Shanghai Travel Guide

Shanghai Shopping

Shanghai is a major international destination, so as time passes more and more traditional shop fronts are being replaced by western-style stores.

The Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall is a fascinating blend of western and eastern shopping, and Huaihai Zhong Street has a great selection of Chinese silk, which is a popular souvenir. The Old Town Bazaar has a variety of crafts and antiques, including popular Shanghai souvenirs like jade bracelets, cloisonné jewellery and vases, lacquerware and porcelain items, and vintage Cultural Revolution books and posters.

Other shopping districts in Shanghai include Parkson Shopping Centre, and the ''four cities'': Yuyuan Shopping City, Xujiahui Shopping City, New Shanghai Shopping City and Jiali Sleepless City. Fuzhou Road is a great place to find cultural items like music, art and books.

Although knock-off items are popular buys in Shanghai, be aware that customs in many countries will not allow you to bring multiple items back with you. Counterfeit souvenirs are also common, so be wary of paying high prices for easily faked items like jade and antiques.

Flex your bargaining muscles at street shops and markets, but the prices in formal stores and hotels are generally fixed. Remember to keep smiling and draw the shopkeeper away from other customers for the best deals.