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Shanghai is one of the best shopping cities in China. While it is famous for luxury malls and designer brands, it also has some of the country's best budget shopping areas. Whether you are looking for trendy outfits, wholesale fashion, custom-made clothing, shoes, bags, or accessories, Shanghai has plenty of places where you can shop without spending a fortune.
This guide covers the best cheap-clothes areas in Shanghai and what you can expect to find.
If there is one place that deserves the title of the best cheap clothing area in Shanghai, it is Qipu Road. Often called "Cheap Road" by locals and visitors, Qipu Road is Shanghai's largest clothing wholesale district. Many small clothing shops and online sellers across China buy their stock here before reselling it elsewhere at higher prices.
You can buy women's fashion, men's clothing, children's clothing, shoes, handbags, jackets, jeans, dresses, sportswear, accessories, hats, sunglasses, jewellery, and more, all at very affordable prices.
The area contains several shopping buildings, each with hundreds of stores selling similar products, which means you have multiple places to shop and can compare prices to get the best deals.
Keep in mind that prices depend on quality, fabric, and whether you buy more than one item. Quality also ranges from very basic to very good. Generally, lower floors usually have cheaper products, while higher floors often sell better-quality clothing at slightly higher prices, so take your time to compare shops before buying.
AP Plaza is one of Shanghai's most famous bargain markets. Located underneath the Science and Technology Museum Metro Station, this underground shopping complex attracts thousands of buyers, including tourists, every year. Although it is famous for replica products, it also has many stores selling affordable everyday clothing, shoes, sportswear, and accessories.
You can get T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, sportswear, sneakers, luggage, bags, sunglasses, belts, scarves, and souvenirs. Some shops also offer custom tailoring. Bargaining is expected, with opening prices often much higher than what sellers are willing to accept.
If you want custom-made clothes instead of ready-to-wear fashion, this is one of Shanghai's best shopping areas. The South Bund Fabric Market is famous for affordable tailoring. Rather than buying clothes off the rack, you choose your fabric, discuss your design with a tailor, and have clothing made to your measurements.
It is the perfect place if you are looking for business suits, shirts, dresses, winter coats, trousers, skirts, traditional Chinese qipao, cashmere coats, and such. You can even bring photos or existing clothes for the tailor to copy.
Shanghai offers shopping options for almost every budget. If your goal is to buy affordable fashion, Qipu Road should be your first stop. If you want personalised clothing, the South Bund Fabric Market is one of the city's best experiences. If you are looking for tourist-friendly bargain shopping, AP Plaza is worth visiting.
And that is not all. There are plenty of other places you can visit for affordable clothing items and accessories in the city. The key to shopping successfully in Shanghai is patience. Compare prices, inspect quality carefully, and don't be afraid to negotiate politely.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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