Top summer shopping destinations that never go out of style—Singapore? Shanghai? Hong Kong? Macau (2)

Where to shop in Shanghai?

South Bund Textile Market

Here you can have a custom outfit made—whether it’s a cheongsam, dress, suit, overcoat, or jacket. Just pick your preferred style and fabric, and the tailor will take your measurements on-site to create it by hand. The price is sometimes even cheaper than ready-made clothes. The production takes about three working days, but those in a hurry can opt for expedited service at an additional cost. You can also bring a picture from a magazine, and the tailor will replicate the design for you.

Tianzifang

This art district, originally created in old alleyways, has now become Shanghai’s most famous cultural and shopping hub. The narrow lanes are filled with unique shops that blend art and commerce, offering a dazzling array of creative and quirky goods.

We recommend a few standout stores, such as “Eco Goodies,” which crafts practical household items like vases, cups, and slippers from recycled wood, all with strong eco-friendly concepts. “An Ting Stone Carving” specializes in stone engravings—whether landscapes, scenery, or portraits, just bring a photo and the owner can carve the image for you on the spot. At the “Teddy Bear House,” not only can you find teddy bears in all kinds of shapes, but the store also offers DIY workshops, a must for teddy bear fans.

Shanghai Old Street

Located within Yu Garden and the City God Temple, Shanghai Old Street is a treasure trove for shoppers, especially those interested in antiques, vintage goods, and traditional Chinese-style attire. The street is lined with shops that are sure to satisfy your shopping cravings—but remember to bargain to get the best deal.

Luxury department stores around Nanjing West Road

The area around Nanjing West Road is home to Shanghai’s most upscale department stores, including Plaza 66, Shanghai Golden Eagle Shopping Mall, CITIC Pacific Plaza, and Plaza 66 (Plaza 66 & Maidao)—perfect for finding top-tier global luxury brands. For example, the five-story CITIC Pacific Plaza houses world-class brands like Loewe, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Mont Blanc, Bally, and Chloé. The Shanghai Golden Eagle Shopping Mall, which opened in 2009, is famous for its flagship stores of Gucci and Y-3. Plaza 66, meanwhile, boasts an impressive lineup of international heavyweights such as LV, Cartier, Fendi, Tod’s, Hermes, Chanel, Christian Dior, Bvlgari, Celine, and Versace, making it arguably Shanghai’s most premium department store.

Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street

This was once the bustling heart of old Shanghai, known as the “Ten-Mile Foreign Concession.” Many long-established shops are located along this street. Be sure to check out “Shao Wansheng Southern Goods Store,” which has been here since 1870. Aside from regional delicacies and a variety of cakes and pastries, don’t miss their famous fermented foods like drunken crab, drunken chicken, and mud snail. The century-old “Cai Tong De Tang” is renowned for its medicinal plasters and tonics—many visitors pick up ginseng, deer antler supplements, or traditional pills and ointments. If you’re in Shanghai during the Mid-Autumn Festival, don’t miss the fresh meat mooncakes from “Zhen Lao Da Fang.” Established in 1875, “Shen Da Cheng” is an authentic Shanghai dim sum shop often packed with long queues. Their most famous treats include longevity peach cake, strip cake, two-sided yellow fried noodles, and golden rice balls.