Shanghai is a huge, layered city with a long history of trade, design, and craft. That mix makes it a good place to look for souvenirs that show both old techniques and modern style.

This guide covers items you can find across Shanghai, not a single market or store. It focuses on things that travel well, items made locally or by local designers, and tips for judging quality.

1. Hand-thrown ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Small bowls and mugs reflect local makers’ contemporary takes on classic forms. They feel personal and last longer than cheap mass-produced pieces.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $15–$120
• How to spot a good one: Look for even glaze, a smooth foot ring, and weight that matches the size.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in clothing and place in the middle of your carry-on.

2. Silk scarf or wrap

• Why it’s worth buying: Lightweight silk is practical in many seasons and shows regional textile skills. Scarves pack small and brighten outfits back home.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $20–$200
• How to spot a good one: Genuine silk has a soft sheen and drapes without stiff creases.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll scarves gently to avoid sharp folds and slip into a shoe or pouch.

3. Paper cut art (jianzhi)

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand-cut paper designs use centuries-old techniques and are easy to display. They make compact, culturally rooted mementos.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $5–$45
• How to spot a good one: Check for clean, precise cuts and consistent paper thickness without glue stains.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place flat between two pieces of cardboard in your luggage.

4. Vintage-style posters and prints

• Why it’s worth buying: Reproductions and local prints capture Shanghai’s past and modern graphic work. They’re lightweight and frame-ready.
• Where to look: galleries and independent shops.
• Price range: $10–$150
• How to spot a good one: Choose archival paper and clear, unfaded ink for longer durability.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll prints in a tube or keep flat under clothing in a suitcase.

5. Loose-leaf tea

• Why it’s worth buying: High-quality tea stores offer tasting samples and neat packaging for travel. A small tin preserves flavor for months.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Fresh leaves should smell lively; avoid dusty or overly powdered blends.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Buy sealed tins or resealable bags to prevent spills.

6. Packaged local sweets and pastries

• Why it’s worth buying: Packaged pastries and preserved fruits give a clear taste of local flavors and make good gifts. Many come in travel-friendly boxes.
• Where to look: markets and food halls.
• Price range: $5–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check production dates, ingredient lists, and sealed packaging for freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put food in checked luggage if heavy, and use outer padding for fragile boxes.

7. Bottled savory condiments

• Why it’s worth buying: Regional sauces or jarred condiments add authentic flavor to home cooking. Bottles travel well when sealed.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Prefer sealed glass bottles and readable ingredient labels with producer names.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles in plastic and clothes, and place in the center of a suitcase.

8. Small porcelain tea cup (gaiwan-style)

• Why it’s worth buying: A single tea cup or gaiwan is a compact souvenir tied to Chinese tea culture. It’s useful and easy to display.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Thin, even walls and a consistent rim indicate careful making.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Nest cups with soft padding between them and mark the box fragile.

9. Woven tote or straw bag

• Why it’s worth buying: Lightweight woven bags combine coastal handwork with everyday use. They fold or flatten for travel.
• Where to look: co-ops.
• Price range: $12–$75
• How to spot a good one: Inspect tightness of the weave and secure stitching on handles.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Stuff the bag with soft items to keep its shape while packed.

10. Handmade metal jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local metalsmiths make simple silver or brass pieces that reflect regional taste. Small jewelry is easy to carry and wear.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $15–$200
• How to spot a good one: Look for solid solder joins, consistent polish, and clear markings if applicable.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep jewelry in a padded pouch in your carry-on to avoid tangling.

11. Stationery and brush pens

• Why it’s worth buying: Shanghai has a strong design scene with quality notebooks, brushes, and inks. Stationery is useful and light to transport.
• Where to look: co-ops and independent shops.
• Price range: $4–$50
• How to spot a good one: Test paper weight and nib feel if possible; avoid bleeding ink on cheap paper.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack pens in a rigid case or wrap in a pencil roll.

12. Flavored sea salt or seasoning salts

• Why it’s worth buying: Local salts or spice blends reflect coastal tastes and upgrade home cooking. Small jars travel without much bulk.
• Where to look: markets and co-ops.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Choose sealed jars with clear ingredient lists and no clumping.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place jars in resealable plastic and pad them with clothing.

Quick buying tips for Shanghai

• Carry some cash for small stalls; most larger stores accept cards.
• Politely haggle at market stalls where bargaining is common and expected.
• Wrap fragile ceramics in soft clothing and mark your suitcase as fragile.
• Many shops offer shipping services for heavy or fragile purchases, ask first.
• Look for a “made locally” label, artisan stamp, or maker’s card on items.
• Pack liquids and sauces in sealed plastic bags to prevent leaks in transit.

Where to shop in Shanghai

Shopping options stretch across the city, from long commercial arteries to pockets of craft studios. Look for historic streets for traditional items and modern districts for design-led goods.

• Nanjing Road and pedestrian streets for mainstream fashion, packaged foods, and malls.
• Old City and Yuyuan Bazaar for traditional crafts, small ceramics, and gift boxes.
• Former French Concession for independent boutiques, textiles, and studios.
• The Bund and waterfront promenades for upscale design objects and gallery shows.
• Central food halls and markets for loose-leaf tea, condiments, and packaged snacks.
• Museum shops for thoughtful design objects, prints, and well-made books.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap replica antiques sold as “antique” without provenance, because quality and value vary.
• Mass-produced trinkets from large souvenir stalls, since they lack authentic making.
• Unlabeled “local” food jars without ingredient lists, because freshness and origin are unclear.
• Overly glossy “traditional” items made in factories far from the city, which can feel generic.
• Jewelry sold without clear metal markings or receipts, which complicates valuation later.
• Fragile items without adequate packaging, as poor wrapping increases breakage risk.

If you only buy three things

Hand-thrown ceramics: They show local craft and are useful at home.
Loose-leaf tea: It’s lightweight, travel-friendly, and a true taste to recall.
A silk scarf: Easy to pack, wearable, and reflects local textile traditions.

FAQ

What is Shanghai known for making?
Shanghai is known for a mix of traditional crafts and modern design objects. The city’s shops sell textiles, ceramics, printed art, and contemporary studio goods from local makers.

What are the best edible souvenirs from Shanghai?
Loose-leaf tea, sealed packaged sweets, and bottled condiments are the easiest edible choices. Pick sealed packaging and check dates to ensure freshness.

Are souvenirs expensive in Shanghai?
Prices range widely, from inexpensive market goods to higher-end gallery pieces. You can find affordable artisan items, but handcrafted or designer goods command higher prices.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Shanghai?
A silk scarf or small print is the easiest to pack because it’s lightweight and flat. Both fit in carry-on luggage without extra protection.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Look for maker labels, artisan cards, or studio stamps and ask where the item was made. Shops that explain materials, techniques, and the maker are more likely to sell locally made goods.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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