Table of Contents

1. Nanjing Road: The Heart of Shanghai Shopping

2. Huaihai Road: High-End Fashion with a Local Touch

3. Tianzifang and Xintiandi: Boutique Shopping in a Historic Setting

4. Local Markets and Hidden Streets: Exploring Shanghai Beyond the Malls

1. Nanjing Road: The Heart of Shanghai Shopping

Nanjing Road is the most famous shopping street in Shanghai—and arguably in all of China. It’s divided into two parts: Nanjing East Road, stretching from the Bund to People’s Square, and Nanjing West Road, which runs westward past Jing’an Temple.

Nanjing East Road is packed with department stores, souvenir shops, bakeries, and local snack stalls. It’s lively from morning till night and great for travelers looking for a vibrant atmosphere.

Nanjing West Road is home to luxury brands and high-end malls like Plaza 66 and Jing’an Kerry Centre. If you're into designer fashion, this is the place to be.

Travel tip: Come in the late afternoon and stay until evening to enjoy the neon lights and street performances.

2. Huaihai Road: High-End Fashion with a Local Touch

Huaihai Road offers a more elegant and relaxed shopping experience compared to Nanjing Road. This French Concession-era boulevard is lined with international flagship stores, designer boutiques, and premium Chinese brands.

The street is often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris due to its wide sidewalks and stylish storefronts. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy browsing luxury goods or discovering well-curated local labels.

Several shopping centers like iAPM Mall, K11, and Parkson blend art, fashion, and lifestyle into one space, making it an ideal stop even if you’re just window-shopping.

Travel tip: Take time to walk down the side streets branching off Huaihai Road — they often hide small cafes, bookstores, and vintage clothing shops.

3. Tianzifang and Xintiandi: Boutique Shopping in a Historic Setting

If you prefer something more artistic or culturally interesting, Tianzifang and Xintiandi are two must-see districts.

Tianzifang, located in the former French Concession, is a maze of narrow alleyways filled with artisan shops, creative studios, and souvenir stalls. You can find handmade crafts, local designer pieces, and quirky items that are perfect for gifts.

Xintiandi is more modern and upmarket, featuring international fashion brands and lifestyle stores housed in beautifully restored Shikumen (stone-gate) buildings. It’s also a popular dining and nightlife area, ideal for an afternoon of shopping followed by a stylish dinner.

Travel tip: Tianzifang is great for daytime browsing, while Xintiandi comes alive in the evening.

4. Local Markets and Hidden Streets: Exploring Shanghai Beyond the Malls

For a more local and budget-friendly shopping experience, Shanghai has plenty of street markets and hidden shopping areas.

• Qipu Road is known for wholesale fashion, including clothes, bags, and accessories. It's crowded and chaotic, but if you’re up for bargaining, you can score some deals.

• South Bund Fabric Market is ideal for tailored clothing. Choose your fabric, give your measurements, and return in a few days to pick up a custom-made suit or dress.

• Wujiang Road and Daqing Road are more low-key, offering snacks, small shops, and daily-use products that locals love.

Travel tip: Carry cash or use Alipay/WeChat Pay where accepted. Many of these markets may not take international cards.

Final Thoughts

Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from luxury goods and local designer labels to traditional crafts and bargain finds. Whether you want to explore neon-lit commercial streets or duck into historic alleyways, each area has its own charm and surprises.

Plan your shopping trip based on your interests, but don’t rush it—many of Shanghai’s best finds come when you’re simply walking and exploring.