Top Souvenirs to Buy in Shanghai

Traveloka MY
11 Jun 2025 - 3 min read

Shanghai is a dream for anyone who loves to shop. With its mix of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, trendy fashion, and futuristic flair, this city offers a souvenir for every type of traveller.

If you're hunting for keepsakes with cultural charm or sleek, modern gifts, Shanghai makes it easy, and exciting, to bring a bit of the city home with you.

Activities to Enjoy With Friends in Shanghai

In this guide, we’ll explore the best souvenirs to pick up in Shanghai, from calligraphy sets and mooncakes to jade jewellery and quirky pop culture gems. Plus, you’ll find tips on where to shop, how to bargain, and where to stay for a full-on retail adventure.

Traditional Souvenirs with Cultural Charm

If you’re after something timeless, Shanghai has plenty of traditional items that showcase Chinese heritage with a local twist.

1. Chinese Calligraphy Sets

Beautiful brush pens, ink stones, and delicate rice paper make for elegant gifts.

2. Silk Products

From scarves to bedding, silk from Suzhou is a classic Shanghai souvenir.

3. Yixing Clay Teapots

These handcrafted teapots are beloved by tea enthusiasts for their unique ability to retain flavour over time.

Local tip: Explore Old Street (Fangbang Road) or Yuyuan Bazaar for the best selection and authentic vibes.

Local Snacks & Edible Delights to Take Home

Food souvenirs are always a hit—and in Shanghai, your options are deliciously varied.

1. White Rabbit Milk Candy

A nostalgic treat that’s as charming as it is tasty.

2. Shanghai-style Mooncakes

Available in sweet or savoury styles, these vary by season and make a thoughtful gift.

3. Tea Leaves

Pick up premium Longjing or jasmine teas at Tianshan Tea City.

4. Preserved Plums & Dried Fruits

Loved by locals, these are great for adventurous palates.

Just make sure you’ve got room in your suitcase!

Trendy Fashion & Lifestyle Finds

Shanghai is a fashion capital, so it’s no surprise the city is brimming with stylish mementoes.

1. Shanghai Tang Clothing & Accessories

This local luxury brand fuses Chinese tradition with contemporary fashion.

2. Qipao (Cheongsam)

An elegant souvenir and iconic symbol of Shanghai chic.

3. Boutique Jewellery

Think jade rings, freshwater pearl earrings, or minimalist pieces with Chinese motifs.

4. Best places to shop

Check out Huaihai Road, Tianzifang, and Xintiandi for a mix of modern boutiques and artisan finds.

Handcrafted & Artistic Treasures

Looking for a gift with flair and finesse? These handcrafted pieces tell a story.

1. Paper-Cut Art

Intricate folk art designs, perfect for framing or gifting.

2. Shanghai-Style Fans & Umbrellas

Often hand-painted with traditional scenes or local icons.

3. Shadow Puppets & Traditional Toys

Quirky, colourful, and rich in heritage—great for little ones or collectors.

These are ideal for those who love something with a cultural twist.

Modern Souvenirs & Quirky Gifts

For the fun-loving or fashion-forward traveller, Shanghai offers a playful side too.

1. Shanghai Skyline Miniatures

Tiny replicas of the Oriental Pearl Tower or The Bund make eye-catching desk décor.

2. Designer Knock-Offs

Found in AP Plaza or the Fake Market near the Science & Technology Museum. Be savvy and shop with caution.

3. Stationery & Cute Items

Pop Mart figurines, character-themed notebooks, and all things kě ài (cute).

Perfect for Gen Z and those who love collecting creative knick-knacks and trinkets.

Where to Shop in Shanghai

1. Nanjing Road

The city’s most famous shopping strip, ideal for big-name brands and souvenir shops.

2. Tianzifang & Xintiandi

Trendy alleyways packed with boutiques, artsy finds, and coffee spots.

3. Yuyuan Bazaar

Your go-to for classic Chinese gifts, local snacks, and handicrafts.

4. AP Plaza

Bargain central. Located under the Science & Tech Museum Metro Station—expect to haggle.

5. Huaihai Road

Upmarket, sleek, and lined with international labels and elegant department stores.

How to Shop Smart in Shanghai

Cash vs Mobile Payment: Locals love WeChat Pay and Alipay, but most major shops accept international cards too.
Bargaining Tips: Haggling is expected in markets. Start low, stay polite, and be ready to walk away.
Tax Refunds: If you spend big, keep your receipts and passport handy—you might be eligible for a VAT refund at the airport.

1. Fish Inn East Nanjing Road

Right in the middle of the shopping action, this boutique hotel combines warmth, comfort, and unbeatable location near Nanjing Road. Friendly staff and cosy rooms make it ideal for laid-back stays.

China

Fish Inn East Nanjing Road

8.4/10

Huangpu

RM 272

RM 204

2. Seventh Heaven Hotel

Old-world charm meets modern convenience on bustling Nanjing Road. Enjoy the views, soak up the heritage, and head out the front door straight into Shanghai’s top retail strip.

China

Seventh Heaven Hotel

8.6/10

Huangpu

RM 260

RM 251

3. Jinglai Hotel Light Luxury (Shanghai Bund Joy City Branch)

Sleek, stylish, and just minutes from Joy City and The Bund. With designer vibes and attentive service, it’s a fab pick for fashionistas and culture lovers alike.

China

Jinglai Hotel Light Luxury (Shanghai Bund Joy City Branch)

Zhabei

RM 204

RM 194

4. Yuhang Hotel

Budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring. Yuhang Hotel is a hidden gem in Hongkou, offering comfy stays and quick access to authentic eats and local shopping.

China

Yuhang Hotel

Hongkou

RM 128

RM 122

5. Aisha Hotel (Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)

This hotel puts you at the heart of the action without the hefty price tag. Clean, comfy, and perfect for a fashion-forward holiday on foot.

Kyrgyzstan

Aisha Hotel

Alamudun

RM 277

RM 208

Plan Your Shopping Getaway with Traveloka

From classic Chinese crafts to modern street style, Shanghai is a shopper’s dream destination. With Traveloka, planning your Shanghai shopping getaway is easier than ever.

From booking flights and hotels to discovering the best local experiences, Traveloka brings everything you need for a perfect trip into one easy-to-use app.

Ready to explore the markets and malls of Shanghai? You’ll be spoilt for choice, and might need an extra suitcase too.

Discover flight with Traveloka

Thu, 3 Jul 2025

AirAsia X

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Shanghai (PVG)

Start from RM 451.93

Wed, 18 Jun 2025

AirAsia X

Penang (PEN) to Shanghai (PVG)

Start from RM 482.75

Mon, 14 Jul 2025

Malaysia Airlines

Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Shanghai (PVG)

Start from RM 707.45

In This Article

• Traditional Souvenirs with Cultural Charm
• 1. Chinese Calligraphy Sets
• 2. Silk Products
• 3. Yixing Clay Teapots
• Local Snacks & Edible Delights to Take Home
• 1. White Rabbit Milk Candy
• 2. Shanghai-style Mooncakes
• 3. Tea Leaves
• 4. Preserved Plums & Dried Fruits
• Trendy Fashion & Lifestyle Finds
• 1. Shanghai Tang Clothing & Accessories
• 2. Qipao (Cheongsam)
• 3. Boutique Jewellery
• 4. Best places to shop
• Handcrafted & Artistic Treasures
• 1. Paper-Cut Art
• 2. Shanghai-Style Fans & Umbrellas
• 3. Shadow Puppets & Traditional Toys
• Modern Souvenirs & Quirky Gifts
• 1. Shanghai Skyline Miniatures
• 2. Designer Knock-Offs
• 3. Stationery & Cute Items
• Where to Shop in Shanghai
• 1. Nanjing Road
• 2. Tianzifang & Xintiandi
• 3. Yuyuan Bazaar
• 4. AP Plaza
• 5. Huaihai Road
• How to Shop Smart in Shanghai
• Top Hotels Near Shanghai's Popular Shopping Markets
• 1. Fish Inn East Nanjing Road
• 2. Seventh Heaven Hotel
• 3. Jinglai Hotel Light Luxury (Shanghai Bund Joy City Branch)
• 4. Yuhang Hotel
• 5. Aisha Hotel (Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)
• Plan Your Shopping Getaway with Traveloka

Flights Featured in This Article

Thu, 3 Jul 2025
AirAsia X
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Shanghai (PVG)
Start from RM 451.93
Book Now
Wed, 18 Jun 2025
AirAsia X
Penang (PEN) to Shanghai (PVG)
Start from RM 482.75
Book Now
Mon, 14 Jul 2025
Malaysia Airlines
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Shanghai (PVG)
Start from RM 707.45
Book Now
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