How does the South Bund Fabric Market work for a first-timer?

It is three floors of roughly 400 independent tailor stalls. Bring a reference photo or a garment you love, pick a stall, agree on fabric and price, and get measured. Most jobs take about 3-5 business days, with rush jobs in 24 hours for extra. Communication is largely point-and-gesture, so visual references matter more than words. Plan a fitting visit before you collect.

How much does a custom suit or qipao cost here?

A made-to-measure two-piece wool suit runs roughly 800-2000 RMB depending on fabric, and a silk qipao starts around 600 RMB. First prices are inflated 30-50 percent, so bargain firmly and compare a few stalls before committing. Stalls take cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay only, with no card machines, so carry enough cash or have mobile pay set up.

How much time should I budget, and is it worth it?

Allow one to two hours to browse, compare fabrics, and negotiate, plus a return trip for fitting and pickup. It is worth it if you have several days left in Shanghai and want bespoke clothing at a fraction of home prices. If you fly out in a day or two, factor in rush fees or skip it. Weekday mornings are calmest for unhurried bargaining.

South Bund Fabric Market, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Three floors of tailors who'll copy a suit, dress, or qipao in 3-5 days at a fraction of the price back home.

At a glance

What it is: Shopping
Also known as: 南外滩面料市场 (Nán Wài Tān Miàn Liào Shì Chǎng)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday morning
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai · 黄浦区陆家浜路399号

Officially named the Shiliupu Fabric Market, this three-story warren of about 400 tailor stalls has become a cult destination for travelers wanting bespoke clothing. Bring a reference photo or a garment to copy. A made-to-measure two-piece wool suit runs 800-2000 RMB depending on fabric. A silk qipao starts around 600 RMB. Bargain hard — first prices are inflated 30-50%. Stalls take roughly 3-5 business days; rush jobs in 24 hours cost extra. Get a referral first if possible (most stalls have an online review trail). Cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay only. Bring measurements and patience — communication is point-and-gesture for most stalls.

Highlights

Bespoke Wool Suit (定制羊毛西装)800-2000 RMB depending on fabric; 3-5 days
Silk Qipao (丝绸旗袍)Starts around 600 RMB; bring a reference photo
Bargain Hard (讨价还价)First prices inflated 30-50%; negotiate firmly
Cash or Mobile Payment (现金/移动支付)Cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay only; no cards

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Go on a weekday morning; stalls are fresher for bargaining and you avoid the weekend crush of tour groups.
▸Check a stall's online review trail before committing; quality varies wildly between neighboring shops on the same floor.
▸Treat the first quote as a starting point inflated 30-50 percent, and be ready to walk away to drop the price.
▸Bring an actual garment to copy, not just a photo; tailors replicate fit far more reliably from a physical reference.
▸Build in a separate fitting visit before pickup; collecting unseen risks needing alterations you cannot get done in time.
▸There is no card payment, so load cash or set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive.
▸The Bund waterfront is a short walk north, so pair an early fabric run with sunrise views over the river.

Photos

Urban skyline of Shanghai featuring a classic post office building by the river.

Stunning night view of Shanghai's Bund, showcasing illuminated historic buildings along the waterfront.

Iconic view of Shanghai's Bund showcasing historical architecture under a clear blue sky.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

Megan T.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Got two custom suits for $300 total. Quality exceeded expectations. Came back for a qipao.

2026-04-18

Rachel K.·Google Maps·4/5

Bargain hard — first prices are inflated. Bring a photo of what you want.

2026-03-22

Travelin' Mike·YouTube·4/5

Allow 5 days for tailoring. Cash and Alipay only — no foreign cards.

2026-02-15

Watch creators visit South Bund Fabric Market

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

The BEST of Shanghai China (15 Things to do in 2026)

Nomac GuidesStarts at 20:21

Fake Market

Videos

SHANGHAI FABRIC MARKET with Donnie Does

Barstool Sports

Frequently asked questions about South Bund Fabric Market

How does the South Bund Fabric Market work for a first-timer?: It is three floors of roughly 400 independent tailor stalls. Bring a reference photo or a garment you love, pick a stall, agree on fabric and price, and get measured. Most jobs take about 3-5 business days, with rush jobs in 24 hours for extra. Communication is largely point-and-gesture, so visual references matter more than words. Plan a fitting visit before you collect.
How much does a custom suit or qipao cost here?: A made-to-measure two-piece wool suit runs roughly 800-2000 RMB depending on fabric, and a silk qipao starts around 600 RMB. First prices are inflated 30-50 percent, so bargain firmly and compare a few stalls before committing. Stalls take cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay only, with no card machines, so carry enough cash or have mobile pay set up.
How much time should I budget, and is it worth it?: Allow one to two hours to browse, compare fabrics, and negotiate, plus a return trip for fitting and pickup. It is worth it if you have several days left in Shanghai and want bespoke clothing at a fraction of home prices. If you fly out in a day or two, factor in rush fees or skip it. Weekday mornings are calmest for unhurried bargaining.