AP Plaza Shanghai
Shanghai's legendary underground market for replica goods, offering everything from fashion to electronics at bargain prices. Haggling is essential!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better deals
AP Plaza Shanghai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better deals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Shanghai's legendary underground market for replica goods, offering everything from fashion to electronics at bargain prices. Haggling is essential!
"A paradise for bargain hunters – but remember, haggling is a must!"
🎯 Haggle Like a Pro
Start at 20% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Be polite but firm!
🚇 Easy Metro Access
Located directly beneath the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Metro Station (Line 2).
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Replica Luxury Goods
Throughout the market
Find 'designer' bags, watches, and accessories at a fraction of the original price. Haggling is key!
Electronics and Gadgets
Various stalls
Discover a wide selection of electronics, phone accessories, and gadgets. Quality can vary, so inspect carefully.
Fashion and Apparel
Multiple levels
Browse trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories. Great for finding unique styles and budget-friendly fashion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Master the Art of Haggling
Know What You're Buying
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle Like a Pro
Start at 20% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Be polite but firm!
🚇 Easy Metro Access
Located directly beneath the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Metro Station (Line 2).
🧐 Inspect Before Buying
Check for defects, especially on electronics and apparel. Quality varies greatly.
💰 Cash is King
While some vendors might accept mobile payments, having cash makes bargaining easier.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle Like a Pro
Start at 20% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Be polite but firm!
🚇 Easy Metro Access
Located directly beneath the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Metro Station (Line 2).
🧐 Inspect Before Buying
Check for defects, especially on electronics and apparel. Quality varies greatly.
💰 Cash is King
While some vendors might accept mobile payments, having cash makes bargaining easier.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring this massive market.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
AP Plaza is a bustling bargain market known for its vast selection of replica goods, from fashion to electronics. Visitors praise the potential for great deals and the sheer variety available, especially for those skilled at haggling. However, some find it a tourist trap with overpriced, low-quality items and pushy sellers, recommending careful inspection and strong negotiation skills.
"Famous bargain market in Shanghai. You can buy electronic items, shoes, clothes, ornaments, phone accessories, eye glasses. Always make sure to bargain and sometimes we closes deals at 20% of the initially quoted price. Initial price is always exorbitant. Dont expect to buy originals here. But if you are smart you can buy good quality ones. Eventhough the items are mostly fake, there is quality gradebstarting from grade 1. There are food courts and coffee shops and prices are reasonable."
Suram Mendis
"Step out of the subway and you'll find it right away!
The stop is Science and Tech Museum.
I had to repair my iPhone screen there. The quality of the workmanship is truly top-notch.
If you need electronics, the prices are excellent, not like in Shenzhen, but excellent for Shanghai.
Also great for clothing and many other things including food.
I've circled the number of places you can find there in red.
Bargaining respectfully is always a pleasure and creates new friendships.
Highly recommended for Shanghai."
Lorenzo Volta
"Nice all are copies of Brands ...But they Well tell you Very very high Price.
But You have to good gut's for Bargaining. For Example they well tell you 1200 Chinese Currency and After Last they well agree for 200 .. But Don't forget for Bargaining.you Can get here Toys branded Copy Shirts and Households Items and Cloths.Sometimes They well Scams to you If You don't have: idea about Items price"
Hafeez Rind
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
AP Plaza is conveniently located directly beneath the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Metro Station, accessible via Metro Line 2. You can also use ride-sharing apps like DiDi.
Yes, it's directly accessible from the subway station. Just follow the signs for the market once you exit the metro.
The metro is highly recommended for its efficiency and affordability. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also options.
Yes, you can tell your taxi driver to take you to 'AP Plaza' or 'Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Metro Station'.
Absolutely! It's a major hub connected to the Shanghai Metro system, making it very accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to AP Plaza is free. You only pay for the items you decide to purchase.
AP Plaza typically operates from around 10 AM to 10 PM daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check closer to your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter AP Plaza. It's a public market.
While generally open daily, it's advisable to confirm specific hours as they can sometimes change.
No special entry requirements are needed. Just be prepared to haggle and explore!
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining
You can find a wide variety of goods including replica luxury brands, clothing, shoes, electronics, phone accessories, toys, and household items.
AP Plaza is primarily known for its replica goods. While some items might be of good quality, they are generally not authentic designer products.
Prices are highly negotiable. Initial quotes are often exorbitant. Aim to pay 20-50% of the asking price.
Many visitors find good deals on clothing, accessories, and some electronics. Inspect carefully for quality.
Some sellers can be persistent, but politeness and firm negotiation are usually effective. Be prepared for a lively shopping experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, AP Plaza has food courts and coffee shops offering a range of affordable food options.
You can find various local snacks and quick meals in the food courts, suitable for a break during your shopping spree.
Yes, the food prices within the market are generally considered reasonable.
There are coffee shops and stalls where you can purchase drinks to refresh yourself.
The food courts offer a convenient and budget-friendly option for lunch while you're exploring the market.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to be discreet and respectful, especially when photographing individual stalls or vendors.
The sheer volume and variety of goods, along with the bustling atmosphere, make for interesting photographic subjects.
Capture the vibrant displays, the interactions between shoppers and sellers, and the overall energy of the market.
You can, but it's polite to ask the vendor first, especially if you're focusing on their merchandise.
While not strictly enforced, avoid intrusive photography and be mindful of privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Fashion Enthusiasts on a Budget
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Haggling at AP Plaza
It's important to have a realistic idea of what an item is worth, though this can be challenging with replica goods. Redditors suggest that while you can find good quality items, some are overpriced and of low quality, especially for specific categories like sunglasses and electronics.
Navigating the Vast Selection
You can find everything from replica designer handbags, watches, and jewelry to clothing, shoes, phone accessories, toys, and even electronics. When exploring, it's wise to have a general idea of what you're looking for, but also be open to discovering unexpected finds.
Understanding the 'Replica' Culture
+1 While these are not authentic designer items, many are produced with a focus on mimicking the look and feel of the originals. This market reflects a unique aspect of consumer culture where access to high-fashion aesthetics is made more affordable through replicas.
For travelers interested in experiencing this phenomenon, AP Plaza offers a direct glimpse into it. Remember that purchasing counterfeit goods can have legal implications in some regions, though within the market itself, it's a widely accepted practice.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit