Shanghai is the largest city in China and one of the most exciting in the world. It’s one of China’s four municipalities under direct central government control, and is a major global financial center full of energy, commerce, and style. Cosmopolitan, sophisticated, and exciting, Shanghai has everything from colorful traditional markets to ultra-luxury malls on almost every corner. Whatever your plans for the city are, even if you’re just passing through or are on a bit of an extended adventure, shopping in Shanghai is an adventure unto itself.
But what to bring back for your friends—or maybe yourself—is the question. To help you on your shopping adventure, here are 10 of the best souvenirs to buy in Shanghai, perfect for any traveler and from any budget.
Planning a shopping trip in Shanghai?
Stay near Nanjing Road or Xintiandi at The Westin Bund Center Shanghai, Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, or Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai for easy access to top shopping streets.
Silk
Shanghai has been called “silk heaven,” and for good reason. The city was an important point of origin along the ancient Silk Road, and is home to many of the highest-quality silk products in the country. Silk products can be found in every color and pattern imaginable, and range from light and flowing scarves and robes to thick and richly embroidered wall hangings and other crafts. Most silk in Shanghai is mass-produced in government-run factories, so you can generally expect high-quality products at a standard price. Whether you choose to bring home a beautiful scarf, a delicate fan, or an embroidered wall hanging, you’re getting a piece of Shanghai’s textile history.
Pearls
Shanghai is one of the biggest pearl markets in the world, so if you’re into fancy jewelry this is your city. From more affordable freshwater pearls to high-end saltwater pearls, you can find everything you’re looking for in Shanghai. Markets like the Hongqiao Pearl Market offer necklaces, bracelets, earrings, loose pearls, and more in dazzling arrays of colors, types, and prices. Pearl shopping can seem overwhelming at first, and prices can vary widely based on luster, shape, size, color, and other factors, but don’t be afraid to bargain. You should be able to find at least one item you like at a fraction of the price you’d pay back home.
Jade
In China, jade has long been valued as more than just a gemstone, but a symbol of virtue, purity, and protection. Revered for thousands of years, it’s still seen as one of the most culturally significant materials in the country. Gifts of jade are often given to bring good luck, prosperity, and ward off evil. You can find jade in a number of forms in Shanghai, such as bracelets, pendants, rings, and small figurines, although it can also be quite expensive. However, there are also affordable jade products, and you may find some nice gifts if you look around.
Chinese tea
Shanghai is also a heaven for any tea lover. From traditional Chinese teahouses to massive tea markets, the city is home to an impressive variety of different teas with all sorts of unique flavors and health benefits. Some of the most common teas you’ll find are Pu’er, which is a fermented black tea with a rich, earthy aroma. Other popular Chinese teas include green tea (such as Longjing), jasmine tea, and oolong. When shopping for Chinese tea, you can find a number of different kinds to suit your taste, but if you’re looking for a great souvenir to take home or give as a gift, consider buying a packaged box.
Paper fans
Paper fans are an elegant and simple accessory, but they are also a symbol of elegance, femininity, and grace in Chinese culture. Fans have a long history in the country, as they were once used as a tool by aristocratic women and concubines for both style and to cool themselves in the summer heat. Fans are also popular collectibles and gifts for friends and family, and you can buy paper fans with simple printed designs or hand-painted artwork and calligraphy. Fans can be found in many different materials, including silk, paper, bamboo, and more, at souvenir and night markets throughout the city.
Shanghai Snacks
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll feel right at home in Shanghai. From traditional desserts to modern, experimental flavors, locals love to snack and they’ve got something for every sweet tooth. Popular snacks you can try include sun cakes (cakes filled with condensed malt sugar), mooncakes (cakes filled with red bean or lotus seed paste), and a variety of cookies, dried fruits, and candies. Snacks are often sold in beautifully crafted boxes and are a great gift or item to bring back home and share with friends and family.
Tea Sets
If you plan on continuing your tea-drinking habit at home, or are just a tea connoisseur, consider buying a traditional Chinese tea set. Tea sets in China are elegant, often ornately designed, and are both decorative and functional. A basic set usually comes with a teapot that includes a built-in filter and individual cups that match the pot, although you can find fancier sets that also include serving trays, aroma cups, and more. You’ll find both modern and traditional styles, and can shop for your own personal tea-drinking ritual or as a gift to take home.
Art Paintings
If you’re looking for something a little more personal and timeless, you may want to invest in some Chinese art. There are dozens of art galleries and markets throughout Shanghai that offer traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy scrolls, and more from both modern Chinese artists as well as from classic masters such as Zhang Daqian or Wu Changshuo. You’ll find both minimalist ink paintings as well as more vibrant and colorful landscape works, as well as modern street art or pieces from emerging local artists. A painting from Shanghai is a gift that will keep on giving.
Ceramics
No trip to China is complete without a stop in a ceramics shop, and Shanghai is a great place to find these beautiful pieces of art. Handmade and unique, you’ll find handmade pottery, porcelain dishes and bowls, vases, decorative tiles, and more in a variety of colors and styles, from classic blue-and-white porcelain pieces to more modern, less traditional glazed pottery. You can find items that match any aesthetic or budget, at both art markets and in boutique shops around the city.
Shanghai food delicacies
Of course, some things are just too good not to take home, and Shanghai has a number of packaged food items that make for great edible souvenirs. Many of them are also travel-friendly too. Items like sweet pork jerky, preserved vegetables, dried mushrooms, chili oil, and pickled cucumbers are all common in Shanghai, and are often vacuum-packed and heat-sealed to keep them as fresh as possible during your travels. These snacks are tasty, authentic, and easy to carry, so be sure to pick some up to enjoy at home.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Shanghai can be overwhelming, but it is one of the most rewarding activities you can do in one of the world’s most amazing and fascinating cities. Whether you’re looking for traditional or modern, practical or decorative, expensive or affordable, you’ll find something to make your souvenir search an experience itself. Don’t forget to explore and remember to buy a souvenir of your own, whether it’s a silk scarf, a box of Pu’er tea, or a hand-painted fan, to make the most of your trip to Shanghai.
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