Shanghai, the biggest city and trading hub of China, is a gateway to China culture. When you set food in Shanghai, it is when you have gained access to all the best products China has to offer. So don’t miss out on chances to see, feel, taste and bring those goods home.
Image credit: Aaron GoodmanShanghai is literally “silk heaven”, you will find all different types of silk in different colors and styles all over. You can expect to find everything from bed sheets to dresses. Your other option is to buy the fabric and pay per meter you could then take this home and make your very own silk goods of your own choosing.
When it comes to the beautiful world of silk in Shanghai, your choices are literally limitless. You could have fun visiting markets and street stores, in which case the prices are negotiable and you can even try your luck at bargaining. If you are looking for quality over quantity then you could go direct to one of the stores that specialize in high quality silk. Whatever you choose, it is guaranteed to bring joy to the people’s lives back home, as they can get a real feel of Shanghai.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Female friends, a sister or sister in law and your mother
PORTABLE LEVEL
Easy to manage
PRICE RANGE
At your local markets prices are negotiable. In stores the prices start from $8 per meter.
WHERE TO BUY
All over Shanghai you will discover some truly amazing and unique souvenirs. Many of the souvenirs are items that can be traced back to centuries ago. Glimpses of the traditions and cultures of ancient civilizations can be seen in these traditional souvenirs, which make them such great gifts.
Some items to look out for are traditional chopsticks, calligraphy artwork, vintage clothing, and even communist era memorabilia. You could buy some small items to add to gifts or buy a unique gift for a special person back home.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Everyone, including your parents, siblings, relatives, friends, and co-workers
PORTABLE LEVEL
Manageable
PRICE RANGE
From USD2 all the way up, there is something to suit everyone’s budget.
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: Mark BelokopytovJade represents beauty, grace and purity. It is known for its health benefits and the balance of both the “yin and yang”. Due to the fact that jade has been known to eliminate the dangers of evil spirits and bring luck in your life, it is an authentic piece of local culture.
Jade is a beautiful souvenir to bring back home to someone special. You can find jade all over Shanghai, in different forms and quality. In terms of your luggage capacity and manageability it may be within your best interest to bring home a beautiful necklace and earring set.
BEST GIFTS FOR
A very special female in your life, who has gone the extra mile for you – your mother or sister. This is not only a perfect souvenir but also a great way to say “thank you” and show appreciation.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Manageable
PRICE RANGE
From $10 – $30 for a necklace and earring set. Prices go up according to the quality of Jade.
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: Vera & Jean-ChristopheOne of the best things about being in Shanghai is that you will have the opportunity to taste some unique things which you won’t be able to get anywhere else. You will find everything from dates, raisons and all sorts of other varieties of dried fruits. These make a wonderful souvenir to take home as they are small in size. You could even create your own little gift pack to give to your co-workers. A popular choice would be to buy a mixture of tropical dried fruit and nuts.
BEST GIFTS FOR
These make delicious gifts for friends, family and co-workers.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Manageable
PRICE RANGE
Around $2 per pack
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: Andrew HolmesThe people in Shanghai have been using fans for centuries. They are widely used as a fashion accessory and to help cool off during those very hot months.
There are two types of fans available, the handmade ones and the ones which are more mass produced and generic. Both types of fans are great and make fantastic gifts. You will even be able to find hand painted fans with pretty images of lakes, birds, mountains, creatures and much more on them.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Everyone who hates the heat
PORTABLE LEVEL
Easy to manage
PRICE RANGE
Around $3 per fan
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: tuchodiIf you are a tea lover, then you have landed right in “tea heaven”. Shanghai is well known for its wonderful tea markets. There are even entire markets and areas of Shanghai that are just for tea. Some of the delicious teas that you can look forward to include: Longjing tea (dragon well tea), Tie Guan Yin tea (a premium variety of Oolong tea), Chinese red tea, and flower tea.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Chinese tea makes an excellent gift for all tea lovers. You could buy some for family, friends and co-workers, even your boss is guaranteed to love it.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Manageable
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: Antonio TajueloShanghai is known for its candy making culture and its beautiful selection of sweet shops. Look out for some delicious almond cookies, quality chocolate and handmade truffles.
One of the most famous sweets ever invented is the White Rabbit candy, made with milk, butter and sugar and wrapped in edible rice paper. It should come as absolutely no surprise that the birthplace of these sweets was none other than Shanghai itself.
BEST GIFTS FOR
These make excellent gifts for all the people that have a sweet tooth.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Easy to manage
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: evaingeslThe good news is that you will find beautiful pearls in Shanghai which will be cheaper than anyone else in the world. You are exactly where you need to be in the world, when it comes to having access to the best pearls imaginable, which will suit your budget. It is recommended to purchase a beautiful pearl necklace and maybe a pair of earrings to match.
BEST GIFTS FOR
These are a beautiful gift to bring home for your wife/girl friend, mother, or daughter.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very easy to manage
PRICE RANGE
From $10 for a single pear necklace or an earring set
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: Patrick DenkerTraditional Chinese medicine has been used in the country for centuries to treat all different types of illnesses. In this tradition, ginseng is a very popular natural altenative which helps in regulating blood sugar levels, and balancing metabolism. Other popular natural health gifts could be ginger root and Gingko Biloba.
BEST GIFTS FOR
This is a wonderful gift for the people in your life who believe in natural medicine.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Quite easy to manage
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: kafka4prezShanghai is a place which is filled with more handicrafts than you could possibly imagine. There are beautiful handicrafts all over the city and you can expect to find everything from jewelry, scarves, candles, lamp covers and much more.
China is home to over fifty six minority groups and each one has its own individual culture and tradition. These cultures and traditions are beautifully portrayed in the magnificent selection of handicrafts. You could consider buying some ethnic jewelry, traditional shawls and artwork.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Family and friends who are into crafting.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Manageable
WHERE TO BUY
