverage and extends to the detailed art of preparing the tea for maximum taste and aroma.

Traditional Artistic Keepsakes

Chinese fans

If you're looking for a unique and memorable souvenir, spend some time shopping in Shanghai, looking for timeless keepsakes that encapsulate the beauty of Chinese culture. Intricate fans are an excellent choice. Traditionally seen as feminine symbols and widely associated with Chinese royalty, these fans are highly decorated and meticulous, with lovely landscapes, beautifully rendered birds, and other motifs.

Shanghai is also famous for its paper art, and the area around Yu Garden is especially famous for lovely renditions of birds, animals, and very detailed landscapes. These fragile and unique items are one-of-a-kind items you can find in Shanghai.

Snacks and Treats

Try hairy crabs in Shanghai

You can easily reward your sweet tooth with a variety of local goodies, like White Rabbit Creamy Candy, a milk-flavored, chewy treat that comes in its own edible paper and has been a staple of Chinese confectionery since the 1980s and 1990s. You can also find these candies in yogurt, corn, red bean, and chocolate.

Butterfly-shaped cookies, a pastry gently shaped into buttery butterfly wings, are Shanghai's answer to a palmier cookie and are a remnant of Chinese and French fusion in the city.

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Shanghai Shopping: Recommended Spots for Souviners

You can certainly shop 'til you drop in Shanghai, but it helps to know where to look for the souvenirs of your choice. These top destinations offer an array of fabulous goods.

Shanghai IFC Mall

Shopping in Shanghai doesn't get much better than a trip to the Shanghai IFC Mall. You'll find a glorious mixture of luxury brands like Dior, Hermes, and Prada and premium Chinese products.

Plaza 66

Plaza 66, also known as Hanglung Plaza, is another spectacular spot to get high-end Chinese products and designer goods. You'll find fantastic jewelry, watches, homeware products, and traditional Chinese products made with the finest materials.

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road

This five-kilometer road is a gold mine of boutique shopping, department stores, and top malls like Raffles City. It's bustling any time of day or night and full of spectacular architecture, so you can sightsee while you enjoy amazing shopping in Shanghai.

Yuyuan Bazaar

Yuyuan Market, also called Yuyuan Bazaar

If you're looking for a spot with more local flair, check out Yuyuan Bazaar. You'll find aromatic Chinese teas, lovely jade jewelry, and silks in every corner. Yuyuan Bazaar has plenty of food stalls, making it the ideal place to grab lunch and a special souvenir.

Huaihai Road

Huaihai Road is unique in that it offers mid-range, affordable brands like H&M and Zara alongside top designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. It's an excellent destination with historic architecture, plenty of places to grab coffee, and superb shopping.

Local Supermarkets

If spectacular snacks are on your souvenir wish list, stop by your local supermarket. You'll find treasures like White Rabbit Creamy Candy, peanut nougat, and Wangzai QQ Candy in pineapple, strawberry, and lychee flavors.

Shopping Tips for Travelers

• Before embarking on your China adventure, check to see if your home country forbids any products or souvenirs. Avoid buying items like fresh produce or meats, which will not be allowed through customs.
• Supermarkets are excellent places to get edible goods, like signature candies, because you'll find great prices and can rest assured that the products are of the highest quality.
• If you're shopping in a market like Yuyuan Bazaar, prepare to use your negotiating skills, but be diplomatic. You don't want to insult the vendor or try to bargain them down from their final offer. Although malls and many stores will take cards, you'll want to bring cash to smaller markets and bazaars.
• Quality checks on higher-end items like jade and silk should also be done. Before buying a piece of jade, check for consistency in color and texture. Silk products should feel completely smooth when you run them through your fingers, whereas synthetic or mixed products will have a rougher texture.

Find Glorious Treasures and Souvenirs in Shanghai

Shopping in Shanghai is on most visitor's must-do lists, and with the array of fantastic products available, it's no surprise why. At China Odyssey Tours, we can help you tailor an itinerary to address your needs, find the best bargains, and return home with something truly special. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com today.