Wondering what to buy in Shanghai? You’re in the right place. This vibrant city blends ancient charm with modern style—and its souvenirs reflect that perfectly.
From silk scarves to hand-painted fans, from fragrant teas to trendy street snacks—Shanghai has it all. Whether you’re hunting for a thoughtful gift or a keepsake just for you, there’s something here that feels special.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best gifts from Shanghai—with local favorites, smart tips, and traveler-friendly prices. Take home more than a memory. Take home a story. Let’s dive into the best souvenirs from Shanghai that are truly worth packing.
1. Shanghai Snack and Food Souvenirs
Bringing home a taste of Shanghai is a delicious way to remember your trip. From traditional pastries to iconic street snacks, the city offers a wide variety of edible souvenirs. These treats are not just tasty—they also carry rich cultural stories. Here are some best gifts from Shanghai you’ll want to pack:
| Chinese /English | Gifts and Where to Buy |
|---|---|
| 蝴蝶酥 Butterfly Pastry | A classic Shanghai pastry, known for its crispy and sweet layers. Made with imported butter and a low-sugar recipe, it’s a popular local snack. Where to buy: (Park Hotel ) International Hotel Bakery, 28 Huanghe Road (queue in advance required). 黄河路28号国际饭店西饼屋 |
| 上海梨膏糖 Shanghai Pear Syrup Candy | Made from pear juice and herbs, this traditional candy soothes the throat with a bittersweet twist. Where to buy: Chenghuang Temple, Nanjing East Road food shops Top brands: Lao Chenghuangmiao, Cai Tongdetang Price: ¥20–50/box |
| 沈大成糕点 Shendacheng Pastries | Shendacheng is a famous old pastry shop in Shanghai, dating back to 1851. It’s well-known for its soft, chewy, and fragrant traditional treats. Where to Buy: Shendacheng Flagship Store, 636 East Nanjing Road 南京东路636号沈大成总店 |
| 上海哈尔滨食品厂杏仁排 Shanghai Harbin Food Factory Almond Crisp | The Almond Crisp from Shanghai Harbin Food Factory is a classic Western-style pastry with an old Shanghai charm. Made with wheat flour and butter, it’s topped with sliced almonds and baked to golden perfection. The result? A rich, buttery aroma and a delightfully crumbly texture—perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! Where to Buy: 603 Middle Huaihai Road (Look for the red sign with gold lettering) 淮海中路603号（认准红底金字招牌) |
| 高桥松饼 Gaoqiao Pancake | A traditional Shanghai snack with flaky layers that melt in your mouth. Made with fine flour and lard, it is part of Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage. |
| 梨膏糖 Pear Syrup Candy | A traditional herbal candy with a sweet, mild flavor and unique herbal aroma. Made with pear juice and monk fruit, it is known for soothing coughs. |
| 蟹壳黄 Sesame Pancake | A crispy sesame cake with sweet or savory filling. Made using traditional techniques, it has a rich sesame flavor and a crunchy texture. |
| 城隍庙五香豆 City God Temple Five-Spice Beans | Crispy outside, soft inside—these beans are a nostalgic Shanghai snack with a salty-sweet balance. Where to buy: Chenghuang Temple, Yuyuan Bazaar Top brand: Lao Chenghuangmiao Price: ¥15–30/bag |
| 大白兔奶糖 White Rabbit Milk Candy | A childhood favorite across China, now in flavors like coffee and red bean. Where to buy: Supermarkets, Nanjing East Road First Food Hall Price: ¥10–20/bag |
| 南翔小笼包 Frozen Nanxiang Soup Dumplings | Bring home Shanghai’s iconic dumplings—just steam and serve. Where to buy: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop (Yuyuan), duty-free stores Note: Requires refrigeration Price: ¥30–60/box |
| 崇明糕 Chongming Cake | A specialty from Chongming Island and part of intangible cultural heritage. Light, fragrant, soft, and suitable for all ages. |
| 上海牌咖啡 Shanghai Brand Coffee | A quintessential Shanghai-style souvenir, the first canned coffee in China, introduced in 1958, and still a nostalgic favorite. |
| 七宝方糕 Qibao Rice Cake | A famous snack named after Qibao Temple. Made from glutinous rice with a soft and sweet texture, available in various flavors. |
| 唐饼家蛋黄酥 Tangbing Egg Yolk Pastry | A modern favorite, known for its buttery, flaky crust paired with smooth red bean paste and salty egg yolk. |
| 海上繁花糕点 Haishang Bloom Pastries | Shanghai-themed pastries with elegant designs and cultural significance, ideal for gifting to friends or clients who value presentation. |
These foods not only offer a delightful taste but also embody the rich history and cultural essence of Shanghai’s culinary heritage.
2. Shanghai Handicrafts & Creative Cultural Gifts
If you’re wondering what to buy in Shanghai beyond snacks, try something handmade. Local crafts and creative gifts capture the city’s spirit—elegant, modern, and deeply rooted in tradition. They’re also some of the best souvenirs from Shanghai.
1） Shanghai Papercut Art (海派剪纸)
This intricate folk art blends Jiangnan charm with bold Shanghai flair. Popular designs include The Bund skyline, Yuyuan Garden, and women in qipao. Framed versions make stunning wall art.
Where to buy: Tianzifang, Yuyuan cultural shops
Price: ¥20–100 (higher for framed pieces)
2) Shanghai Watches (上海牌手表)
A retro classic! Originally worn by leaders like Zhou Enlai, these mechanical watches now make great collector’s items. The A581 reissue is especially popular.
Where to buy: Shanghai Watch Flagship Store, Nanjing East Road
Price: ¥500–2000
3) Vintage Calendar Posters (月份牌年画)
These nostalgic prints capture Old Shanghai glamor—think qipao-clad ladies and Art Deco vibes. They’re perfect for framing or gifting.
Where to buy: Tianzifang, Duolun Road Cultural Street
Price: ¥30–150 (replicas)
4) Creative Shanghai Souvenirs (文创产品)
Want something light and fun? Look for fridge magnets, postcards, and pins featuring icons like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shikumen houses, or The Bund skyline.
Top brands: Dà Yǐn Bookstore, Shanghai Museum Gift Shop
Where to buy: Shanghai Museum, Sinan Mansions gift shops
Price: ¥10–50
3. Fans and Chinese Calligraphy 扇子和书法
Fans are classic Chinese gifts with cultural significance. Handmade fans are available in various styles, featuring landscapes, calligraphy, or floral designs.
Calligraphy is a revered art form in China, and high-quality brushes and ink make unique gifts for art lovers. Calligraphy sets are available in various prices and quality levels, making them a versatile gift option. Shanghai Book City on Fuzhou Road is a great place to explore calligraphy supplies and other artistic souvenirs.
Shanghai Book City
Address:上海福州路465号（465 Fuzhou Rd.,Shanghai China）
From timeless silk to nostalgic posters, these best gifts from Shanghai tell stories you’ll love sharing. Every piece is a little window into the city’s heart.
4. Shanghai Qipao 上海旗袍
From elegant cheongsams (qipao) to intricately designed jackets, traditional Chinese clothing is a wonderful gift. Qipaos, in particular, make stunning presents, blending Shanghai’s culture with fashion. For an authentic shopping experience, head to Shanghai Tang or explore local boutiques around Nanjing Road.
上海滩SHANGHAI TANG at Shop 132, Shanghai Centre
Address: No. 1376, West Nanjing Road, JingAn District, Shanghai (南京西路1376号）
Tel: +86 21 5235 2568
Opening Hours: 10:30 am- 8:00 pm
Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm (including public holidays)
More Qipao Shopping Stores
Shanghai is the heart of qipao (cheongsam) culture, blending timeless elegance with modern creativity. Whether you’re looking for a classic handmade piece or a contemporary fusion design, this guide highlights the city’s best qipao boutiques. We’ve categorized them by style to help you find the perfect fit!
1）Heritage Brands – Timeless Elegance
🔹Manloulan (蔓楼兰)
Signature Style: Luxurious silk qipaos with Suzhou embroidery, crafted with precision. Each piece requires measurements from 36 body points for a flawless fit. Fully handcrafted, preserving the essence of Haipai (Shanghai-style) qipao.
Locations: Multiple stores listed below:
Zhapu Road Store (乍浦路店) – Located at 430 Zhapu Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai. Bailian Outlets Plaza Store (百联奥特莱斯广场店) – Found at C136, Bailian Outlets Plaza, Huqingping Highway, Qingpu District, Shanghai.
Huijin Department Store Xuhui (汇金百货徐汇店) – Situated at 1000 Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai.
First Yaohan Store (第一八佰伴店) – On the 2nd floor of First Yaohan, 501 Zhangyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai.
Price: ¥2,300-4,700 for custom qipaos; high-end embroidered designs can exceed ¥10,000
🔹 Hanyi Qipao (瀚艺旗袍店)
Famous For: This is where Maggie Cheung’s stunning qipaos in In the Mood for Love were made! Known for traditional hand embroidery and exquisite detailing.
Location: 217-221 Changle Road (near Maoming South Road) 长乐路217-221号号（近茂名南路）
Price: ¥1,500-3,000 for classic styles; ¥3,800-10,000 for embroidered designs
🔹 Longfeng Qipao (龙凤旗袍)
History: Originating from Zhu Linqing’s tailor shop in the Republic of China era, this brand is famous for handmade fabric buttons and decorative trims.
Two Locations: Ground Floor Shop, 207 North Shaanxi Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai;
942 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (near Taixing Road).
Price: Mid-to-high-end custom designs
2）Modern & Contemporary Qipao
🔹 FU SHENG Bespoke Qipao & Suits (馥胜旗袍西服高级定制)
Style: Youthful and chic! Short, above-the-knee qipaos with Western-style tailoring are particularly popular.
Location: 20F4, Hudong Financial Tower, 1128 Xiangyin Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai. 杨浦区翔殷路1128弄沪东金融大厦20F4
Price: Affordable custom options (¥1,000+)
🔹 2002 Haishang Qipao (Tianzifang Store) (2002海上旗袍店)
Highlight: A nostalgic boutique that offers qipaos made from innovative fabrics like Indian sari silk and Thai silk.
Location: No. 5, Tianzifang, Taikang Road 泰康路田子坊5号
Price: ¥400-900 for ready-made qipaos; ¥2,000 per rental
3） Designer Boutiques & Art Studios
🔹 Jinye Oriental (槿爷东方)
Style: A fusion of traditional Eastern beauty and modern minimalism, featuring hand-painted silk qipaos.
Two Locations: Room 2306, KB Modern Plaza, Xianxia Road, Changning District 长宁区仙霞路KB现代广场2306室;
Room 1080, 1st Floor, Building 2, 1858 Jinchang Road, Putuo District, Shanghai.
Price: Mid-to-high-end custom pieces
🔹 Gold Leaf Qipao (金枝玉叶旗袍店)
Innovation: Features hand-sewn sequin embroidery and silk scarves inspired by international fashion trends.
Location: 72 Maoming South Road 茂名南路72号
Price: ¥988-4,800
🔹 Liu Qipao (刘旗袍)
Unique Feature: Known for its “high side-slit” designs, creating a flattering yet comfortable silhouette—perfect for urban settings.
Location: 941 Jiaozhou Road, Putuo District 普陀区胶州路941号
Price: ¥1,500-9,000
5. Shanghai Silk Products (上海丝绸制品)
Shanghai is known for high-quality silk, so it’s a great choice for gifts. Authentic Shanghai silk products like scarves, pajamas, and robes make luxurious and practical souvenirs.
South Bund Fabric Market is one of Shanghai’s largest and most historic textile markets. It was once known as the Dongjiadu Market, a hub for fabric trading.
The market has three floors, each offering a wide range of fabrics. The first floor tends to be pricier, so it’s worth checking out the third floor for better deals. You’ll find everything from silk, cotton, linen, and wool to cashmere, synthetic fabrics, and even fur.
One of the best parts? You can get custom-made clothing—think qipaos, suits, coats, and leather jackets—tailored to your exact measurements. Many customers return regularly, and most orders are ready in just three days. If the fit isn’t perfect, alterations are free.
With a strong international reputation, the market is also foreigner-friendly. Many shop owners speak English, making it easy for visitors to browse, bargain, and order their perfect outfit!
The South Bund Fabric Market (南外滩轻纺面料市场）
Business Hours: 09:00 – 19:00
By Metro: Take Metro Line 4 to Nanpu Bridge Station (南浦大桥站). Exit at Gate 3, then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the South Bund Fabric Market. It’s a quick and easy route!
Add: 399 Lujiabang Lu, near Nancang Jie., Huangpu District 上海黄浦区陆家浜路399号, 近南仓街
6. Recommended Shopping Places in Shanghai
Shanghai is home to a variety of shopping locations, from modern malls to bustling markets. But with so many options, where should you go first?
Here are the top spots to find the best souvenirs from Shanghai, whether you’re after snacks, silk, or cultural keepsakes.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 南京路步行街 Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street | Known as the “No.1 Commercial Street in China,” featuring specialty stores, time-honored shops, and food stalls. Great for shopping and enjoying Shanghai delicacies. |
| 淮海路 Huaihai Road | A famous shopping street with high-end boutiques offering international luxury clothing, shoes, bags, and more. |
| 浦东新区 Pudong New Area | Hosts popular commercial zones and complexes like Pudong Art Museum and IFC Mall, especially vibrant during the “Double Five Shopping Festival.” TaiKoo Li Qiantan 前滩太古里：TaiKoo Li Qiantan offers a dynamic shopping experience with a well-planned layout. |
| 徐家汇商圈 Xujiahui Commercial District | A landmark commercial hub with a youthful, fashionable, and dynamic shopping ecosystem. |
| 上海老街 (豫园） Shanghai Old Street | A historic street near Yuyuan Garden with shops selling traditional handicrafts, antiques, and specialty foods like handmade fans, silk, tea, and ceramics. |
| 田子坊艺术街区 Tianzifang Art District | Tianzifang is a must-visit for art lovers and creative souls. This charming maze of alleyways is packed with independent designer shops, cozy cafés, and unique finds. You’ll discover hand-painted silk scarves, vintage décor, and rare cultural gifts. It’s the perfect place to explore, shop, and soak in Shanghai’s artistic vibe! |
| 虹桥珍珠市场 Hongqiao Pearl Market | Offers a wide range of jewelry, pearls, jade, and accessories. Ideal for finding personalized gifts or rare gemstones. |
| 南外滩轻纺面料市场 The South Bund Fabric Market | Famous for custom-made clothing and fabrics. Tailors can create garments in a few days. Offers scarves, dresses, and silk products. Address: 399 Lujiabang Rd, Huangpu. |
| 东方国贸批发城 Orient International Trade Wholesale City | Located in Baoshan District, this market provides affordable business and casual wear, suitable for wholesale and retail shopping. |
| 浦东机场免税 Pudong Airport Duty-Free Store | Flying out soon? Pick up last-minute gifts from Shanghai without stress. What to buy: Frozen Nanxiang soup dumplings, butterfly pastries Wherever you go, you’ll find something meaningful. And that’s the joy of shopping in Shanghai. |
| 上海博物馆礼物店Shanghai Museum Gift Shop | Elegant and curated, this shop offers museum-quality souvenirs that blend art with daily life. What to buy: Bronze bookmark sets, silk scarves with porcelain motifs |
These locations and activities not only offer a wide range of shopping options but also allow visitors to experience Shanghai’s unique commercial culture and historical legacy.
7. Shanghai Shopping Tips
Before you dive into shopping, here are a few local tips. They’ll help you get the best gifts from Shanghai—without stress.
1） Bargain (politely!)
At markets like Yu Garden Bazaar and Tianzifang, small shop owners often expect some haggling.
Start low, aim for about 20% off, and keep it friendly.
2) Look for tax refunds
Some malls, like Xintiandi, offer tax refunds for overseas visitors.
Bring your passport and keep your receipts—it’s worth it!
3) Ask for gift packaging
Shops selling watches or silk often offer beautiful boxes.
Just ask—packaging adds a thoughtful touch to any souvenir.
4) Know what you can carry
Food items are great—but always check expiration dates.
And remember: sauces or liquids must go in checked luggage.
5) Consider Shipping Options
If you’re buying larger items or delicate ceramics, consider shipping them directly to your home. Many shops offer shipping services and can assist with packing fragile items.
6) Explore Different Neighborhoods
Each Shanghai neighborhood has its own unique shopping experience. Visit multiple locations to find varied products and gain a richer cultural experience.
7) Buy Practical Souvenirs:
Many tourists prefer gifts they can use or display at home, like tea, silk, or ceramics. Practical souvenirs are always appreciated and memorable.
With a little planning, you’ll bring home the best souvenirs from Shanghai—and enjoy the shopping journey too.
Shopping in Shanghai is more than a checklist—it’s part of the adventure.
From quiet cultural shops to bustling markets, every corner offers a story to take home.
Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted souvenirs, silk scarves, or tasty snacks, there’s something here for every traveler. Even better, many of the best gifts from Shanghai are affordable, lightweight, and packed with meaning.
So take your time. Explore, ask questions, and enjoy the experience.You’re not just buying things—you’re collecting memories.
We hope this guide has helped you discover what to buy in Shanghai and where to find it.
Now it’s your turn to bring a little piece of this vibrant city home. Happy shopping—and safe travels!
More Shanghai Travel Guide
Plan your Shanghai Tour? Our “Shanghai Travel Guide“ section offers essential advice to help you navigate the city like a pro. Whether you’re interested in shopping, sightseeing, or experiencing Shanghai’s unique blend of East and West, this guide will help you make the most of your journey in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
