In terms of shopping, Shanghai is absolutely one of the most fantastic places in China (and the world). The experience that you have about everything “made in China” is true. When China threw its doors open to the world, the country’s late patriarch Deng Xiaoping told people that to get rich was glorious, but if you want to get ahead in modern Shanghai, to look rich is even better.

Shanghai is the shopping utopia for Mainland Chinese. Expatriates can easily find most goods that are required for comfortable living. The imported items are still pretty expensive, but we know the rule is that you should always bring those things important for your life style from home. What’s more, the pearl markets, antique markets, antique furniture shops are those ”must-drop-by shops”.

In the below section, we will introduce you to various shopping areas and some main department stores. However, what should be brought to China is highly individual. When shopping in Shanghai, please note that China uses the metric system and that bargaining is more the rule than exception.

Main shopping areas & Flea markets

Xiang Yang Market
The former Hua Ting Lu, also nick-named the Export Street, is located on Huai Hai Lu (at the intersection with Xiangyang Lu), and is a large shopping market with cheap and negotiable prices on everything from clothing and shoes to dvd’s, handbags, suitcases and other accessories. Here you can change the entire wardrobe for spring, summer, fall and winter!

Huai Hai Rd
In the former French Concession, is a classic shopping area. Being less crowded, Huaihai Lu is more popular among Shanghai residents than Nanjing Lu and is home to various shopping malls, office buildings, international fashion stores, restaurants, cafés, parks and much much more.

Nanjing Rd
It is the favorite shopping place for out of town visitors and overseas tourists. Regardless of the hour its streets hum with activity as shoppers flock to buy everything from sports equipment to designer goods – you can find almost anything on the new pedestrian walk that leads from People’s Square down to Sichuan Rd intersection.

Xujiahui and Grand Gateway
Grand Gateway has many good quality goods and clothes in a reasonable price, unlike some other department stores. It also has some western brands but at a much lower price. There are also a number of electronic stores offering computers, tv’s, dvd’s etc.

Yu Garden – the Old city
The bustling - pedestrian only - conglomerate of alleys near the Yuyuan Garden, is located in the Old City. Individual shops sell everything from walking sticks, playing cards, chopsticks and umbrellas to lanterns and pets.

Main Department Stores and Shopping Centers

There are several department stores and shopping centers that offer a wide range of commodities needed in your daily life. These make shopping a faster business than going to the smaller shops in the above shopping areas. Many carry Western groceries, toiletries, baby supplies, and other items that you are accustomed to. Department stores are becoming increasingly popular also among the Shanghainese. Below is a list of the biggest department stores and shopping centers in the Shanghai area.

Carrefour
Address: 560 Quyang Lu / 20 Wuning Lu; Yanan and ShuiCheng Lu; Bi Yun Rd, Jin Qiao, Pudong
Comments: A French supermarket chain. Very good choice of fresh fruits and vegetables at wet market prices and everything else you need to satisfy the family’s hunger for food, wine and cereals.

E-Mart
Address: 800 Quyang Lu
Comments: Open on February 1997, this Korean supermarket offers among other things a wide range of clothes and home necessities. Very good prices.

Grand Gateway Department Store
Address: 1 Hongqiao Lu
Tel: 6407 0111

Hongqiao Friendship Shopping Center
Address: 6 Zunyi Nan Lu
Tel: 6270 0000
Comments: A variety of handicrafts, silk, furniture, food, clothes etc. Open daily 9.30am to10.00pm

Hong Kong Shopping Plaza
Address: Below People Square
Renmin Lu/Xizang Zhong Lu
Comments: A variety of Hong Kong clothing stores. Many reasonably priced bag, shoe and cosmetic stores.

International Shopping Center Shanghai
Address: 527 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel: 5306 6666
Comments: Four floors of shopping in this Japanese joint venture. Ice cream parlor, beauty salon, pharmacy, coffee shop, and bakery.

Metro
Address: 1425 Zhenbei Lu (Pudong)
80 Gudai Lu (Minhang)
Tel: 6265 8888 / 6480 8888
Address: 7 Huning Gaosong Gong Lu (Xishan)
Tel: 0510 8708 888
Comments: A big supermarket where you can buy goods in bulk. Get a membership card free of charge at the entrance showing your residence card, passport and Shanghai business card. Open daily 3.00am to 10.00pm.

New World
Address: 2 Nanjing Xi Lu
This department store is located opposite to People’s Park. They have a good selection of electrical appliances. Open daily 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Next Age
No.1 Yaohan Department Store
Address: 501 Zhangyang Lu
Tel: 5830 1111
Comments: Located in Pudong it is Asia’s largest department store. Interesting food court on the 9th floor and a big fun park for kids on the 10th.

Shanghai Central Plaza
Address: 381 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel: 6373 1111

Shanghai Friendship Store
Address: 40 Beijing Dong Lu
Tel: 6329 4600

Shanghai No.1 Department Store
Address: 800-830 Nanjing Dong Lu
Tel: 6322 3344
Comments: Open daily 10.00am to 10.00pm

Shanghai Times Square
Address: 500 Zhangyang Lu
Tel: 5836 8888

Maison Mode
Address: 1312 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel: 6431 0100
Comments: Foreign high-end clothing brands for both men and women. Open daily 10.00am to 10.00pm

Lane Crawford
Address: 4F, Time Square, 93 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel: 6391 0800