Shopping for luxury goods in China wasn’t always part of my travel plans, but once I got there, I was genuinely surprised by how big the scene was. From flagship stores in Shanghai to boutique experiences in Chengdu, the luxury retail market in China felt bigger, bolder, and more refined than I expected.

I had always heard that China was one of the fastest-growing markets for high-end fashion, but it is different when you’re actually there. Walking through the glassy halls of Plaza 66 or SKP Beijing, I realised quickly that this wasn’t just about buying bags or watches, it was a full retail experience with local preferences shaping every corner.

If you're planning to explore the world of China luxury brands, here's where I went, what I noticed, and what you might want to know before stepping into the high-end streets of cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and beyond.

Alt: Louis Vuitton store at Plaza 66 Shopping Center at Nanjing West Road

Shopping at Plaza 66 in Shanghai felt like being at the very heart of China’s luxury scene. Located on Nanjing West Road, this mall is home to some of the most well-known designer names, and it’s where many of them opened their very first flagship stores in mainland China. I was impressed by the atmosphere right away. It’s sleek, high-end, and clearly designed for serious shoppers looking for premium labels.

Plaza 66 is best known for fine jewellery, luxury watches, and high-fashion ready-to-wear collections. I spotted full boutiques for Goyard, Hermès (best for bags and silk scarves), Cartier (for watches and engagement rings), Jimmy Choo (specialty in women’s shoes), and Brunello Cucinelli (premium Italian menswear).

My tip for first-time visitors is to follow on their official social media account. It gave me a quick look at what was happening inside, including brand events and new arrivals. So I could plan my visit better. Also, start at Level 1 for the biggest flagship stores, then head up depending on what you're shopping for.

Taikoo Hui Shopping Center in Guangzhou is part of a large complex that includes offices, a hotel, and entertainment spaces. What caught my attention was the range of high-end brands all in one place.

This is the go-to place for designer handbags, luxury footwear, fine accessories, and premium cosmetics. Dior (for fragrance and couture handbags), Gucci (for statement shoes and belts), Hermès (for bags and enamel bracelets), and Prada (for women’s apparel and accessories).

Tips for visitors, I recommend heading straight to the central atrium area, that’s where most of the luxury boutiques are concentrated. Also, if you have a social media account, follow Taikoo Hui’s official account before you go. It helped me spot a weekend promo I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

When I visited the Yintai Department Store at the Beijing Yintai Center, it felt like stepping into a space where traditional retail meets tech-driven convenience. This department store is excellent for designer apparel and tech-integrated retail experiences. Hermès (ready-to-wear and small leather goods), Giorgio Armani (for tailored suits), Dolce & Gabbana (ornate dresses), and Cartier (engagement rings and timepieces).

One thing that stood out to me was how connected the store is to Alibaba’s online platforms. You can check stock through their Tmall flagship store, or even use mobile features from apps like “Miao Street” for deals and location-based info. I also noticed some smaller Chinese labels being featured alongside global names, which added a nice local touch to the mix.

Tips for first-time visitors, I’d suggest starting at the ground floor where the major fashion and jewellery brands are located. The layout is easy to follow, and you can use their in-store QR codes to see which promotions are also available online. It’s a smart way to compare pricing and check if your size is still in stock before heading to the counter.

One of the most impressive shopping experiences I had in China was at SKP Mall in Beijing. Located in the Chaoyang District, this luxury department store felt more like a curated fashion gallery than a mall. The product focus are couture fashion, leather goods, statement jewellery, and premium athleisure. Alexander McQueen (draped coats and structured heels), Balenciaga (oversized streetwear), Audemars Piguet (ultra-luxury watches), and niche labels like Sacai and Thom Browne.

What stood out to me was how much SKP caters to fashion-forward consumers. Aside from ready-to-wear and designer bags, the athleisure section is also well-developed. I saw a lot of locals shopping for polished sportswear that blended style with comfort. Events are common here too. I once came across a fan meet-and-greet hosted by Mr. Bags, and the energy in the space was hard to ignore.

For first-time visitors, I’d recommend going earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Also, follow SKP’s social media before your visit, it helped me figure out which brands were where and which promotions were happening that week.

Lane Crawford was one of the department stores I was most curious to visit during my time in China. Originating from Hong Kong, it’s built a strong presence in mainland cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, especially among those who are into curated, high-end fashion. The stores have a clean, modern layout and feature over 800 brands, many of which are hard to find elsewhere in one place.

What I enjoyed the most was how Lane Crawford mixes high-fashion with lifestyle pieces. This place is great for emerging designer brands, fashion-forward accessories, home décor, and curated collections. Valentino (eveningwear), Vetements (street fashion), Proenza Schouler (minimalist leather bags), plus niche home brands like Tom Dixon.

If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend booking a personal styling session in advance through the Lane Crawford website. I tried it in Shanghai, and the stylist not only helped with outfit suggestions but also gave me early access to a few limited pieces.

When I visited IFS Chengdu, it felt like stepping into one of the city’s most modern and stylish retail spaces. Located right in the heart of Chunxi Road, it’s hard to miss, especially with the giant panda installation climbing over the building. Even though IFS entered the luxury market later than other malls, it quickly made its mark. I noticed more than a few first-time brand entries here, like Moynat, which had just opened a boutique during my visit.

IFS is a great stop if you’re looking for iconic handbags, fine jewellery, and European designer fashion. Chanel (classic flap bags), Dior (seasonal ready-to-wear), Fendi (Peekaboo and Baguette bags), Van Cleef & Arpels (Alhambra jewellery). The mall is still developing its online-to-offline features, so I mostly used the WeChat account just to check store hours and browse brand lists.

For a smoother visit, I’d recommend starting on the ground and second floors, where most of the major luxury brands are located. IFS tends to get busier in the evening, so going earlier in the day gives me more space to browse.

K11 Art Mall in Shanghai is one of the most unique shopping spots I’ve ever visited. It’s not just a place to shop for luxury goods, it’s also an art gallery, cultural hub, and lifestyle space all rolled into one. Opened in 2013 by Adrian Cheng, the mall blends high-end fashion with contemporary art, making it especially popular among younger shoppers who enjoy both style and creativity in the same space.

What stood out to me was the balance between fashion and artistic expression. This place is great if you want to buy limited-edition collections, designer collaborations, art-inspired fashion, and contemporary streetwear. Burberry (capsule pieces), Bally (heritage leather shoes), Vivienne Westwood (punk-influenced jewellery and clothing), plus rotating art x fashion drops.

For first-time visitors, I’d recommend setting aside a few hours to explore, not just for the shopping, but also the rotating art installations. Keep an eye on their social media account and boutique shop, especially if you're looking for collectibles or special edition items. I found that the mall also hosts cultural workshops on weekends, so it's worth checking the event calendar in advance.

During my trip to Nanjing, I spent an afternoon at Golden Eagle International Shopping Center, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable shopping stops on my itinerary. It’s a flagship complex of Golden Eagle Retail Group, and the focus here is clearly on fashion and luxury. The store has its own branded magazine, GE MODE, which I picked up at the entrance. It gave me a helpful overview of new arrivals and seasonal promotions.

In terms of brands, this place is strong in cosmetics, fragrance, women’s fashion, and seasonal luxury apparel. Lancome (serums and skincare sets), Clarins (anti-aging and beauty tools), Valentino (evening gowns), Balenciaga (modern streetwear).

There were in-store testers, beauty advisors at every counter, and curated sets designed for Chinese customers. The mall has also embraced digital shopping. I used their app to browse stock beforehand, and it helped speed things up once I arrived.

For first-time visitors, I’d suggest checking out the cosmetics and fragrance counters on the lower floors first. They often have exclusive deals or pre-sale offers. And if you’re planning to shop for clothing, GE MODE can give you a heads-up on upcoming drops or local favourites.

After visiting luxury malls across Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Nanjing, I realised shopping in China isn’t just about the brands, it’s about the full experience. Every city had its own style, its own rhythm.And the best part? I booked my attraction tickets, flights, and hotels straight through the Traveloka App, which made everything smoother from city to city. If you're planning to shop your way through China, I hope this guide helps you skip the guesswork and go straight to the best spots.