What to Buy in Shanghai: Souvenirs, Shopping Areas & Tips

Shanghai is a city where shopping moves fast. You stroll along a futuristic avenue, turn a corner and find yourself in a local market; step into a huge shopping centre and end up in an unexpected shop. That constant contrast is part of the charm of shopping in Shanghai, though not everything is worth it, nor is it as cheap as it seems.

In this guide, you’ll discover what to buy in Shanghai, where to shop for great deals, and which markets to visit!

💸 Best Shanghai Souvenirs for Every Budget

In Shanghai you can come away with a suitcase full while spending very little, or treat yourself and take home something that truly feels special. But, as always, the priciest option isn’t necessarily the one you’ll love most (not in every case, anyway).

So, if you're wondering what to pick up on the cheap in Shanghai or what’s worth upgrading, here’s a table to keep things simple.

🎁 Typical Shanghai Souvenirs by Type

Although Shanghai isn’t China’s most “traditional” city, it keeps things straightforward when it comes to shopping. It’s modern, fast-paced and all about practicality, so Shanghai’s typical souvenirs tend to fall into categories that work a treat for travellers.

If you’re coming with the idea of doing some smart shopping, here’s a guide to put into practice, with indicative prices and tips that, you’ll see, will spare you more than a few nasty surprises.

👕 Clothing and urban fashion

Shanghai is a paradise if you fancy refreshing your wardrobe basics without spending a fortune. There’s variety galore, from T-shirts and sweatshirts to trainers and bags, and the best part is you can adjust your budget depending on where you shop. That said, keep an eye on two things: sizes and quality.

In China, many sizes run smaller than you’d expect, so don’t be shy about trying things on or taking measurements. The same goes for quality: you can find very decent garments, but others will be ready for retirement after three washes. To play it safe, your best bets are T-shirts, sweatshirts, socks, caps and basics.

Indicative prices (GBP):

• Basic T-shirt: £5–£15
• Sweatshirt: £13–£34
• Unbranded trainers: £17–£51
• Accessories (hats, socks): £2–£9

📱 Technology and gadgets

Here, the temptation is real. Accessories everywhere, cables that ‘look’ good, cases, adaptors, power banks, earphones… and prices that make you think, ‘go on then, I’ll take two’. Well, you can buy tech in Shanghai and walk away very happy, but it pays to do it with a bit of common sense.

The simple rule is this: if it’s something that could be dangerous or fail (batteries, chargers), choose a well-known brand or a trusted shop. And if you want it as a useful souvenir, go for what you’ll always use: adaptors, cables, mobile holders or sturdy cases.

Indicative prices (GBP):

• USB-C/Lightning cable: £2–£7
• Universal adaptor: £5–£13
• Power bank (quality brand): £13–£38
• Headphones (well-known brand): £17–£102

🍵 Tea and gourmet products

If you’re after a classic gift that’s always a winner and light to pack, tea is your best bet. There are options for every taste, from simple tea bags to take to work to tins of more premium blends. And it’s not just tea—you’ll also find snacks, sweets, biscuits, dried fruit, and quirky bits you don’t see so much at home.

The most sensible choice is to buy in large supermarkets (for variety and price) or in specialised shops if you want something more curated. And if you’re unsure, keep it simple: jasmine, oolong or a mild blend.

Indicative prices (GBP):

• Tea bags (pack): £3–£9
• Small, well-presented tin: £7–£22
• Premium tea: £22–£70
• Top snacks (box): £4–£18
• Designer tote bag: £5–£18

🎨 Design and stationery

This is the category that tends to surprise. Shanghai has a very cool creative vibe, and you can see it in notebooks, prints, modern postcards, stickers, pens, tote bags with local designs… They’re lightweight, distinctive souvenirs, perfect if you don’t fancy lugging around porcelain items you’re scared to even look at.

Guide prices (GBP):

• Notebook / notepad: £3 – £13
• Print or small poster: £5 – £21
• Postcard or sticker pack: £2 – £9
• Designer tote bag: £5 – £17

🕶️ Buying Fake Goods in Shanghai: What to Know and Where to Go

Buying knock-offs in Shanghai is quite common and, if you handle it well, can even be fun. You’ll find it all: from barely passable copies to surprisingly decent replicas. The key, more than the product itself, lies in how you shop and in not rushing.

Before you pay, bear this in mind:

• Take a closer look at the details: stitching, zips, weight and finishes tell you far more than a logo.
• Don't accept the first price: here, haggling is expected. Start low and go up little by little.
• Avoid big impulse buys: better to go for something practical you won’t mind if it ends up only so-so.
• Don’t get attached to one stall: if it doesn’t feel right, say thank you and keep going. Very often, something better pops up just two aisles away.

The best-known place for this kind of shopping is AP Plaza, the underground market next to Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station (Line 2 of the Metro).

It’s sprawling, a bit chaotic, and full of many similar stalls, so it’s worth doing a full circuit before you decide. There are also other secondary shopping centres and less touristy underground areas where you can take your time browsing.

🏬 Best Shopping Centres in Shanghai

If Shanghai has anything, it’s shopping centres galore. You’ll find pure luxury, practical spots for fuss-free shopping, and others where you can mix shopping with a stroll, a coffee, and a touch of urban posing.

Choosing the right place to go doesn’t just save you time; it also helps you avoid ending up in eye-wateringly expensive places when you were really looking for something much simpler.

👜 Shanghai IFC Mall (Pudong)

The IFC Mall is one of those places that impresses you the moment you step inside. Everything is spacious, polished and rather elegant, very much in keeping with the Pudong financial district where it’s located.

Here you come to buy luxury with no fuss: designer handbags, watches, jewellery and premium gifts that need no introduction. It’s ideal for a first taste of Shanghai at its most sophisticated, or if you’re after a special treat.

👗 Plaza 66 (Jing’an)

Plaza 66 plays in the same luxury league, but with a slightly more fashion-forward focus.

Designer fashion, elegant accessories and cosmetics are right at home here. If you like to take your time, compare cuts and try things on without rushing, this is your kind of place. It’s a centre designed for considered shopping—the sort you do with intention, not on impulse.

🌆 Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Nanjing Road is a different story. It’s Shanghai’s most famous shopping artery—always packed, noisy, and brimming with an eclectic mix of international shops, local businesses and souvenirs of every kind. Set in the Huangpu district, it’s impossible not to end up passing through at least once.

It’s a good option for budget-friendly shopping, affordable clothing, traditional snacks and quick souvenirs.

Not everything is a bargain, mind you, but there’s plenty of variety and it’s perfect for hassle-free shopping whilst soaking up the city’s liveliest side.

Stay close to the main shopping areas like Nanjing Road or Xintiandi to save time and travel costs.

🎨 Xintiandi

Xintiandi is more laid-back and has a different vibe. It combines historic buildings with modern shops, terraces and beautifully curated concept stores.

Local design, lovely stationery and creative gifts take centre stage here. It’s perfect if you’re looking for distinctive souvenirs with personality that don’t feel mass-produced. It’s not the cheapest place in the city, but it’s one of the easiest spots to find something special.

🏷️ Shanghai's Village

If you’re keen to pick up discounted brands, Shanghai’s Village is the place to go. It’s a large, well-organised outlet a little further from the city centre, in the Pudong area. It’s best to allow plenty of time and, if you can, visit on a weekday.

The big draw here is branded clothing, shoes and accessories at better prices. You won’t always find every size or specific styles, but when you strike lucky, it’s a winner.

It’s ideal for dedicating a whole morning to it and returning to the hotel with several bags and the feeling of having got it right.

🎒 Tianzifang

Tianzifang isn’t a conventional shopping mall, but a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with small shops, workshops and creative studios.

It’s a great place for crafts, affordable souvenirs and small gifts. Nothing too sophisticated, but full of charm. The magic is in getting lost for a while, popping into shops with no plan and walking out with something you didn’t know you wanted until you saw it.

📱 Best Shopping Apps to Use in Shanghai

Shopping in Shanghai is so much more enjoyable when your mobile is properly set up. You don’t need to cram your screen with icons, just make sure you’ve got four tools that actually work in China. With those, you’ll get around with ease, understand what you’re buying and avoid more than one misunderstanding.

• Translation: Baidu Translate and Microsoft Translator usually work a treat without needing a VPN. The camera mode is a lifesaver for menus, labels and signs, and for single words or quick queries, Youdao Dictionary is pretty reliable.
• Maps: the most practical options here are Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps. These are what locals use, and they get addresses, real entrances and metro stations spot-on. If you’re using an iPhone, Apple Maps also works well in central areas.
• Label scanner: Baidu Translate’s built-in camera helps you make sense of ingredients, materials or basic instructions. It’s handy in supermarkets or cosmetics shops, where a quick snap saves you from buying blind.
• Mobile payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are pretty much essential. Many small stalls don’t accept card payments, so if you can get them set up as a tourist, everything runs smoothly.

✅ Shopping Tips for Travellers in Shanghai

When you’re already carrying a few bags, your mobile with the map open and your head buzzing with it all, it’s easy to shop on autopilot. And that’s when the ‘why did I buy this?’ moments show up. So, before heading to the till once more, pause for half a minute and run through the basics.

• Check quality and authenticity: if you're told it's “good” silk, jade or porcelain, touch it, examine the finish and compare in two places. You don’t need to be an expert—just curious. When something is genuine, the details usually give it away.
• Be wary of too-good-to-be-true bargains: an absurdly low price almost always has a catch. Sometimes it’s flimsy materials, other times an obvious imitation. If it doesn’t feel right, keep walking—Shanghai has no shortage of options.
• Check the packaging carefully: if it’s fragile, ask for bubble wrap, a sturdy box, and make sure they show you exactly the item you’re taking. It may seem silly until you open your suitcase at home.
• International shipping or suitcase: for bulky or delicate purchases, consider having them shipped. For everything else, place it in the centre of your suitcase, surrounded by clothes. It works more often than you think.
• Keep your receipts—especially for expensive purchases. They take up hardly any space and could save you hassle at customs or if anything goes wrong.

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