What to Buy in Shanghai China (2026): Easy and Memorable Gift Ideas
If you’re visiting Shanghai and aren’t sure what souvenirs to bring home with you, I’ve put together this short list with some of my favorites. I’ve included a mix of classic souvenirs that locals have loved forever as well as never favorites, like POP MART. Whether you’re buying for friends or yourself, these are all great choices to remember your trip.
Must-Buy #1: International Hotel Butterfly Pastries
Butterfly pastries started as a French-style treat, but Shanghai has added its own unique touch. They’re flaky and crisp, with a buttery and lightly sweet flavor. They’re bite-sized, so it’s hard to stop yourself once you start eating them.
For many Shanghainese, the International Hotel version is considered the gold standard. They’re made with 32 layers of handmade dough and baked fresh every day. You can choose from a sweet-and-salty combo or a variety of other flavor options.
International Hotel Pastry Shop
Address: No. 28 Huanghe Road google map
Getting there: Take the metro to People’s Square (Lines 1/2/8) and use Exit 9. Cross the street and walk about 150 meters—it’s diagonally across from the exit.
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Must-Buy #2: White Rabbit Creamy Candy (大白兔奶糖)
If I had to pick just one Shanghai souvenir, it would be White Rabbit Creamy Candy. It’s a classic treat that generations of Chinese people grew up with.
It’s sweet but not overpowering, with a creamy milk flavor. As you eat it, the rice paper wrapper dissolves, which gives it a unique texture to complement the creamy consistency.
If I left Shanghai without a bag, it would feel like I forgot something!
Pro-tip: if you visit Shanghai in the summer, be sure to try the White Rabbit ice cream bar too!
Must-Buy #3: Shanghai Silk Scarves & Silk Goods (上海丝巾丝绸)
Shanghai silk scarves are well-known for a reason. They’re made from Jiangnan silk, which comes from China’s Jiangnan region, famous for its centuries-old silk production.
Shanghai is renowned for incorporating this high-quality silk into luxurious fashion goods. It’s a versatile accessory that you can wear on your neck, in your hair, or tie on a bag.
The prices are usually reasonable, so I definitely recommend getting one for yourself or a friend.
Must-Buy #4: Shanghai “Snow Cream”
Xuehua Gao (雪花膏) is a classic Chinese face cream that many visitors get as a souvenir. The name means “snow cream,” and it’s known for its light texture, pleasant scent, and how quickly it soaks in. The packaging is also beautiful, so it’s a nice gift to bring home to a loved one.
I’ve tried it myself, and the texture is indeed very light and not oily. It’s affordable and easy to find at Pudong Airport, around the Bund, and on Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street.
Must-Buy #5: POP MART in Shanghai
Shanghai’s POP MART global flagship store is located on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the busiest shopping areas in the city. The store spans over 500 square meters across two floors, so there’s a lot to explore.
POP MART is known for its blind boxes, which are collectible toys in mystery packaging, so you never know what you’re going to get.
They often have limited editions and new releases, and some designs aren’t available elsewhere in China yet. Many Chinese tourists travel to Shanghai specifically to shop here, and some even buy blind boxes to resell at a higher price.
Must-Buy #6: Shanghai Fridge Magnets
As a travel blogger, I like to bring home small souvenirs that remind me of the places I visit. One of my favorites is fridge magnets, which give me a small memory of each city.
Shanghai offers a variety of beautiful magnets, featuring landmarks and other designs that represent the city’s culture. They’re simple but meaningful souvenirs.
Where I Recommend Shopping for Shanghai Souvenirs on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Here are a few shops on or near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street that I recommend based on my personal experience and popular recommendations from Chinese social media:
1) White Rabbit Specialty Store
Address: No. 336 Fujian Middle Road (near Nanjing East Road Metro Exit 4).
Why I go: This is a dedicated White Rabbit shop, full of nostalgic treats. They offer a variety of flavors, including original, red bean, osmanthus (a light floral flavor), coconut, and corn.Best buy: Top pick: White Rabbit Creamy Candy (original flavor).
2) Shanghai Harbin Food Factory (上海哈尔滨食品厂)
Address: About 50 meters northwest of the intersection of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and Fujian Middle Road.
Why I go: Their butterfly pastries and apricot cookies are popular. Both are sweet, but not too heavy, so they’re a great choice if you don’t like overly sweet snacks.
Top picks: Apricot cookies, crispy butterfly pastries.
3) Lao Xiang Zhai (老香斋)
Address: No. 720 East Nanjing Road, inside No. 1 Food Store (near Guizhou Road).
Why I go: Their almond crisps are delicious, and their butterfly pastries, like at other shops, are buttery but not too sweet.
Top picks: Original butterfly pastries, egg cookies.
4) International Hotel (国际饭店)
Address: No. 170 West Nanjing Road (near the Huanghe Road intersection).
Why I go: Their butterfly pastries are a crispy, layered treat, famous in Shanghai.
Top pick: Butterfly pastries.
5) Xinya Foods (新雅食品)
Address: No. 719 East Nanjing Road
Why I go: Xinya is a popular brand in Shanghai, known for its quality food. Their savory pork mooncakes are tender and flavorful.
Top pick: Savory pork mooncake (鲜肉月饼).
Language Barrier Tips
In big malls and tourist areas in Shanghai, you can usually find staff who speak some English. But in smaller local shops, you may run into a language barrier.
It’s helpful to have a few simple Mandarin phrases ready:
“How much is this?” — “多少钱？” (duō shǎo qián)
“Can you give a discount?” — “可以打折吗？” (kě yǐ dǎ zhé ma?)
Don’t hesitate to use a translation app or your phone’s built-in translator. It’s not considered rude and can help make communication much easier if you don’t speak Chinese.
Read More: How to Travel in China Without Speaking Any Chinese
More Shanghai Travel Info
Shanghai Attractions
Planning a self-guided Shanghai trip in 2026? In this article, I’ve picked out 10 must-visit sights to help you set the perfect itinerary.
As one of China’s largest and most important cities, Shanghai is full of places that blend traditional and modern elements. The Bund is often called “Shanghai’s promenade” and is easily the city’s most iconic landmark. Yu Garden is the best-preserved Ming-dynasty garden in the city center, and a great place to experience traditional Chinese garden design.
From a skyline of high-rises to historic sites, these spots will allow you to see all of Shanghai’s unique character and cultural depth.
Read More: AP Plaza in Shanghai – A Shopping Guide
Shanghai Hotel Recommendations
Shanghai is one of the largest cities in China, so you’ll find a wide range of places to stay, and something that works for every type of traveler.
If you plan to spend a lot of time around the Bund, staying in Huangpu District is the most convenient option.
If your trip includes Shanghai Disneyland, I recommend staying near Pudong to save time and effort.
And if you’re interested in art, culture, and design, Jing’an District is a great choice. It’s also very well connected and easy to get around.
In this article, I’ve picked 10 popular hotels to help you quickly narrow down the best areas and accommodations for your Shanghai trip.
Shanghai Disneyland
If you’re visiting Shanghai Disneyland and your budget allows, I recommend staying at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. It’s fully Disney-themed and comes with perks like the ferry shuttle, early park entry, and easier access to the nighttime fireworks.
If you’re staying in downtown Shanghai, the first metro usually reaches Disney around 7:00 a.m. However, that timing doesn’t work well if you plan to use early entry. In that case, taking a taxi or ride-hailing car to the “Mickey Parking Lot,” then walking about 900 meters to the park entrance, is a better option.
For lunch, you can eat inside the park at Barbossa BBQ, which offers a range of options and a slightly interactive dining experience. If you’re trying to keep costs lower, Disneytown is a good choice. Either way, eating before 11:00 a.m. helps you avoid the peak lunch crowds.
For popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Hot Pursuit, and Soaring Over the Horizon, it’s best to ride them before 10:00 a.m. if possible. For the nighttime fireworks and light show, I recommend finding a spot about 60 minutes early. The castle projections are fairly low, so choosing an open area with a clear view
Shanghai Disneyland Itinerary: Zootopia Route, Tickets, and What to Eat/Do (All in One Day)
