13 Weird Shanghai Vending Machines
Everyone has seen their fair share of vending machines, but Shanghai has a way of surprising you, and weird vending machines are proof of that! You can buy crabs, noodles and even condoms, so here’s a list of our ‘weirdest’ (and also convenient)!
Fresh Food Vending Machine
Hot weather putting you off for a trip to the grocery store? Don’t worry. If you live near one of these handy machines, you can buy all the fresh food you want, and on some days, even crab! Grab that grocery basket.
Address: 841 Middle Yanan Road
Automatic Adult Goods Vending Machine
Need a bit of (ahem) bedtime stimulation? This is the vending machine for you. Ban awkwardness with a shop assistant and buy your bedroom ‘aids’ discreetly!
Address: 964 Anlong Road
Fortune Telling Machine
Want to know if today is your lucky day? No more wondering (or wandering) if you are around this machine. Simply put your hands in let the sensors detect the lines on your palms, wait 15 seconds and viola, your fortune is ready! Don’t take it too seriously and you’ll have fun.
Address: Railway Station of People’s square
Ramen Vending Machine
In Japan, you can buy ramen coupons in vending machines, but have to go to a shop after that to get the actual bowl. Now Shanghai has upped the ante, you can have the bowl of ramen in one minute through a vending machine! There is even a choice of four types, including Japanese style and Shanghai traditional style! Banzai!
Address: 1788 West Nanjing Road
Lunch Vending Machine
Have you seen a vending machine selling lunch like these at the convenient stores? You can even heat it up via the vending machine. With prices around RMB 20, this is convenience indeed, especially for office workers.
Address: Fuli building and Lianye building
Ice-Cream Vending Machine
Pass by queues for gelato and cool down with this Italian ice-cream vending machine that has 8 hand-made flavors!. Both cash and Alipay are accepted!
Address: West Nanjing Road.
Daily Necessities Vending Machines
Who needs convenience stores anymore really? Buy your makeup removing cosmetics, masks and even lotion in a vending machine. Alipay is also accepted so it’s even more convenient!
Address: Zhongshan Park, Lujiazui, Xujiahui Railway Station
Drug Vending Machine
If you don’t feel well, then a drug vending machine (we mean the legitimate type) in the railway station is a great help as it's centrally located and mega convenient. It offers medication for colds, stomach ailments and painkillers with prices comparable to the drug store.
Address: Xujiahui Railway Station Gate 10
Self-Service Mini KTV
Did you know that you can have a mini KTV experience in a shopping mall? Talk about multi-tasking! It’s basically a glass box and you don’t need to worry about being awkward because people will not hear what you are singing. Each song costs RMB 10 but you can also pay for time - RMB 20 for 15 minutes, RMB 30 for 30 minutes and RMB 45 for one hour. You can also connect it with Wechat so if you really like your song you can even share!
Address: ASE Shanghai, B2 Floor
Fresh Orange Juice Vending Machine
Everyone’s bought canned orange juice in a vending machine, but this one is totally different, as it’s FRESH! At RMB 15 for each cup, it’s not a bad price for a hit of Vitamin C!
Address: People Square 14 Gate
Moby 24 Hour Store
The most special point of this convenient store is when you want to buy something, you can order on the app and this store will come to you automatically. No kidding, it’s a mobile shop so, arguably better than a vending machine. Selling goods like food, drugs, magazines and even shoes, four aerial vehicles are used to replenish supplies on the go. More conveniently, if this store doesn’t have the thing you want, it can go to another store and obtain the item, because it moves automatically.
Address: Around the Bund ( it’s mobile)
Coffee Vending Machine
Whenever you want an Americano, Latte or Mocha, find this machine. Download an app called MATTBURG and wait for one minute, then you can take your coffee away. The machine is designed and made in Germany so quality is great!
Address: Shanghai West Railway Station
YSL Claw Machine
Girls can’t move after seeing this machine because YSL put all it’s limited edition products inside. If you are lucky enough, you can catch one for the price of only RMB 1! Girls are really crazy about it and why wouldn’t you be?
Address: New World Daimaru Department Store
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