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Shopping Guide to Shanghai

When it comes to a modern, stylish shopping environment, if Shanghai claims second place in China, there are few who would dare claim first. Whether it’s top international brands, independent designer labels, unique items, or home goods, whether it’s the shopping atmosphere or the level of service… within the borders of the country, Shanghai may well be the most worthwhile city to shop in.


In Shanghai, the subway is the most convenient and efficient way to travel, covering all major shopping areas: from Nanjing Road to Jing’an Temple and Huaihai Road, these are the main shopping routes. The Nanjing East Road Station, Nanjing West Road Station, and Jing’an Temple Station on Line 2 connect the past and present of Nanjing Road. Crossing the Huangpu River, Lujiazui offers many emerging high-end shopping destinations as well. During seasonal changes, festivals, or store anniversaries, major malls offer incredible discounts, making it the perfect time to shop.


1.  Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street | China’s First Commercial Street

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Nanjing Road is the oldest commercial street in Shanghai, famous for its “ten-mile foreign scene” before liberation. Nanjing Road typically refers to Nanjing East Road, stretching from the Bund to Xizang Middle Road. It boasts over 100 time-honored Chinese stores and modern shopping malls, as well as century-old stores like First Food Store, Lao Jiefu, Bao Daxiang, Hengdeli, and Wu Lianghai. South goods stores are concentrated around this area. 

Recommended malls: Shanghai Shimao Plaza, New World Daimaru Department Store, Raffles City.


2.  Jing’an Temple and Nanjing West Road | The “Nanxi Concept” of High-End Consumption

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Jing’an Temple and Nanjing West Road represent the western extension of Nanjing Road's commercial street. It offers both popular consumer goods and luxurious high-end brand boutiques. Established malls like Plaza 66, Mall City, and Joy City form the “Nanxi Concept” for high-end consumption, making it a prime spot for trendy shopping malls to compete for. 

Recommended malls: Plaza 66, Ruei O Department Store, Xintiandi Taikoo Hui, Henglong Plaza, Jing’an Kerry Centre.


3.  Huaihai Road and Xintiandi | A Blend of Shanghai’s Colonial and Local Charm

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Huaihai Road and Xintiandi are famous commercial streets in Shanghai, with renowned brands gathering here. The old buildings of Shikumen in Xintiandi, as well as the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party, carry the history of Shanghai. Here, new trends merge with old classics, and the fusion of Western and Shanghai styles creates a unique charm. Compared to the "old-money flavor" of the “Nanxi style,” this area has more of an avant-garde and artistic atmosphere. 

Recommended malls: Xintiandi, Shanghai Plaza, K11, IAPM Mall.


4.  Lujiazui Business District | The New Elite of Pudong

Lujiazui is the most prestigious area in Pudong, where towering skyscrapers house fashion-forward malls with modern designs. 

Recommended malls: IFC Mall, Lujiazui Centre, Century Link Plaza.


In addition to these major shopping districts, areas like Xujiahui, Zhongshan Park, and Wujiaochang also have many great shopping destinations. Not to mention, the many unique neighborhoods of Shanghai are filled with hidden gems for shopping enthusiasts. For shopaholics, Shanghai is a city with an endless array of “mega malls” to explore.


Shopping Guide to Shanghai

When it comes to a modern, stylish shopping environment, if Shanghai claims second place in China, there are few who would dare claim first. Whether it’s top international brands, independent designer labels, unique items, or home goods, whether it’s the shopping atmosphere or the level of service… within the borders of the country, Shanghai may well be the most worthwhile city to shop in.


In Shanghai, the subway is the most convenient and efficient way to travel, covering all major shopping areas: from Nanjing Road to Jing’an Temple and Huaihai Road, these are the main shopping routes. The Nanjing East Road Station, Nanjing West Road Station, and Jing’an Temple Station on Line 2 connect the past and present of Nanjing Road. Crossing the Huangpu River, Lujiazui offers many emerging high-end shopping destinations as well. During seasonal changes, festivals, or store anniversaries, major malls offer incredible discounts, making it the perfect time to shop.


1.  Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street | China’s First Commercial Street

1.jpeg

Nanjing Road is the oldest commercial street in Shanghai, famous for its “ten-mile foreign scene” before liberation. Nanjing Road typically refers to Nanjing East Road, stretching from the Bund to Xizang Middle Road. It boasts over 100 time-honored Chinese stores and modern shopping malls, as well as century-old stores like First Food Store, Lao Jiefu, Bao Daxiang, Hengdeli, and Wu Lianghai. South goods stores are concentrated around this area. 

Recommended malls: Shanghai Shimao Plaza, New World Daimaru Department Store, Raffles City.


2.  Jing’an Temple and Nanjing West Road | The “Nanxi Concept” of High-End Consumption

2.jpeg

Jing’an Temple and Nanjing West Road represent the western extension of Nanjing Road's commercial street. It offers both popular consumer goods and luxurious high-end brand boutiques. Established malls like Plaza 66, Mall City, and Joy City form the “Nanxi Concept” for high-end consumption, making it a prime spot for trendy shopping malls to compete for. 

Recommended malls: Plaza 66, Ruei O Department Store, Xintiandi Taikoo Hui, Henglong Plaza, Jing’an Kerry Centre.


3.  Huaihai Road and Xintiandi | A Blend of Shanghai’s Colonial and Local Charm

3.png

Huaihai Road and Xintiandi are famous commercial streets in Shanghai, with renowned brands gathering here. The old buildings of Shikumen in Xintiandi, as well as the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party, carry the history of Shanghai. Here, new trends merge with old classics, and the fusion of Western and Shanghai styles creates a unique charm. Compared to the "old-money flavor" of the “Nanxi style,” this area has more of an avant-garde and artistic atmosphere. 

Recommended malls: Xintiandi, Shanghai Plaza, K11, IAPM Mall.


4.  Lujiazui Business District | The New Elite of Pudong

Lujiazui is the most prestigious area in Pudong, where towering skyscrapers house fashion-forward malls with modern designs. 

Recommended malls: IFC Mall, Lujiazui Centre, Century Link Plaza.


In addition to these major shopping districts, areas like Xujiahui, Zhongshan Park, and Wujiaochang also have many great shopping destinations. Not to mention, the many unique neighborhoods of Shanghai are filled with hidden gems for shopping enthusiasts. For shopaholics, Shanghai is a city with an endless array of “mega malls” to explore.