Shanghai is a famous shoppers’ paradise – it’s been dubbed “the Paris of the Orient” for good reason. From Shanghai malls brimming with luxury brands to street markets overflowing with trinkets, this city offers every kind of retail therapy. So grab your comfiest shoes – it’s time to dive into the best places for Shanghai shopping.
1. Nanjing Road: A shopper’s paradise
Luxury brands, all-around shopping sprees
And if walking all 6 km sounds like a marathon, fear not – a quaint little street tram trundles from end to end, so you can ride in style with your shopping haul. From bargain-hunters to big spenders, Nanjing Road truly caters to every shopaholic in Shanghai, making it a must-visit stop on any well-planned Shanghai itinerary.
Address: East Nanjing Road (Huangpu District) and West Nanjing Road (Jing’an District), Shanghai
Opening hours: Pedestrian street accessible at all hours; most shops open around 10am – 10pm
2. Tianzifang: Trendy shops in traditional lanes
Artsy finds, local crafts, café-hopping
And don’t worry when hunger strikes – you can nibble on street food dumplings or settle into a cute café for lunch amid the alleyway buzz. Day or night, this lively pocket of Shanghai is full of surprises, blending traditional vibes with trendy Shanghai shopping flair.
Address: No. 210 Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours: Public alleyways open 24/7; most shops keep hours roughly 10am – 11pm
3. Xintiandi: Shanghai’s most stylish shopping & dining
Designer fashion, people-watching, café culture
Stroll past beautifully restored Shikumen houses and elegant European facades sitting shoulder to shoulder with sleek modern glass storefronts. Xintiandi is known for its homegrown designer boutiques – think chic Shanghai clothing stores by local luxury brands like Shanghai Tang and Uma Wang, rather than the usual global labels. You’ll find classy clothing, accessories and lifestyle shops that make window-shopping here an art form.
When you need a break, the dining options are just as stylish: from alfresco bistros to upscale dessert cafés (don’t miss the Lady M crêpe cakes!) Xintiandi is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon shopping for high-fashion pieces and then unwind with a cocktail, all while feeling like a trendy local in the heart of Shanghai.
Address: Xintiandi, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200021
Opening hours: 24/7
4. Huaihai Road: A boulevard of high-end designers
Luxury shopping, high-street fashion, big city vibes
Often dubbed Shanghai’s answer to New York’s Fifth Avenue, Huaihai Road is a 5-km-long, tree-lined boulevard of pure style. With over 400 stores along the avenue, it’s a shopping mecca that offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, you have the top international designer boutiques showcasing the latest luxury fashions. On the other hand, you’ve got popular high-street brands like H&M and Zara for the more budget-conscious shopper. Many shops spill out onto the street, while others congregate inside gleaming malls such as Golden Bell Plaza and Shanghai Times Square.
Be sure to swing by the trendy IAPM Mall – it’s got everything from major sportswear outlets to an excellent food court for refuelling. Even tea lovers get a treat here, with speciality tea retailers like the historic Huangshan Tea Company tucked among the fashion stores. Whether you’re hunting for a designer handbag or just window-shopping for the latest trends, Huaihai Road is Shanghai shopping at its most sophisticated and bustling.
Address: Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
5. Shanghai IFC Mall: A shopping oasis among skyscrapers
Luxury malls, gourmet food, and indoor shopping comfort
Right in the heart of futuristic Pudong, Shanghai IFC Mall stands as a glass-ceilinged mega-mall surrounded by soaring skyscrapers. Just getting here is a treat – step off the metro and you’re greeted by panoramic views of Shanghai’s tallest towers, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower nearby. Inside the IFC Mall, five floors of premium stores await, featuring luxury brands from around the globe. But this Shanghai mall isn’t only about fashion – it’s a paradise for foodies too. You’ll find excellent restaurants and cafes at every level, plus artisan bakeries tempting you with the highest-quality breads and pastries in town.
Don’t miss the gourmet supermarket in the basement, where you can browse international delicacies and local treats all in one place. Whether you’re splurging on a designer watch or escaping the summer heat for some window shopping and dessert, IFC Mall offers a luxurious retail retreat under Pudong’s glittering skyline.
Address: No. 8 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
6. The Bund: Handcrafted treasures in waterfront boutiques
Unique souvenirs, luxury gifts, scenic strolls
Famous for its postcard-perfect waterfront and grand historic buildings, The Bund might not scream “shopping” at first glance – but venture into its side streets and you’re in for a delightful surprise. Amid the colonial-era architecture, you’ll find a mix of elite designer stores (think Cartier and Chanel) alongside intimate local boutiques. It’s in these one-of-a-kind boutiques that Shanghai’s heritage truly shines. Browse for special handcrafted products that blend Chinese tradition with modern flair – perhaps an embroidered silk cushion or a pair of hand-made silk slippers from the likes of Annabel Lee or Suzhou Cobblers.
Once you’ve snagged your treasures, you can step right back out to the waterfront promenade to enjoy those famous skyline views of Pudong. Shopping on the Bund lets you savour a bit of old Shanghai elegance with your retail therapy – it’s like a self-guided treasure hunt with the city’s best view as your reward.
Address: Zhongshan East Road (The Bund), Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours: Outdoor waterfront promenade open 24/7
7. South Bund Fabric Market: Custom creations by skilled tailors
Tailor-made clothing, fabrics, bargain hunting
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting a suit or dress custom-made, South Bund Fabric Market is your paradise. This three-storey market houses 100+ vendors and skilled tailors selling every fabric under the sun – silk, linen, cashmere, you name it. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, and friendly bargaining is all part of the fun. Most stalls here are cash-only, so come prepared with yuan in hand. The typical drill: you’ll pick your favourite material from stacks of vibrant bolts, then let an on-site tailor take your measurements for a made-to-measure outfit. They can even clone your favourite clothing piece – some shoppers bring a beloved dress or suit to have it replicated in a new fabric.
The turnaround is quick (often just a few days for a suit), and the craftsmanship is top-notch – Shanghai’s tailors are known to whip up a whole new wardrobe in no time. It’s best to be as specific as possible with your requests, from fit to finishing touches, to ensure you get the perfect bespoke creation.
Address: 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 6pm
8. HKRI Taikoo Hui: Shopping, dining and a Starbucks wonderland
One-stop mall experience, mid-range brands, coffee lovers
Located near West Nanjing Road, HKRI Taikoo Hui is one of Shanghai’s newest shopping playgrounds – a huge 8-level mall that holds loads of possibilities. Inside this contemporary complex, you’ll find a wide range of popular global retailers, skewing more towards affordable high-street names than ultra-luxury boutiques. It’s a great spot if you want the big mall experience without only seeing the same old luxury brands. Taikoo Hui also hosts plenty of dining options: there are food courts on the lower levels for a quick bite, and a roof garden plus sit-down restaurants serving everything from local Chinese fare to international cuisine.
The biggest claim to fame here, however, is right next door – the world-famous Starbucks Reserve Roastery. This isn’t your average coffee shop; it’s one of the largest Starbucks in the world, a massive coffee wonderland that’s been described as a coffee-themed amusement park. Inside the roastery, you can watch coffee beans being roasted, sample exotic brews, and even visit a dedicated Teavana tea bar and coffee library.
Address: 789 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
9. Tianshan Tea City: The temple of tea
Tea lovers, cultural experience, unique gifts
In a country where tea is practically a religion, Tianshan Tea City is a must-visit shrine. This three-storey market is entirely devoted to tea – you literally enter through a gate that looks like the entrance to an ancient temple, and inside, many shops feel like they’ve been whisked straight out of old China. With over 150 stalls under one roof, the variety on offer is astounding. From delicate white teas and fragrant jasmine to aged pu’er bricks and oolong leaves, every type of Chinese tea imaginable is sold here (and likely some you’ve never heard of!).
Not sure what to buy? The vendors have you covered. Shopkeepers are usually happy to chat about their teas, make recommendations, and pour you samples to taste before you commit. It’s an interactive shopping experience – one moment you’re learning about spring harvests vs. autumn harvests, the next you’re sipping from a tiny porcelain cup, transported by the aroma. Even if you’re not a tea connoisseur, Tianshan Tea City is worth a visit for its cultural flavour and the chance to pick up some truly unique gifts (besides, who could say no to a beautiful new tea set?).
Address: 520 Zhongshan West Road, Changning District, Shanghai
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30am – 8.30pm
10. Yuyuan Bazaar (Yuyuan Old Street): Traditional Chinese marketplace
Souvenirs, street food, classic architecture
You can munch on piping hot soup dumplings or sticky rice treats as you wander under red lanterns and decorative archways. Yuyuan Bazaar really shows off old and new Shanghai all at once: you get traditional architecture and folk crafts on one side, and right around the corner, you might spot a modern bubble tea shop or a Starbucks, believe it or not. Haggling is common here, so bring your bargaining A-game – it’s part of the fun.
Address: No. 269 Middle Fangbang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 10pm
11. Bailian Outlets Plaza: Bargain hunting for branded goods
Factory outlet deals, discounted designer fashion
Craving a Shanghai factory outlet adventure? Head to Bailian Outlets Plaza in Qingpu District, the city’s sprawling outlet mall that promises luxury brands without the hefty price tags. This huge plaza is a magnet for bargain hunters, featuring discounted outlets for big names like Armani, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and more. It’s cleverly divided into three zones: Zone A houses the high-end designer boutiques, Zone B focuses on sportswear and popular local Chinese brands, and Zone C is all about dining and entertainment when you need a shopping break.
You can easily spend an entire day here rummaging through racks for that perfect deal. The outlet is located a bit southwest of the city centre, so it’s especially convenient to visit if you’re out in that direction – but even if you’re based downtown, true shopaholics might find the trek worth it for the discounts. Pro tip: go early on a weekday if possible, to avoid the crowds and snag the best sizes. For those who love the thrill of the hunt, Bailian Outlets Plaza shows a different side of Shanghai shopping – one where patience and a good eye can land you seriously brag-worthy finds.
Address: No. 5555 Middle Jiasong Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat – Sun, Public Holidays: 9am – 9.30pm
Shop, drop, repeat: Your guide to Shanghai shopping overload
From the neon-lit malls of Pudong to the quaint bazaars of the Old City, Shanghai offers a shopping adventure unlike any other. This metropolis manages to cater to every style and budget – you can splash out on couture one day and happily haggle over street souvenirs the next. We certainly hope this Shanghai shopping guide gave you plenty of ideas on where to go for your retail therapy in the city!
If you’re hungry for more travel inspiration, be sure to check out our things to do in Shanghai guide for all the must-visit attractions beyond the shops. Fancy exploring beyond Shanghai? Consider a weekend getaway to Fuzhou for a change of scenery. And if you do jet off to China, don’t forget to download the best apps to use in China – they’ll make everything from navigation to communication a breeze.
