The second day: shopping

Shopping is another unavoidable part when visiting Shanghai. Take a day and follow iDEALShanghai's picks of must-go places to do shopping as well as to find the most charming faces of this attractive metropolitan city. Here we go!

Commercial streets

Nanjing Road W., Huaihai Road M. and Xujiahui area are where many popular malls and shops are found.

Nanjing Road W. (mostly within the stretch between the intersections with Shaanxi Road N. and Ruijin Road) is home to high-end malls, including Plaza 66 and Citic Square, and Isetan Department Store.

Plaza 66 gathers international luxury brands, such as Channel, Gucci and Prada, while Isetan has exclusive fashion brands from Japan.

Xintiandi

Xintiandi offers a different shopping experience with its connected malls featuring indie design brands, both local and international, plus traditional-style buildings with plenty bars, restaurants and coffee options.

In addition, you can find high-end souvenirs and gifts and home decoration stores in and around the malls. These include Gift Zen lifestore and Shang Tang Home and Gift.

Tianzifang

This is an ideal place for stocking up on souvenirs, designer accessories and having a look at traditional Shanghai living style.

Located on Taikang Road and Jianguo Road, Tianzifang brings together various stores and cafes and restaurants in a maze of old Shanghai lanes.

These are full of quirky and creative stores, with everything from ethnic clothing to fridge magnets. You can also find all kinds of international cuisine here, including Thai, American, French and Japanese restaurants.

Highstreet Loft

Highstreet Loft on Jianguo Road W. near Jiashan Road in Xujiahui was established in 2007, and is now one of the trendiest creative parks in the town, featuring indie designer shops, cafes and restaurants.

It's not just somewhere people come to for shopping, but also a place for socializing.

A cup of coffee in a relaxing atmosphere and the latest trends from fashion show rooms are what Highstreet Loft promises.

Brands with outlets there include Premium, Anton Lee Professional Salon, Prolivon, FeiDan Imported Food Store, and Cellar Door Wines.

It's also worth a visit to see the architecture of old warehouses, dating back to the 1920s.

Shanghai is famed for its indie designer stores, often tucked away down leafy lanes. Here are a selection:

May J.

Indie design brand May J. features men's styles from local designer Jiang Ling, a new star of international fashion.

Address: 2/F, Xintiandi Style, 326 Madang Rd

Raffles Privato

This features the work of young designers from Raffles Design Institute in Shanghai.

Address: 2/F, Xintiandi Style, 326 Madang Rd

NPC (New Project Center)

Owned by Taiwanese singer Wilber Pan and Shanghai local TV host Li Cheng, the store carries items from Nike, STAGE, toy designer Michael Lau and G-Shock.

Address: 139-15 Changle Rd

Diva House

Shao Junyan is a famous Shanghai pop singer who recently moved into fashion with his own accessories store. And if the adorable exclusives weren't enough for female fashion fans, there's also a nail salon.

Address: 383 Panyu Rd