For more photos of Shanghai check out Matthew J. Stinson’s Flickr.

This is a brief guide to spending a day boutique shopping around downtown Shanghai. Many of the boutiques are run by individual designers and feature unique, original clothing, jewelery and accessories. Most of them cluster around Taikang, Changle and Xinle roads in the French Concession as well as within the In Point and Highstreet LOFT malls. Recommendations come courtesy Tracy You, fashion editor of City Weekend Shanghai.

Changle Lu and Xinle Lu

For more photos of Shanghai check out larryncelia’s Flickr.

First, hop onto the subway and make your way to the Changshu Lu station on Line 1. Head north on Huating Lu until it terminates at Changle Lu. Here you’ll find a plethora of small shops and boutiques to browse through.

For funky fashion-conscious urbanites, be sure not to miss The Thing. Very close by is Xinle Lu which is slightly south, which you’re bound to find if you’re wandering around.

In Point

Next, hop back onto the subway and make your way to the Nanjing Xi Lu Station on line 2. Make your way to the In Point Mall which houses four-levels of trendy clothing and accessory boutiques as well as popular dessert restaurants, toy shops and more.

Check out some stylish local brands before grabbing a bite at one of the restaurants or head across the street to Wujiang Lu, famed eat street lined with food vendors.

Taikang Lu

For more photos of Shanghai check out Matthew J. Stinson’s Flickr.

Taking the subway to the next destination isn’t the most convenient as getting to Taikang Lu from any of the three surrounding subway stations will take at least half an hour of walking. So your best bet is to jump in a taxi and tell the driver to take you to Taikang Lu.

Here, you’ll find that the area has a more upscale vibe as Taikang Lu started out as an art district for with inexpensive work spaces for young artists. The area has since blossomed into a vibrant community filled with galleries, wine bars and boutiques. Be sure to check out local designer Helen Lee’s INSH.

Highstreet LOFT

And finally, head west to to Jiashan Lu and Zhaojiabang Lu to find the Highstreet Loft complex (approximately 10 minutes walking). Formerly an old factory area, this 40,000 sq. meter space has become a new state-of-the-art fashion mecca combining business, art, dining, entertainment facilities and more.

Be sure to check out Feel Shanghai, two-floor store is known for making high quality qipaos, traditional Chinese garment, beautiful dresses and also offers tailor services.

For more:
Taikang Lu Shopping and Art Galleries
Gridskipper: Shanghai’s Boutique Hotels And Couture Alleys
Shanghai Shopping Guide – Shopping by Allo’ Expat Shanghai

More by this author:

• The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens - February 1st, 2009
• Alternative Ski Resorts in Asia - January 22nd, 2009
• Chinese New Year in Taipei - January 22nd, 2009
• Kunming: friendliest, most laid-back city in China - January 20th, 2009
• Guide to Lunar New Year Celebrations Around Asia - January 20th, 2009

About the Author:  Steven is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, but has been living in China for the past four years. He is City Weekend's web editor.