Hongqiao Pearl Market - a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings
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Hongqiao Pearl Market

4.1
·165 reviews·, China

A bustling market renowned for freshwater pearls, custom tailoring, and silk goods, offering a vibrant shopping experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better bargaining

CrowdLow
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Hongqiao Pearl Market - a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings

Hongqiao Pearl Market

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better bargaining

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling market renowned for freshwater pearls, custom tailoring, and silk goods, offering a vibrant shopping experience.

4.1
(165 reviews)

"A great tailor and beautiful pearl jewelry, with a wide range of prices. Bargaining is essential!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Haggle Respectfully

Always bargain, but do so politely. Start low and meet in the middle.

💎 Inspect Pearls Carefully

Check for luster, shape, and surface imperfections. Freshwater pearls are common here.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater Pearls

Second Floor

Discover a dazzling array of freshwater pearls and custom jewelry. Bargain for beautiful gifts.

Custom Tailoring

Custom Tailoring

Various vendors

Get bespoke suits, shirts, and more made to measure. Quality craftsmanship at competitive prices.

Silk Goods

Silk Goods

Various vendors

Explore beautiful silk bedding, scarves, and clothing. Fatima's shop is a noted vendor for quality silk.

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Planning Your Visit

Bargaining is Key

Prepare to haggle! Prices are often inflated, so polite negotiation is expected. Start at 30-50% of the initial offer and work your way up. Compare vendors before buying to gauge fair prices.

Know What You're Buying

Shanghai is known for freshwater pearls. Research quality and pricing beforehand to avoid overpaying. Look for reputable vendors and inspect items carefully.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better bargaining
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
More vendors open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A shopaholics dream! We were overwhelmed by choice and only viewed 75% of the warehouse 😅 📍 ZZER is located underneath Hub Mall, near Hongqiao Airport - Shanghai
@annabellegelly
345.9K likes • 3.5M views

🎯 Haggle Respectfully

Always bargain, but do so politely. Start low and meet in the middle. Reddit

💎 Inspect Pearls Carefully

Check for luster, shape, and surface imperfections. Freshwater pearls are common here. Reddit

China is a shopaholics dream!! 🇨🇳🛍️ I don’t think consignment shopping can get better than this took me so much self control to not get that Picotin bag, did I make a mistake you guys 😭 📍 ZZER, next to Hong Qiao airport #chinatravel #china #travel #shopping #luxurybags #designerbags #vintagedesigner
@kailawenn
130.2K likes • 1.4M views
🎄 Are you ready for Christmas? Visit Hongqiao Flower Market to get into the festive spirit!🎅 📷: Liyumeimei Serafina #meetinshanghai #shanghaitravel #instatravel #travelgram #travelphotography #festival
meetinshanghai
11.1K likes • 0 views

🛍️ Compare Prices

Don't buy from the first vendor. Walk around and compare prices for jewelry and other goods. Reddit

🛏️ Quality Silk

Look for pure silk items. Fatima's shop is recommended for quality silk bedding. Reddit

Ahhh se esse mercado de flores falasse… Quantas tardes passei por lá, muitas vezes somente admirando as flores, as porcelanas e móveis chineses que vendem nesse local. Minha paixão por orquídeas foi a outro nível dentro dessas lojas! 🥰 📍Hongqiao Flower Market 718 Hongjing Lu, near Hongsong Lu Minhang District - Shanghai 虹井路718号, 近红松路 #china #chinanaminhavida #culturachinesa #chinesestyle #or...
chinanaminhavida
107 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Haggle Respectfully

Always bargain, but do so politely. Start low and meet in the middle. Reddit

💎 Inspect Pearls Carefully

Check for luster, shape, and surface imperfections. Freshwater pearls are common here. Reddit

🛍️ Compare Prices

Don't buy from the first vendor. Walk around and compare prices for jewelry and other goods. Reddit

🛏️ Quality Silk

Look for pure silk items. Fatima's shop is recommended for quality silk bedding. Reddit

📍 Location Insight

This market is known for pearls and is located near Hongqiao Airport, not the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(165 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Hongqiao Pearl Market for its vast selection of pearls and custom tailoring options. The opportunity to bargain for quality goods like silk bedding is a significant draw. However, shoppers should be prepared for aggressive sales tactics and the necessity of strong negotiation skills to secure fair prices.

"I discovered a great tailor here, Angela's. We had suits and shirts made for both my husband and I. The quality is next to none. The pearl jewellery is beautiful, with a wide range of prices. Yes, one can bargain here, but being reasonable and respectful is essential. Fatima's shop has a good range of silk bedding. I bought pure silk pillow cases that weren't cheap, but the quality is worth it. Fatima was helpful and lovely. This shopping mall is very close to the Temple of Heaven, which is a must-see in Beijing."

najat aburayyan

"First floor: clothing and tea.
Second floor: jewelry

Recommend walking around and comparing vendors for jewelry. The prices they give you are just a starting point, and many are 4x overpriced.
The tea shop on the first floor was very welcoming and made several teas for us to try before we bought- she insisted!"

Jason Siefferman

"Nice shopping market of pearls, electronics, bags, silk, etc.
A lot of bargaining is needed here.
Highly recommended"

Muhammad Khawar Nazir

What People Like

Beautiful pearls
Custom tailoring
Silk products

What People Dislike

High initial prices
Aggressive vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The market is conveniently located near Hongqiao Airport. You can take a taxi or use Shanghai's metro system. The closest metro stations are typically within walking distance, making it accessible for travelers. TikTok+1

Hongqiao Pearl Market is located in Shanghai, China. It is not associated with the Temple of Heaven, which is in Beijing. Reddit

Many visitors find the metro to be an efficient and cost-effective way to reach the market. Taxis are also readily available. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Hongqiao Pearl Market is generally free. You only pay for the items you purchase. Reddit

The market typically opens in the morning and closes in the evening. It's advisable to check specific vendor hours, especially on weekends or holidays. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter the Hongqiao Pearl Market. It's a public market where you can browse freely. Reddit

🎫 💎 Shopping & Bargaining

You can find a wide variety of goods, including freshwater pearls and jewelry, custom suits and shirts, silk products, electronics, and bags. Reddit

Prices vary greatly depending on the quality, size, and type of pearl. Be prepared to bargain significantly, as initial prices can be very high. Reddit

Start by offering 30-50% of the asking price and be prepared to walk away if you can't reach a satisfactory price. Politeness and patience are key. Reddit

Yes, bargaining is a fundamental part of the shopping experience here. Vendors expect you to negotiate prices. Reddit

Fatima's shop is frequently recommended for high-quality pure silk bedding and other items. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their merchandise or their stalls. Instagram

Yes, the vibrant stalls, colorful pearls, and diverse goods offer many interesting visual opportunities for photographers. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hongqiao Pearl Market can be an exciting place for families, offering a vibrant sensory experience. While the focus is on shopping, the sheer variety of goods can be interesting for children to see. Keep a close eye on little ones, as markets can get crowded. Consider focusing on smaller, more manageable purchases like a single pearl pendant or a small silk scarf as a souvenir. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Hongqiao Pearl Market is a treasure trove, provided you master the art of bargaining. Focus on freshwater pearls rather than more expensive saltwater varieties, and be prepared to negotiate hard. Comparing prices across multiple vendors is crucial. Look for smaller items like single pearl earrings or silk scarves, which can be more affordable souvenirs. Reddit

🎁 Gift Shoppers

This market is ideal for finding unique gifts. Pearls make for classic and elegant presents, and you can often get them custom-set. Silk items, such as scarves or pillowcases, are also excellent gift choices. Remember to factor in bargaining time and allow for careful selection to ensure you find the perfect item for your loved ones. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Pearl Shopping

Shanghai is renowned for its freshwater pearls, and the Hongqiao Pearl Market is a prime destination to find them. When shopping for pearls, it's crucial to understand what constitutes good quality. Look for pearls with a lustrous sheen, a smooth surface, and a symmetrical shape. While perfectly round pearls are the most prized, slightly irregular shapes can still be beautiful and more affordable. Be aware that prices can range dramatically, from very inexpensive to quite costly, depending on these factors. Reddit

Many vendors offer custom jewelry services, allowing you to have pearls set into rings, earrings, or pendants. This is a great opportunity to create a unique piece. Remember that bargaining is essential here; vendors often start with prices that are significantly higher than the final sale price. Don't be afraid to negotiate respectfully, and compare prices across multiple stalls before making a decision. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that the market is less crowded post-pandemic, which can be advantageous for a more relaxed shopping experience and potentially better negotiation outcomes. Reddit

Beyond Pearls: Tailoring and Textiles

While pearls are a major draw, the Hongqiao Pearl Market also offers excellent opportunities for custom tailoring and purchasing silk goods. Several vendors specialize in creating bespoke suits, shirts, and other garments. If you're looking for well-fitted clothing at competitive prices, this is a place to consider. Bringing a favorite piece of clothing as a reference can help the tailor achieve the desired fit and style. Reddit

For those interested in textiles, the market is a good place to find pure silk products. From bedding and pillowcases to scarves and clothing, the quality of silk can be very high. Fatima's shop is specifically mentioned by visitors as a reliable source for quality silk bedding. As with pearls, inspecting the fabric for its sheen, weave, and feel is important. Bargaining is also applicable to these items, so be prepared to negotiate for the best price. Reddit

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