Shopping in Shanghai
From luxury flagships on Nanjing Road to bustling wholesale markets and historic bazaars — where to shop, what to expect, and how to pay.
Where to shop by district
Shanghai’s shopping scene spreads across several distinct districts. Pick the vibe you want — luxury, lifestyle, souvenirs or wholesale fashion.
Nanjing Road (南京路)
Huangpu / Jing’an
China’s most famous shopping street. East Nanjing Road is pedestrian-only and tourist-friendly; West Nanjing Road is home to luxury malls like Plaza 66 and Réel.
Huaihai Road (淮海路)
Luwan / Xuhui
Elegant boulevard of flagship boutiques, mid-range fashion and lifestyle stores. Less crowded than Nanjing Road, popular with locals.
Lujiazui / Pudong
Pudong
Modern luxury malls at the foot of the skyline — Shanghai IFC, Super Brand Mall and Jin Mao Tower retail. Great after a Bund visit.
Xintiandi & Sinan Mansions
Huangpu
Restored shikumen stone-gate lanes turned into boutiques, design stores and cafés. Perfect for lifestyle shopping and souvenirs.
Notable malls & markets
A handpicked list of Shanghai’s most useful shopping spots for travelers — with type, hours and what to expect.
Plaza 66 (恒隆广场)
West Nanjing Road
Top luxury flagships — Hermès, Chanel, LV, Gucci. Tax-refund eligible.
Shanghai IFC Mall
Lujiazui, Pudong
Apple Store, luxury brands and a great food court beneath the Pearl Tower.
AP Plaza (新天地)
Xintiandi
Curated design and fashion boutiques in restored shikumen architecture.
Réel Mall (芮欧百货)
Jing’an
Contemporary designer brands and concept stores aimed at younger shoppers.
Yuyuan Bazaar (豫园商城)
Old City
Traditional crafts, jade, silk and souvenirs. Bargaining expected in the market lanes.
Qipu Road Apparel Market (七浦路)
Zhabei
Massive wholesale clothing market. Aggressive bargaining; cash and WeChat Pay only.
Global Harbor (环球港)
Putuo
One of Asia’s largest malls — fashion, cosmetics, electronics and dining under one roof.
Taikoo Hui (兴业太古汇)
Jing’an
Modern complex with luxury boutiques, a Starbucks Reserve Roastery and dining.
Shop smart in Shanghai
- Most malls accept Alipay and WeChat Pay; international cards work in luxury stores.
- Bargaining is normal in markets like Yuyuan and Qipu Road — start at 40–50% of the asking price.
- Luxury malls offer tax refund for travelers — ask for the 退税 form at checkout.
- Malls close around 22:00; wholesale markets like Qipu Road open early and close by sunset.
- Bring your passport shopping — needed for tax-refund forms and some luxury purchases.
Traveling home soon?
Many Shanghai malls participate in the departure tax-refund scheme. You can reclaim around 9% VAT on goods you take out of China.