I have heard of different markets where you can buy ‘designer’ handbags and other ‘fakes’, is there any difference between them? Are any of them particularly cheap, or particularly good quality?

Best,

Faux Theroux

Dear Faux,

My personal favourite is 580 (580 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Chengdu Lu), because I have been going there for a long time and rarely have to bargain anymore. That being said, 580 is probably the most aggressive of the markets, particularly lately. It’s definitely at the low end for pricing, but the negatives include really bad bathrooms. 

Hongqiao Pearl City (corner of Hongmei Lu and Yan’an Xi Lu) is also known as the Pearl Market. It’s comparatively clean and quiet and has the added attraction of an entire floor full of costume jewellery and pearls where you can buy made up items or create your own custom pieces.

The Science and Technology Market is an underground shopping centre in Pudong, located at the metro station of the same name. It can seem a bit like a maze at first, but most things are available here and the prices are good.

The Jinhui Road market (461 Jinhui Lu, Hongqiao) is a great little market with some interesting shops. This is probably the quietest of the markets and certainly the least aggressive.

Longhua Road market (2465 Longhua Lu, near Longhua Temple) is not well-known among foreigners and therefore cheaper. All the usual things are available alongside some more locally-flavoured shops. Be sure to go up to the top floor for some great bargains.

Qipu Lu is, of course, the ultimate Shanghai market. It can be pretty intimidating and on weekends we don’t recommend you shop here at all as it’s incredibly crowded. If you are prepared to brave it, there are little shops selling seconds from famous brands so you can get a great deal on the real thing. 

Bargain hard!

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