Hidden Shopping Gems in Shanghai: A Local’s Curated Guide to Unique Finds
Somewhere inside the Former French Concession by Genie Yip
Last updated on July 13, 2025
After a year of showing friends, family, and clients around Shanghai, I’ve put together a list of shops where we’ve all discovered unique souvenirs. I have no commissions or paid partnerships with any of these places — I’m simply sharing a list of joy. These are the kinds of shops where you might find something worth collecting and keeping as a memory of your time in Shanghai.
Taking photos and window shopping are always free. And I never felt pressured to buy at any of these spots — just lovely design, friendly staff, and in many cases, surprisingly good English spoken too.
So here’s my growing list of under-the-radar places that offer a truly authentic shopping experience in Shanghai. I’ll be updating it from time to time as I continue exploring.
🕯️ Fragrance
Qiju (气剧)
🕒 11:00–21:30
📍 富民路271号 | No. 271 Fumin Road
Meltseason
🕒 10:00–21:00
📍 太原路45弄1号 | No. 45 Taiyuan Road
To Summer (观夏)
🕒 10:00–21:00
📍 湖南路111号 | No. 111 Hunan Road
Fragrance Diary (气味日记)
🕒 10:00–20:00
📍 武康路230号 | No. 230 Wukang Road
📚 Vintage & Souvenirs
Siyuan Bookstore (思远书店)
🕒 13:00–19:00
📍 陕西南路492号立地公寓1楼 | No. 492 South Shaanxi Road
Madame Mao’s Dowry (毛太设计)
🕒 10:00–19:00
📍 巨鹿路820弄6号楼底商 | Shop No. 6, 820 Julu Road
Double Happiness （囍方）
🕒 10:00–22:00
📍 长乐路720号 | No. 720 Changle Road
Trophy Market
🕒 12:30–20:30
📍 长乐路774号 | No. 774 Changle Road
💍 Jewellery
Youxi (又喜)
🕒 11:00–21:00
📍 乌鲁木齐中路150-154号 | No. 150–154 Middle Wulumuqi Road
🕒 12:00–22:00
📍 富民路215号 | No. 215 Fumin Road
HeyJewel
🕒 10:00–19:00
📍 华亭路71弄5号 | No. 5, Lane 71 Huating Road
Farrugia
🕒 11:00–17:00
📍 复兴西路37号 | No. 37 West Fuxing Road
📞 Appointment required: 16621783383
Blackhead
🕒 10:00–22:00
📍 安福路248号 | No. 248 Anfu Road
Kokyuu Store
🕒 13:00–21:00
📍 南昌路354号 | No. 354 Nanchang Road
🧸 Cute Stuff
Melomela
🕒 11:30–19:30
📍 华亭路4号 | No. 4 Huating Road
Wiggle Wiggle
🕒 10:00–22:00
📍 安福路308号 | No. 308 Anfu Road
Broken Puppy
🕒 10:30–21:00
📍 瑞金二路39号 | No. 39 Ruijin 2nd Road
Farmer Bob
🕒 10:00–22:00
📍 淮海中路627-641号 | No. 627–641 Middle Huaihai Road
🛍️ Fashion Stores Loved by Local Youth
Basement FG
🕒 11:00–21:30
📍 新乐路82号 | No. 82 Xinle Road
TU
🕒 10:00–22:00
📍 长乐路502号 | No. 502 Changle Road
Niko and…
🕒 10:00–22:00
📍 淮海中路775号 | No. 775 Middle Huaihai Road
Have you visited any of these places? Which ones did you love, and are there any favorites you think I should add to the list? I’d love to hear your thoughts — feel free to share!
“Along the way, she often took the time to ask us more about ourselves, just so she could give better recommendations. She pointed out shops where we might find a nice pendant for that distant aunt I mentioned earlier”