Shopping in Shanghai to die for!

Shopping in Shanghai is one of the main reasons people visit!

I’ve done a couple of shopping tours now, and the second time I knew what to expect so I was prepared.

You can book a half-day tour or get a private guide and create an exclusive shopping experience if you’re after something specific – like new curtains for the house, or bridal outfits.

We did a two-day private shopping tour when I brought a small group to China in October 2019 – and wrote a post on 25 things you need to know before you go.

I took them on an amazing highlights of China tour which started in Beijing to see the Great Wall, then we took a train to Xi’an for the Terracotta Warriors, then down to Chengdu for the pandas and a three day cruise on the mighty Yangtze River before ended with three more days in Shanghai to hit the shops.

It was winter when we were there so the market was all about cashmere coats and suits. It was a veritable wonderland.

Going on a shopping tour means you can get prices are definitely better than we non-bartery-type shoppers can get and they are also on hand to help with any bargaining that you might want to try at other vendors. They also speak the language which is helpful when trying to negotiate.

Have a look at this half-day shopping tour in Shanghai.

On my first shopping tour I bought two 100% silk ties, two scarves, three pairs of cuff links, a belt and that coat for less than $200. Stoked. Back to the bus we went and compared purchases. Two of our group had coats being made overnight that were duly delivered to the hotel at 8.30am the next day, all fitted and lined.

Next we went to a place that sells gorgeous ceramics – plates, bowls, vases – but I decided my luggage didn’t need the weight.

We stopped for a delicious lunch so we could taste a bunch of different dishes, then off we set to the Silk Factory where the worms were being boiled and their silk cocoons unravelled by machines into fine spider-web like threads to be made into duvet and pillow fillers. Don’t judge me!

Along the chain I went and saw how they stretch the wet threads over a frame, then four ladies holding a corner each stretch at least 100 layers over a bed to make the duvets. I bought a king size duvet and two pillows which were vacuum packed for travelling for $200.

These are some of the most popular items guests buy and often they are asked to send them overseas to those who wished they’d bought them on her tour.

Next stop was for antiques and collectibles. I was after a sculpture of a Chinese coin – which I eventually found in marble at the next stop. Christmas decorations were out in full force, homewares, fresh flowers and the most amazing fake flowers I’ve ever seen. I wanted it all! #ShowsRestraint

Finally it was the Pearl Market, which is a misnomer as it’s three floors of all kinds of jewellery, luggage, handbags and nick knacks. I spent the remainder of the contents of my wallet here on gifts galore – including some very cute chopsticks and my piece of art.

When I went back the second time, this time leading my group, several of us girls had got together the night before (in one of the cabins onboard our Yangtzee cruise) and tried on each others tops, skirts, tunics, dresses, etc to see if we wanted some made.

Yes we did! And that’s the beeline we made with our guide.

We also got prescription glasses made and delivered to us at the hotel within 36-48 hours.

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If you’re visiting China you will want to find out about using a VPN to access sites like Facebook and Google. Here’s my recommendation >>