Christmas Shopping & More at These Specialty Markets

Shanghai is one of those places that likes to lump their services and goods together in different areas. Do you like guitars? There’s one street with a bunch of guitar stores. Like art supplies? There’s a whole street with dozens of art supply areas. Here are some of these strange and magical market areas, which should come in handy as you get set to buy your Christmas gifts!

Xujiahui Electronics Mall

This is a pretty legitimate market that sells an enormous variety of electronics including phones, ipads, cameras, video game consoles, and basically and cord or adapter you can think of. Haggling is a must here.

Address: 41 Caoxi Bei Lu, near Hongqiao Lu

Qiujiang Lu Electronics Market

Another electronic market that is a little more old-school. You probably can’t trust a lot of the devices you’d purchase here, but that’s half the fun and probably the reason you can get such good deals. 

Address: 500-526 Qiujiang Lu, near Sichuan Bei Lu

Xinyang Market  (Shanghai Science and Tech Fake Market)

There used to be two of these but the Nanjing one closed, so now its just this beauty. Watches, bags, bootleg DVDs, and a whole bunch of other stuff you can probably bargin down to RMB 10.

Address: Shanghai Science and Tech Museum Subway Station, 2000 Shiji Da Dao, near Yingchun Lu

Qipu Lu Clothing Market

If you want cheap clothes, and the feeling of being trapped in a sinking ship, look no further than Qipu lu clothing market(s). This intersection has buildings on all sides which house multi-floor mallish clothing markets. Everything is cheap, loud and ready to be bought in bulk. Just try to maintain your composure as it can be a bit overwhelming.

Address: 168 Qipu Lu, near Henan Bei Lu

Xing Guang Photography Equipment Center

Photo source: Virginia Werner

Photo source: Virginia Werner

Cameras big and small, new and old, high quality and falling apart, anything you’re looking for they’ve got it. A wide selection of used cameras and lenses are available as well, not to mention any time of film you’re looking for, this is a must for any photography enthusiast in Shanghai.

Address: 288 Luban Lu, near Xietu Lu

Tel: [phone]

Pet Market

Photo source: Imu&Tsuru

Photo source: Imu&Tsuru

This grimy, back alley pet market feels like it should probably be illegal… but it’s not. Once you get past feeling bad for most of the animals there it’s actually a rather interesting experience. We can’t recommend buying anything from here, but if you need a gift that's alive.

Address: 405 Xizang Nan Lu, near Fangbang Zhong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hongqiao International Pearl City

This place has… pearls. Lots of pearls that are all different sizes, quality and price. If you don’t like pearls, you probably shouldn’t go.

Address:  Senshengshiyang International Square, 3721 Hongmei Road

Tel: [phone]

South Bund Fabric Market

Photo source: Heather Hall

Photo source: Heather Hall

If you want to make a custom tailored suit, jeans, dress shirt, coat, dress… whatever, this is the spot. It’s got the biggest selection and the lowest prices in the city. Sure the suits won’t be the highest quality of all time, but they’re not too bad, and they’re affordable.

Address: 399 Lujiabang Lu, near Nancang Street

Fengzhuang Tea Square

Photo source: Absolute China

Every kind of tea you can imagine is here, you may have to haggle for a good price, but it’ll be well worth it when you leave with a 5kg bag of chrysanthemum tea flowers.

Address: 1611, Caoan Road

International Glasses City

As the name would suggest: tons of glasses here. If you can imagine them, you can find them. Bargining over price is absolutely essential.

Address: Railway Station North Plaza 1688 Zhongxing Lu, near Henfeng Lu

Jinsheng International Home Deco and Hotel Supply Market

This market is a dream for anyone interested in interior design and home décor. They’ve got it all, from the high end, to the shockingly low end.

Address: 185 Tongchuan Road, Putuo District

Hec-hotel & Restaurant Supply

This is where you’d go to buy plates, dishes, silverware… anything you might need in a restaurant. It’s perfect if you need stuff for your business, or want to buy some wine classes for a friend.

Address: 345 Aomen Lu, Putuo District

Stationary and Business Supply Wholesale Market

This is like an office supply store on steroids. Pens, notepads, paperclips, white out pens and everything else, all sold by the barrel.

Address: 1108 Zhongshan North Road

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