What to Buy in Shanghai (上海)
Old Shanghai glamour meets modern design — from art-deco silks and cheongsam dresses to century-old snack shops.
6 must-buy souvenirs
Liyagao (pear candy) 梨膏糖
Herbal pear candy from the City God Temple area — a Shanghai specialty since the Qing dynasty.
📍 Yuyuan bazaar
Wuxiang beans 五香豆
Five-spice broad beans, the classic Shanghai snack sold in paper packets for over a century.
📍 Nanshi old town shops
Qipao / cheongsam 旗袍
A fitted silk cheongsam made to measure — Shanghai's most glamorous souvenir.
📍 Fabric markets near the Bund
White Rabbit candy 大白兔奶糖
The iconic milky candy in its blue-and-white wrapper — beloved nostalgia gift for all ages.
📍 Any supermarket
Duxoyun art supplies 朵云轩
A century-old art shop selling fine brushes, ink and reproduction paintings.
📍 Nanjing East Road
Shanghai-style silk scarves 丝绸围巾
Soft silk scarves in art-deco prints — lightweight, elegant and easy to pack.
📍 Yuyuan and Nanjing Road silk shops
Shopping Tips
- ·Yu Garden bazaar is the classic souvenir street; Nanshi old town has the old-brand shops.
- ·Get a tailor-made qipao in the fabric market — allow 2-3 days for fitting.
- ·White Rabbit candy is the nostalgic gift everyone recognizes.