Shanghai has been China’s main gateway for centuries, situated alongside the Yangtze River. Known as the “City on the Sea” and often compared to the “Paris of the East,” it holds a special allure.
Beyond its cultural significance, Shanghai offers an array of unique products and specialties, ideal for souvenirs or gifts. Wondering what to buy? Look no further. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 best things to buy in Shanghai.
Explore our comprehensive shopping guide and enjoy your gift shopping in Shanghai!
1. Tailored Clothes
Are you preparing for your upcoming wedding? In China, you can have your dream dress tailored to your specifications for a mere $200-$500, a fraction of the cost you’d expect to pay elsewhere. Just be clear about your preferences to avoid any surprises. Keep in mind that fashion trends vary across regions, so it’s essential to communicate your desires clearly, and photos can be incredibly helpful, especially if there’s a language barrier.
2. Traditional Clothes and Shoes
Though the cheongsam is often the first image that comes to mind with traditional Chinese dress, the reality is far more diverse. China’s cultural richness, shaped by its fifty-six ethnic groups, offers a wide array of traditions, colors, fabrics, and styles. These nuances vary from province to province, reflecting the intricate and diverse nature of Chinese society.
The traditional clothing, accessories, and shoes available for sale are meticulously crafted by hand and primarily dyed using natural vegetable dyes. They either originate from specific minority groups or are collections designed by contemporary artisans inspired by ethnic minorities. The prevalent fabrics used include silk, cotton, and linen.
3. Silk
As the final stop on the ancient Silk Road, Shanghai is the ultimate destination for sourcing this exquisite fabric. Silk quality varies, affecting its price, but each type reflects China’s remarkable craftsmanship.
Across China, from silk factories to boutique stores, you’ll find a diverse array of silk products. Whether it’s Western or traditional Chinese clothing, beautiful shawls, luxurious sheets and quilts, or silk fabric sold by the meter, there’s something for every taste and preference.
4. Fabrics
In Shanghai, you’ll discover a diverse array of fabrics beyond the traditional silk, all available at affordable prices. Specialized fabric markets cater to every need, whether you’re in search of materials for tailoring, ordering custom pieces, or browsing ready-to-wear garments like the iconic cheongsam. The selection is extensive, ranging from silk to linen, cashmere, and various blends.
Navigating these local markets often involves lively bargaining, especially for first-time visitors—an experience that adds to the city’s charm. Prices are flexible and can fluctuate daily, with peaks usually seen on weekends and during busy seasons. For instance, a meter of half silk-half linen fabric typically sells for around ￥50, while cashmere, particularly from Mongolia, tends to be pricier. Tailor-made cashmere items, such as dresses or jumpers, generally range from ￥600 to ￥900.
5. Jade
Jade holds a special significance in Chinese culture, treasured not only for its beauty but also for its believed healing properties. Wearing jade as a bracelet is thought to repel evil spirits and promote heart health, making it a symbol of local culture and national pride.
Available in green, white, and purple varieties, green jade is the most popular and highly regarded type. Its quality is often judged by the richness of its green color, with darker shades being particularly prized. Prices can vary based on factors such as quality, color, size, and the type of jewelry. Despite these differences, investing in jade, a renowned treasure in Shanghai, is generally seen as a worthwhile investment.
6. Pearls
China leads the world in pearl production, offering exquisite necklaces and earrings at prices lower than anywhere else. Natural pearls come in different types; freshwater pearls are generally more affordable, while South Sea pearls from the sea are of higher quality and thus pricier.
In Shanghai, the price of these sought-after items varies based on factors like pearl size, shape, and color. Round pearls, being harder to find, tend to be more costly. Natural pearls come in diverse hues, including white, peach, pink, gray, black, and gold. Particularly rare black and golden pearls are exclusively sourced from the sea.
7. Tea Sets
A professional tea set from Shanghai is an ideal gift for those deeply passionate about tea’s art, history, and traditions. This top souvenir features several elements, including a key component—the bottom table, designed with connected holes and a tube for effortless water flow during cleaning or initial brewing.
Typically crafted from ceramic or terracotta, professional teapot sets can be on the pricier side. The accompanying cups are small, allowing for multiple pourings of tea to gradually release its aroma and flavor—a cherished ritual among enthusiasts.
8. Chinese Tea
For thousands of years, tea has been an integral part of Chinese culture, evolving into a revered art form. With a diverse range of varieties available, each offering distinct flavors, colors, and health benefits, tea drinking is a deeply nuanced experience. Main categories include green, black (known as “red tea” or hong cha in Chinese), Oolong, and flower tea.
The quality of tea is heavily influenced by its cultivation process, with the most prized varieties often originating from mountainous regions. Highly esteemed examples include antioxidant-rich green teas like the famous Dragon Well, cultivated near Hangzhou.
9. Handicrafts
China is home to fifty-six distinct minority groups, each with its own vibrant culture and crafts. In Shanghai, you’ll discover a wealth of handicrafts representing regions across the country, with impressive offerings from Tibet, Xinjiang in the northwest, and Guizhou in the southwest.
From local jewelry to traditional shawls, intricate sewing, and paper made from seasonal leaves, these items make for unique gifts, showcasing the diversity of Chinese society. Colorful scarves and finely crafted silver bracelets are just a few examples of the authentic handicrafts available, sourced directly from local artisans and offering an authentic glimpse into Chinese culture.
10. Traditional Chinese Medicine
A unique souvenir from China is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has roots dating back thousands of years. TCM is based on the idea that the natural laws governing the universe also influence human health, as humans are interconnected with the universe.
Herbal remedies are central to TCM, but other ingredients like roots, grasses, animal parts, and stones are also commonly used. Some of the most well-known medicinal plants include Ginger Root, Ginkgo Biloba, and Ginseng. Ginseng, in particular, is highly esteemed. Panax ginseng, a dried root with a history of over 5000 years, was initially used as a food before its powerful rejuvenating and healing properties were discovered.
Regular consumption of ginseng is believed to help maintain cellular function, delay aging, lower blood sugar levels, and balance metabolism and hormones. Prices for ginseng can vary widely, from a few hundred to thousands of Yuan, depending on factors like quality and origin.
Leave a Reply