After living in Shanghai for many years and hosting countless visiting friends, I’ve realized one thing: buying souvenirs here can be tricky. No one wants tacky, mass-produced trinkets, but it’s also hard to know where to find authentic, uniquely Shanghai gifts.
This guide is like a treasure map. It combines my personal experience with real reviews and recommendations from platforms like Xiaohongshu and TripAdvisor, to help you discover the best keepsakes—items that truly capture the spirit of Shanghai and deserve a place in your suitcase.
Classic Souvenirs
If it’s your first time in Shanghai and you want the most iconic local gifts, head straight to Yu Garden Bazaar or Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
Yu Garden Bazaar (豫园商城)
A bustling marketplace set against a classical Chinese garden backdrop, Yu Garden is perfect for first-timers. It’s crowded and commercialized, but undeniably convenient.
- What to buy:
- Pear Syrup Candy (梨膏糖) – Sweet with a herbal aftertaste, said to soothe the throat. Prices start at ¥20 per pack.
- Five-Spice Beans (五香豆) – A salty-sweet snack beloved by locals.
- Handicrafts – Sandalwood fans, jade pendants, silk scarves (prices vary widely).
- Address: 269 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District
- Tip: Look for shops marked “老字号” (time-honored brands). Compare prices before buying valuable goods.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
Beyond the international fashion chains, this street hides beloved heritage food stores.
- What to buy:
- White Rabbit Candy (大白兔奶糖) – A national icon (¥15–30 per pack), now available in quirky flavors and cute merchandise.
- Butterfly Brand Vanishing Cream (蝴蝶牌雪花膏) – A retro skincare product from the 20th century (¥30–50).
- Park Hotel Butterfly Pastry (国际饭店蝴蝶酥) – Legendary crisp pastries, often sold out (¥32 per 5 pieces).
- Address: Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District
- Tip: For food souvenirs, head straight to Shanghai First Food Hall. For butterfly pastries, queue at Park Hotel (170 Nanjing West Road).
Chic Finds with a Local Twist (Avg. ¥100–¥800)
Tianzifang (田子坊)
A labyrinth of narrow alleys transformed from old shikumen (stone-gate) houses, now filled with art studios, design boutiques, craft shops, quirky cafés, and small restaurants.
Once a local residential block, Tianzifang has become one of Shanghai’s most creative hubs, attracting artists, designers, and travelers from around the world. It’s the perfect spot to discover unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, or simply wander and enjoy the blend of traditional architecture and modern creativity.
- What to buy:
- Designer Scarves & Accessories – Local artists’ works inspired by Shanghai motifs (¥100–300).
- Retro Skincare & Fragrances – Brands like Two Girls (雙妹嚜), founded in 1898, with nostalgic packaging.
- Postcards & Fridge Magnets – Featuring Shanghainese dialect or iconic landmarks.
- Address: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District
- Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Former French Concession (武康路 / 安福路 / 长乐路)
This area embodies Shanghai’s “boutique lifestyle.”
- What to buy:
- Niche Perfumes & Candles – Brands like To Summer (观夏) and Documents (闻献) (¥300–800).
- Designer Ceramics – Unique pieces by young artisans from Jingdezhen.
- Cafe & Bookstore Merch – Tote bags, notebooks, and lifestyle products with local flair.
- Tip: Allow a full afternoon to wander. The charm lies in unexpected discoveries at hidden corners.
One-of-a-Kind Experiences
South Bund Fabric Market (南外滩轻纺面料市场)
Famous among expats and visitors, this market offers endless fabric stalls and tailoring services.
- What to try:
- Custom Qipao (旗袍) – Choose silk or brocade, then have a tailor craft a personalized dress (¥500–¥3000+).
- Tailored Suits & Coats – Bring a photo and they’ll recreate it with precision.
- Address: 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District
- Tip: Quality varies. Explore several shops, touch the fabrics, and negotiate clearly on details and pickup time.
Modern Luxury: Shopping at Its Finest
West Nanjing Road (南京西路商圈)
This district is home to the “Golden Triangle” of luxury malls: Plaza 66, CITIC Square, and Westgate Mall.
- What to buy:
- Luxury Fashion – Flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and more.
- High-End Beauty – Full lines of premium skincare and cosmetics.
- Designer Labels – International and local cutting-edge fashion brands.
- Tip: Even if you don’t shop, the architecture and art installations in malls like Plaza 66 are worth a visit. For contrast, stroll to nearby Wujiang Road for affordable street food.
Quick Reference Table
| Shopping Spot | What It’s Known For | Must-Buy Souvenirs | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yu Garden Bazaar | Traditional foods & crafts | Pear Syrup Candy, Five-Spice Beans, Silk goods | 269 Fangbang Middle Rd, Huangpu |
| Nanjing Road Pedestrian St. | Historic food brands | White Rabbit Candy, Butterfly Cream, Butterfly Pastry | Nanjing East Rd, Huangpu |
| Tianzifang | Creative design & handicrafts | Scarves, Retro skincare, Postcards | Lane 210, Taikang Rd, Huangpu |
| French Concession | Lifestyle boutiques & cafes | Perfumes, Ceramics, Tote bags | Wukang/Anfu/Changle Rd, Xuhui |
| West Nanjing Road | Luxury shopping | Fashion, Beauty, Designer brands | Nanjing West Rd, Jing’an |
| South Bund Fabric Market | Fabrics & tailoring | Qipao, Suits, Shirts, Coats | 399 Lujiabang Rd, Huangpu |
Conclusion
In the end, the most valuable souvenirs from Shanghai aren’t always expensive—they might be a box of Park Hotel pastries or a custom qipao stitched just for you. Behind each gift lies a story: a patient wait in line, or a playful haggle with a tailor.
This guide is your starting point, but remember—the best treasures often appear when you wander aimlessly and stumble upon that one thing that makes your heart skip a beat.