Xujiahui Shopping Area in Shanghai: Complete Guide with Real Visitor Stories
Discover why locals and tourists love the Xujiahui shopping area in Shanghai. Real case studies, mall comparisons, budget guides, and insider tips for the best shopping experience.
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🛍️ Introduction: A Family Shopping Transformation
When the Chen family landed in Shanghai for the first time, they had one goal: find the best shopping without the tourist traps. After two hours of walking in circles at Nanjing Road, they almost gave up. Then a local friend told them about the Xujiahui shopping area in Shanghai—and everything changed.
By the end of their trip, they had saved over 40% on electronics, discovered amazing local brands, and found hidden food gems that tourists never see. Want to know how they did it? Keep reading. 📍
Why Xujiahui Is Shanghai Premier Shopping Hub
Have you ever felt lost in a giant shopping district? Maybe prices seemed too high. Maybe you could not find what you wanted. The Xujiahui shopping area in Shanghai solves these problems better than any other spot in the city.
Located in the Xuhui District, Xujiahui sits at the crossroads of three major metro lines. This makes it super easy to reach. But here is what makes it special: unlike the famous Nanjing Road, Xujiahui serves both locals and visitors equally. You will find luxury brands next to budget stores. International names share space with Chinese labels. And the prices? They are often 20-30% lower than tourist-heavy areas.
The district covers about 1.5 million square meters of retail space. Six major malls connect through underground walkways. Every day, over 300,000 people shop here. That sounds crowded, right? But the smart design spreads people across different levels and buildings. Most visitors say it feels less chaotic than smaller shopping areas.
📖 Case Study #1: The Chen Family Shopping Transformation
The Problem: The Chen family—mom, dad, and two teenagers—arrived from Canada. They wanted electronics, fashion, and gifts. Their first day at Nanjing Road East left them frustrated.
Everything felt like a tourist trap. Prices were marked up. Salespeople were pushy. We could not find anything authentic. — Mrs. Chen
The Solution: A local colleague suggested Xujiahui. The family took Metro Line 1 directly to Xujiahui Station. They spent three days exploring different malls, each with a different focus.
The Results:
- ✅ Saved ¥3,200 (about $450 USD) on electronics at Metro City compared to airport prices
- ✅ Found genuine Chinese fashion brands at Pacific Department Store
- ✅ Discovered a local restaurant floor with dishes under ¥40
- ✅ Kids loved the gaming floors and youth culture stores
- ✅ Parents found quality luggage at 40% off international retail prices
The Complete Mall Guide: All 6 Major Shopping Centers
Ready to explore? The Xujiahui shopping district has six main malls. Each one has a different personality. Knowing which mall to visit saves you hours of wandering.
🗺️ Interactive Xujiahui Mall Map
Click on any mall to see details
👆 Click on a mall to see details
🏢 Grand Gateway 66: The Luxury Destination
Best for: High-end brands, fine dining, luxury gifts
Grand Gateway 66 stands as the crown jewel of Xujiahui. Two massive towers rise above the metro station. Inside, you will find brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Cartier. The renovation completed recently transformed it into one of Shanghai most beautiful malls.
But here is a secret: even if luxury is not your budget, Grand Gateway 66 has great options. The basement levels feature mid-range stores and an excellent food court. The top floors offer restaurants with stunning city views.
- Floors: 6 above ground, 2 below
- Price Range: ¥¥¥-¥¥¥¥
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Must-Visit: The rooftop terrace on sunny days
🎮 Metro City: Electronics and Youth Paradise
Best for: Electronics, gaming, young fashion, entertainment
Do you love tech? Metro City is your heaven. This mall focuses on electronics, computers, mobile phones, and gaming. The upper floors feature an IMAX cinema, arcade centers, and youth-focused fashion brands.
Why locals love it: Prices on electronics are genuine and often include manufacturer warranties. Unlike street markets, you will not face fake products or pushy bargaining. The stores compete on price, so you can compare easily.
📖 Case Study #2: Tech Hunter Marcus Finds His Dream Setup
The Problem: Marcus, a software developer from Germany, needed a new laptop, mechanical keyboard, and gaming accessories. He had heard mixed things about buying electronics in China.
I was worried about fakes and warranties. Everyone warned me to be careful. — Marcus
The Solution: Marcus spent one full day at Metro City. He visited the official brand stores on floors 4-6. Each store showed prices clearly. Staff spoke basic English and used translation apps for complex questions.
The Results:
- ✅ Purchased a gaming laptop 25% cheaper than German retail
- ✅ Got an international warranty that works in Europe
- ✅ Found a mechanical keyboard brand (Varmilo) not available back home
- ✅ Received free accessories as bundle deals
- ✅ Used Alipay for extra discounts
🛒 Pacific Department Store: Local Brands and Mid-Range Fashion
Best for: Chinese brands, cosmetics, professional clothing, home goods
Want to discover brands that only Chinese people know? Pacific Department Store specializes in domestic labels. The fashion floors feature Chinese designers creating modern styles at reasonable prices. The cosmetics section showcases popular Asian beauty brands.
🎯 Oriental Shopping Center: Value Shopping Champion
Best for: Budget shoppers, families, everyday items
Oriental Shopping Center offers the best value in Xujiahui. Prices run 20-40% lower than the luxury malls nearby. You will find international fast-fashion brands, children clothing, and household items. Locals come here for practical shopping rather than browsing.
🏬 Hui Jin Department Store: The Local Favorite
Best for: Authentic local experience, traditional goods, older demographics
Hui Jin feels different from the flashy modern malls. This traditional department store attracts local shoppers seeking familiar brands. The experience shows you how everyday Shanghai residents shop.
✨ T20: Trendy Boutiques and Creative Spaces
Best for: Unique finds, independent designers, cafe culture
T20 represents the new wave of Xujiahui retail. This smaller complex features boutique stores, creative studios, and Instagram-worthy cafes. If you seek unique items you will not find anywhere else, start here.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Mall | Best For | Price Level | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Gateway 66 | Luxury, dining | ¥¥¥¥ | Upscale |
| Metro City | Electronics, gaming | ¥¥-¥¥¥ | Young, techy |
| Pacific | Local brands, cosmetics | ¥¥ | Professional |
| Oriental | Budget shopping | ¥ | Practical |
| Hui Jin | Traditional goods | ¥-¥¥ | Local |
| T20 | Boutiques, cafes | ¥¥-¥¥¥ | Creative |
How to Navigate Xujiahui Like a Local 🚇
Getting lost in Xujiahui happens to everyone the first time. The underground connections can confuse even experienced travelers. But once you understand the layout, moving between malls becomes simple.
The Metro Advantage
Three major metro lines meet at Xujiahui Station:
- Line 1 (Red): Connects to Peoples Square, Jingan Temple
- Line 9 (Light Blue): Goes to Lujiazui financial district
- Line 11 (Maroon): Reaches Shanghai Disneyland direction
This triple intersection makes Xujiahui one of the best-connected shopping areas in Shanghai. You can reach any major attraction within 30 minutes.
🚇 Metro Navigation Made Easy
The Underground Maze (Made Simple)
Here is the secret most guides miss: the underground walkway system connects all major malls. You never need to go outside—perfect for rainy days or hot summers.
📖 Case Study #3: First-Timer Sofia Conquers the Underground
The Problem: Sofia from Brazil arrived at Xujiahui Station feeling overwhelmed.
I came up from the metro and saw exits everywhere. Signs pointed in five different directions. I almost called a taxi to escape. — Sofia
The Solution: Sofia downloaded a simple offline map of Xujiahui (available on most travel apps). She noticed that Exit 9 led directly into Grand Gateway 66. From there, she followed underground signs to other malls.
The Results:
- ✅ Visited four malls in one afternoon without going outside
- ✅ Stayed cool during Shanghai humid summer
- ✅ Never felt lost after learning the underground pattern
- ✅ Discovered the food courts located at B1 and B2 levels
- Exit 9 → Grand Gateway 66
- Exit 3 → Metro City
- Exit 1 → Oriental Shopping Center
- B1 level connects most malls directly
Shopping by Budget: Find Your Perfect Price Point 💰
How much should you expect to spend in the Xujiahui shopping area? The answer depends entirely on which stores you visit. Let us break down the options for every budget level.
💰 Xujiahui Shopping Budget Guide
💎 Luxury Shopping (¥5,000+ / $700+ USD)
Where to go: Grand Gateway 66, floors 1-4
The luxury brands in Xujiahui offer the same products as Paris or New York—sometimes at better prices due to China growing luxury market. Tax refund programs add extra savings for international visitors.
Best luxury finds: Designer handbags with Asia-exclusive colors, limited edition sneakers, fine jewelry with Chinese-inspired designs, premium skincare sets.
👔 Mid-Range Finds (¥500-5,000 / $70-700 USD)
Where to go: Grand Gateway 66 (upper floors), Metro City, Pacific Department Store
This sweet spot offers quality without luxury prices. You will find international fashion brands (Zara, H&M, Uniqlo), quality electronics with warranties, Chinese designer fashion, and professional clothing and accessories.
🎒 Budget Treasures (Under ¥500 / $70 USD)
Where to go: Oriental Shopping Center, Hui Jin, Metro City basement
Smart shoppers discover incredible value at these locations: local fashion brands with modern styles, basic electronics and accessories, household items and gifts, and food court meals under ¥50.
📖 Case Study #4: Student Amy Budget Shopping Success
The Problem: Amy, a university student from the UK, had limited funds. She wanted to buy gifts for ten friends back home without spending more than ¥1,000 total (about $140 USD).
Everyone told me Shanghai was expensive. I almost did not try shopping at all. — Amy
The Solution: Amy focused on Oriental Shopping Center and the basement levels of Metro City. She made a list of what she wanted and compared prices across stores.
The Results:
- ✅ Bought gifts for all 10 friends: ¥890 total
- ✅ Average gift cost: ¥89 (about $12 USD)
- ✅ Items included: tea sets, silk scarves, phone accessories, skincare samples
- ✅ Found a local brand store selling quality t-shirts for ¥59 each
Beyond Shopping: Food, Culture and Entertainment 🍜
The best shopping trips include breaks for food and fun. Xujiahui delivers both better than most Shanghai shopping areas.
Food Options Inside the Malls
Every major Xujiahui mall features multiple food floors:
- Quick Meals (¥30-60): Food courts at B1 and B2 levels, noodle shops, rice bowls, dumplings, bubble tea and dessert stands
- Sit-Down Dining (¥80-200): Hot pot restaurants, Cantonese dim sum, Japanese and Korean options, Western chains
- Fine Dining (¥300+): Grand Gateway 66 rooftop restaurants, private room options for business meals, Shanghai cuisine with city views
Nearby Cultural Attractions
Shopping all day? Take a culture break at these nearby spots:
- Zikawei Library (徐家汇藏书楼): This historic library dates back to 1847. It holds rare books and beautiful architecture. Free admission. Walking distance from the malls.
- St. Ignatius Cathedral (徐家汇天主教堂): One of the largest Catholic churches in Asia. The Gothic architecture creates a peaceful escape from shopping energy. Free to visit during open hours.
- Xujiahui Park: A green space perfect for relaxing after shopping. Local families gather here on weekends. Great for people-watching.
📖 Case Study #5: Perfect Day in Xujiahui—The Rodriguez Couple
The Problem: Maria and Carlos from Spain wanted to experience Shanghai shopping but worried about exhaustion.
We are not marathon shoppers. We wanted a balanced day—some shopping, some culture, good food. — Maria
The Solution: They created a mixed itinerary combining the Xujiahui shopping district with nearby attractions.
Their Perfect Day Schedule:
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at Grand Gateway food court
- 11:00 AM: Shopping at Grand Gateway 66 and Metro City
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local Shanghainese restaurant
- 2:30 PM: Walk to St. Ignatius Cathedral
- 3:30 PM: Visit Zikawei Library
- 4:30 PM: Coffee break at T20 boutique cafe
- 5:30 PM: Evening shopping at Pacific Department Store
- 7:30 PM: Dinner with city views
The Results:
- ✅ Completed shopping without exhaustion
- ✅ Experienced local history and culture
- ✅ Found unique gifts at T20 boutiques
- ✅ Enjoyed both budget and quality dining
Expert Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes ⚠️
Learning from others helps you shop smarter. Here are the most common mistakes visitors make in Xujiahui—and how to avoid them.
✅ Best Times to Visit
Go on: Weekday mornings (10 AM - 12 PM), weekday evenings (after 8 PM)
Avoid: Weekend afternoons, holiday periods, lunch rush (12-2 PM)
The malls feel completely different on quiet weekday mornings versus packed Saturday afternoons. Plan accordingly.
✅ Payment Methods
Cash works, but digital payment unlocks discounts:
- WeChat Pay: Most common, often required for promotions
- Alipay: Widely accepted, tourist-friendly version available
- Credit Cards: Accepted at larger stores, sometimes with foreign transaction fees
- UnionPay: Best card option for avoiding fees
✅ Language Tips
Most store staff speak limited English. Here is how to communicate:
- Use translation apps (Google Translate works offline)
- Point to items and use calculators for prices
- Learn basic numbers in Mandarin (yi, er, san = 1, 2, 3)
- Luxury stores usually have English-speaking staff
❌ What to Avoid
- ❌ Going on the first day after landing (jet lag + confusion = bad decisions)
- ❌ Trying to see all six malls in one day
- ❌ Ignoring the basement food courts
- ❌ Forgetting to ask about tax refunds
- ❌ Paying full price without checking for promotions
✅ Tax Refund Information
Spending over ¥500 at participating stores? You may qualify for an 11% tax refund. Here is how:
- Request a tax refund form at purchase
- Keep receipts and forms together
- Visit the refund counter at the airport before departure
- Show items to customs if requested
Xujiahui vs Other Shanghai Shopping Areas 🏆
How does Xujiahui compare to other famous Shanghai shopping spots? Here is an honest breakdown:
| Factor | Xujiahui | Nanjing Road | IFC Mall | Jingan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices | Moderate | High (tourist markup) | Very High | High |
| Crowds | Manageable | Very Crowded | Light | Moderate |
| Local Feel | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| Electronics | Excellent | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Luxury | Good | Limited | Excellent | Excellent |
| Food Options | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Metro Access | Best (3 lines) | Good (2 lines) | Good | Good |
When to Choose Xujiahui:
- ✅ You want variety across price points
- ✅ Electronics or tech purchases are priorities
- ✅ You prefer shopping where locals shop
- ✅ Budget matters to you
- ✅ You want everything connected underground
When to Choose Elsewhere:
- Ultra-luxury only → IFC Mall Lujiazui
- Tourist experience/photos → Nanjing Road
- High-fashion focus → Jingan Temple area
Your Xujiahui Action Plan 🎯
Ready to explore the Xujiahui shopping area in Shanghai? Here are the key lessons from our case studies packed into actionable steps:
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Start at Metro City if you want electronics—prices beat airport and tourist shops by 20-30%
- Visit Grand Gateway 66 for luxury with genuine products and tax refund options
- Explore Oriental Shopping Center for the best budget finds
- Use the underground walkways to move between malls without weather interruptions
- Download offline maps before your first visit to navigate confidently
- Set up digital payment for automatic discounts at most stores
- Plan a mixed day combining shopping with nearby cultural sites
- Go on weekday mornings for the calmest experience
- Ask about promotions—many stores offer unadvertised discounts
- Save receipts for potential tax refunds on purchases over ¥500
🗺️ Your First Visit Checklist:
- ☐ Take Metro to Xujiahui Station
- ☐ Exit 9 → Grand Gateway 66 (start here to orient yourself)
- ☐ Explore B1/B2 underground connections to other malls
- ☐ Lunch at a food court (try local dishes!)
- ☐ Afternoon at Metro City for electronics
- ☐ Quick walk to Zikawei Library for culture break
- ☐ Evening shopping at your favorite mall
- ☐ Dinner with a view
The Xujiahui shopping area in Shanghai transformed the experiences of the Chen family, Marcus, Sofia, Amy, and Maria and Carlos. Each came with different needs and budgets. All left satisfied.
Your turn awaits. The underground walkways connect. The malls stand ready. And unlike crowded tourist zones, Xujiahui welcomes you to shop like a local.
What will you discover? 🛒✨