Shanghai Luxury Shopping Trip Introduction
For well-heeled U.S. travelers who revel in unparalleled shopping experiences, luxury shopping in Shanghai delivers with elegance. From gleaming designer boutiques on Nanjing Road to discreet tailors crafting bespoke silk pieces in cozy lanes, this city merges tradition with luxury.
This guide lays out the best shopping areas, what to buy—and where to buy it—for a truly refined Shanghai shopping trip. It’s part insider scoop, part savvy shopper’s dream.
Why Shanghai Is a Luxury Shopping Haven for Upscale U.S. Travelers
Shanghai serves as a global style crossroads. Here’s why:
-
Blend of tradition and modernity. Ancient silk-weaving heritage meets ultramodern malls.
-
Tailored luxury at value. Bespoke silk clothing in Shanghai is a fraction of prices in the U.S.
-
High-end brands and local artisan craftsmanship side by side.
-
Exceptional service culture. Personal attendants, multilingual staff, personalized fittings.
- Consider a Shanghai Shop-Over when traveling to Asia
Best Upscale Luxury Shopping Areas in Shanghai
Shanghai offers zones of luxury with distinct personalities—perfect for curated shopping.
Upscale shopping areas in Shanghai include visiting Huaihai Road – considered the Champs-Élysées of Shanghai. Next, browse boutiques on the tree-lined streets of the French Concession and find luxury brands at Xujiahui.
Nanjing Road (East and West)
-
Why go? Shanghai’s preeminent retail artery for luxury shopping in Shanghai. Iconic, easily accessible, packed with designer boutiques, flagship stores, and upscale shopping malls.
-
What to shop: International luxury brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel; plus Chinese high-end labels.
-
Style tip: Use this area to browse global names and gather inspiration before pursuing bespoke silk or niche designers elsewhere.
Huaihai Road and Xintiandi
-
Why visit? Known as “Champs-Élysées of Shanghai.” Chic, tree-lined avenues with upscale fashion houses and concept stores.
-
What to buy: Avant-garde Chinese designers, leather goods, premium accessories.
-
Perfect for: Travelers seeking contemporary design and exclusive fashion.
Former French Concession – Tailored & Luxury Boutique Finds in Shanghai
-
Vibe: Designer boutiques at Shanghai China’s leafy, artsy neighborhood. Boutique ateliers and hidden tailors tucked in sinuous alleys.
-
What to shop: Bespoke silk suits, dresses, fashion jewelry, local designer craftsmanship.
-
Why ideal: Personalized experience, intimate settings, premium custom wear.
Xujiahui – Luxury Malls and Department Stores
-
Overview: A destination for large-scale luxury and department store shopping.
-
What to buy: Ready-to-wear high fashion, accessories, eyewear, and premium cosmetics.
-
Tip: Great for quick, recognizable luxury purchases.
What to Buy on Your Luxury Shanghai Shopping Trip
Curating your shopping list with purpose makes every purchase shine. Here’s what discerning travelers love:
Tailored Silk Clothing – A Signature Find
-
Types: Custom silk shirts, suits, blouses, dresses, pajamas.
-
Why silk? Shanghai—and China broadly—is silk’s ancestral homeland. Tailored silk shopping Shanghai style offers unmatched textile quality and craftsmanship.
-
Advantages: High thread count, gorgeous drape, exceptional finish—at lower cost than back in the U.S.
-
Process tips:
-
Bring your own fabrics or choose among a wide range of premium silks in ateliers.
-
Schedule multiple fittings—tailors are accustomed to fine adjustments.
-
Test a small piece first, then commission something more elaborate once you’re confident.
-
Chinese Designer Labels & Concept Fashion
-
Focus: Emerging names offering modern, fashion-forward pieces that blend East-West aesthetics.
-
What to buy: Dresses, jackets, accessories that stand out and are exclusive designs.
-
Style tips: Look for signature details—hand-embroidery, unique cuts, fabric fusions.
Silk Home Textiles & Exclusive Gifts
-
Items: Pillowcases, scarves, embroidered wall pieces, ties.
-
Great picks: Gifts that showcase silk heritage without committing to tailored clothes.
-
Why special: Lightweight, luxurious, and easy to pack.
Luxury Accessories & Jewelry
-
What to search: Gold and jade jewelry, leather handbags, silk scarves.
-
Where: Boutiques along Huaihai Road and Xintiandi; hidden gems in the Former French Concession.
- Water Towns: Zhujiajiao famous water township is well-known for its fresh water pearls and has abundant pearl shops
-
Bonus: Look for traditional crafts—cloisonné pins, lacquered jewelry boxes.
Smart Luxury Shopping Tips for Maximum Value in Shanghai
Luxury shopping trips to Shanghai benefit by maximizing your shopping time, budget, and joy with these savvy suggestions:
Plan Ahead, Book Appointments
-
Reserve tailor slots in advance—peak travelers crowd top ateliers.
-
Ask concierge of your hotel (if staying) or plan via trusted services.
Sample Then Commission
-
Start with a simpler silk piece to assess fit and tailoring quality.
-
If satisfied, expand to suits or dresses—especially as silk requires mastery.
Bargain with Elegance
-
Upscale Shanghai vendors expect polite negotiation.
-
Respectfully inquire about bulk or custom-order discounts, especially if you buy several items.
Bring Reliable References
-
Photos of preferred fits or styles help achieve desired results.
-
U.S. customers often reference Western fit preferences; visual guides help.
- Browse Vogue Shanghai for inspiration
Shipping vs Carrying
-
Silk and accessories ship well—but check customs duties.
-
For large or delicate items (e.g. dresses or suits), use reputable shipping services.
- If you do decide to carry most shopping malls sell luggage at reasonable prices
Avoid Overstuffing
-
Silk is lightweight—even multiple tailored pieces travel compactly.
-
Roll, rather than fold, to minimize creasing.
Understand Customs & Declarations
-
Declare purchases at U.S. customs if over the duty-free allowance to avoid surprises.
-
Keep itemized receipts.
- What to Expect When You Return to the USA
Sample 5-Day Itinerary for a Luxury Shopping in Shanghai Trip
Below is an exemplary itinerary tailored to lavish U.S. world-travelers. You can adapt it based on your time in Shanghai.
Nanjing Road & Luxury Exploration
-
Begin with Nanjing Road East—take in flagship boutiques.
-
Afternoon: Depart to Xujiahui’s department stores for ready-to-wear luxuries.
Huaihai Road & Designer Discovery
-
Explore concept stores, art-inspired boutiques, and accessories.
-
Evening: Visit a boutique for silk scarves or premium leather goods.
Former French Concession – Bespoke Silk Workshops
-
Book your first tailor appointment mid-morning.
-
Shop fabrics, sample fittings, explore nearby designer studios.
Deepen Tailoring & Sip Silk Culture
-
Return to tailor for adjustments and discuss additional clothing—suits or dresses.
-
Shop silk home goods as refined souvenirs.
Final Touches & Accessory Hunt
-
Finish silk orders; pick up tailored items.
-
Visit jewelry boutiques or artisanal accessory shops for final splurge.
Visit the Official Shanghai Tourism Board for additional tips prior to travel and visit our Travel Packing List.
