Shanghai is a city of endless contrasts—towering skyscrapers brushing the clouds and winding lanes of centuries-old alleyways. It’s also a shopper’s paradise, where you can haggle for silken scarves, sip rare teas, or unearth antiques in hidden stalls. Whether you’re hunting for luxury brands or one-of-a-kind local creations, this guide will help you navigate Shanghai’s vibrant markets, upscale malls, and neighborhood boutiques. Read on for the essential list of items that embody the spirit and style of this dynamic metropolis.To get more news about what to buy in shanghai, you can citynewsservice.cn official website.
1. Authentic Silk Products
No trip to Shanghai is complete without experiencing its world-renowned silk. From delicately embroidered scarves to custom-tailored cheongsams, silk goods offer elegance and authenticity.
Where to shop: South Bund Fabric Market (formerly Dongjiadu Market) and Yuyuan Bazaar.
What to buy: Hand-painted silk scarves, sleepwear, and decorative throw pillows.
Tips: Feel the fabric—real silk should be cool and smooth. Bargain hard; market vendors expect negotiations.
2. Yixing Clay Teapots
Tea culture flows through Shanghai’s veins, and nothing encapsulates that more than a Yixing clay teapot. Crafted from distinctive purple clay, these teapots enhance flavor over time and develop a unique patina with use.
Where to shop: Yuyuan Garden tea shops and specialized boutiques in the Old Town.
What to buy: Small 150–300 ml teapots with unglazed interiors, available in simple and ornate designs.
Tips: Inspect the spout and lid alignment for a proper seal. Wrap carefully for travel to avoid chips.
3. Green Jade Jewelry
Jade has symbolized good fortune and protection in Chinese culture for millennia. Shanghai’s jade markets boast an array of jewelry—from polished bangles to intricately carved pendants.
Where to shop: Jade markets around the Old City and upscale department stores like Huijin.
What to buy: Translucent green jade bangles, dragon‐carved pendants, and delicate earrings set in silver.
Tips: Seek brighter hues and minimal inclusions; ask for a certificate of authenticity if buying high-end pieces.
4. Traditional Chinese Tea
Shanghai’s tea shops are treasure troves of loose-leaf varieties. Take home fragrant jasmine pearls, tightly rolled oolongs, or aged pu-erh that improves over years of cellaring.
Where to shop: Tea Culture Shop at Shanghai Museum and local tea houses in Jing’an District.
What to buy: 50 g to 100 g tins of high-grade leaves, plus reusable tea canisters.
Tips: Ask for a tasting service; many shops will steep small samples so you can compare aromas.
5. Hand-Painted Fans
Once a staple of the Chinese scholar’s ensemble, hand-painted folding fans now serve as exquisite art pieces. Scenes of mountains, peonies, and calligraphy decorate silk or paper surfaces.
Where to shop: Xintiandi boutiques and galleries in the Former French Concession.
What to buy: Fans signed by contemporary artists, complete with display stands.
Tips: Verify the quality of the bamboo ribs and the precision of the brushwork.
6. Local Snacks and Confections
Sampling—and buying—Shanghai’s snacks is a culinary souvenir you can share with friends back home. The city’s bakeries and street carts offer sweet and savory treats you won’t find elsewhere.
Where to shop: Laoximen snack street, kitchenware stores, and supermarket chains like Hema.
What to buy: White Rabbit candy gift boxes, spicy broad bean snacks, and flaky mooncakes.
Tips: Pack snacks in airtight containers and vacuum-sealed options if you need extra shelf life.
7. Contemporary Local Fashion
Shanghai’s local designers fuse Western cuts with Chinese motifs. From avant-garde dresses to streetwear labels, you can cultivate a wardrobe that stands out.
Where to shop: Tianzifang creative cluster, M50 Art District, and independent pop-up stores.
What to buy: Limited-edition capsule collections, standout graphic tees, and artisanal leather accessories.
Tips: Ask about limited runs—many pieces are produced in small batches and won’t be restocked.
8. Antique and Curio Finds
For the truly adventurous shopper, Shanghai’s back-street antique shops conceal Ming- and Qing-dynasty relics. You might discover lacquered boxes, porcelain snuff bottles, or faded propaganda posters.
Where to shop: Dongtai Road Antique Market and Guozijian Road.
What to buy: Small decorative items to avoid exorbitant shipping fees—think porcelain teacups, calligraphy brushes, or bronze seals.
Tips: Authenticate carefully; bring a local friend or hire a guide to ensure you’re not paying for a modern forgery.
Conclusion
Shopping in Shanghai is more than a transaction—it’s a rite of passage, a way to connect with history, culture, and cutting-edge creativity all at once. Whether you’re plucking silk scarves from a bustling market stall or curating a display of rare teas at home, each purchase tells a story. Armed with this guide, you’ll navigate the city’s shopping labyrinth with confidence, uncover hidden gems, and bring home treasures that encapsulate the spirit of Shanghai. Enjoy the hunt, embrace the art of negotiation, and let every purchase become a lasting memento of your journey.