Shanghai's Hongqiao Pearl Market
Shanghai's Hongqiao Pearl Market
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Changning
How to get there
- Longxi Road • 7 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
246 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
101
Average
60
Poor
9
Terrible
3
Lexi
Alexandria, VA1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
this review is for Tina’s Tea Shop:
i went to the market buy pearls but got overwhelmed with all the options on the second floor. i left and walked around the first floor to think about my options for pearls, and stumbled upon Tina. she was amazing. she taught me the use of each tea (jasmine versus pu’er, and more) and how long each tea would last in the container versus outside. she also let me sample teas which was nice. i ended up buying three medium sized teas and one small tea. great experience. i will return to Tina when i’m in Shanghai.
i went to the market buy pearls but got overwhelmed with all the options on the second floor. i left and walked around the first floor to think about my options for pearls, and stumbled upon Tina. she was amazing. she taught me the use of each tea (jasmine versus pu’er, and more) and how long each tea would last in the container versus outside. she also let me sample teas which was nice. i ended up buying three medium sized teas and one small tea. great experience. i will return to Tina when i’m in Shanghai.
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John S
North Side, St. Thomas17 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
After purchasing the best pearls we could find on the street and feeling that we got a great deal (my wife is a graduate gemologist), we thought about buying more for gifts and went to the Pearl Market. (You can get within two blocks on the Metro from Shanghai.) We found that we could have bought the same quality pearls we bought on the street for a little over half what we paid for them. There is an incredible selection and we bought some better quality pearls at a good price and enjoyed the exchange with a very knowledgable sales girl who spoke English well. The higher quality (and higher priced) pearls are on the periphery of the second floor. Meanwhile I was looking around on the third floor, where I purchased a belt, luggage and electronics at incredible prices.
Written September 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ATW
Hong Kong, China377 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
I decided to pay a visit on my last weekend, in order to try and get a strand of pearls for my wife. Having limited experience buying pearls (my only experience was a pair of earrings for my wife from Mikimoto years ago), after doing some research and reading all of the reviews below, I decided to look for a strand of pink pearls and visit 2 of the shops specifically recommended below (Abe and Julie).
The market was quite easy to find, and after a quick walk round the first floor, I scouted the 2 shops, before deciding which to enter first. Julie's was empty when I walked past, so I walked over to Abe's, and as I was studying the shop window display outside the shop, a lady (later confirmed as Abe) walked out and asked me what I was looking for. Since my Mandarin is elementary at best, I asked whether she spoke English, to which Abe answered "yes".
I started by explaining to Abe that I was looking for a strand of pink pearls and she asked whether I wanted fresh or salt water. Upon being asked was the difference between the 2, she responded, "price", saying that the latter was a few times more expensive than the former. I then asked Abe for an example of a pink strand I could get for about RMB1000 (my initial budget) and was shown a strand of dark pink (close to purple) pearl necklace, which for some reason did not look as "natural" to me than the pair of earrings I previously bought from Mikimoto.
I then caught sight of a lovely strand in light pink (which looked way more natural and similar to the shade of pink I remembered from Mikimoto) in the display case and asked Abe about it. She answered "that's salt water", and when I asked how much, after checking the tag, she told me that the "trade" price (i.e. if sold to her "neighbours") was RMB3000. I said unfortunately I did not have that much cash with me. She said not to worry, since she accepted all credit cards (except American Express). After a bit of bargaining (I do not consider myself a serious negotiator), we agreed on a "nice" price for a light pink strand in 7.5 to 8mm size, of which I was given a choice of 3 to choose from. However Abe then showed me a single strand (also light pink) but in 8 to 8.5mm size (which was to my untrained eyes slightly but noticeably larger than each of the 3 strands I had been comparing) and said, "although this is one size larger and ought to be more expensive, since this is the last strand in this size, I can let you have it for the same price as the smaller size, if you like".
That offer seemed to me to make a good deal that I considered I had even better, and I Graciously accepted Abe's offer. I then thought, why not get a set of earrings to match the strand I had just gotten, and finally ended up getting a pair in one (or two, can't remember exactly) sizes larger than the pearls in "last" strand, together with a double strand of "mixed" color freshwater pearls, for casual/everyday use.
Altogether a wonderful buying experience with no pressure selling whatsoever from Abe, who also taught me what to look for when buying pears (size, roundness, lustre, colour and smoothness is what I remember).
Last but not least, I confirm that Abe's is number 2059 on the second floor. Have fun browsing and happy shopping!
The market was quite easy to find, and after a quick walk round the first floor, I scouted the 2 shops, before deciding which to enter first. Julie's was empty when I walked past, so I walked over to Abe's, and as I was studying the shop window display outside the shop, a lady (later confirmed as Abe) walked out and asked me what I was looking for. Since my Mandarin is elementary at best, I asked whether she spoke English, to which Abe answered "yes".
I started by explaining to Abe that I was looking for a strand of pink pearls and she asked whether I wanted fresh or salt water. Upon being asked was the difference between the 2, she responded, "price", saying that the latter was a few times more expensive than the former. I then asked Abe for an example of a pink strand I could get for about RMB1000 (my initial budget) and was shown a strand of dark pink (close to purple) pearl necklace, which for some reason did not look as "natural" to me than the pair of earrings I previously bought from Mikimoto.
I then caught sight of a lovely strand in light pink (which looked way more natural and similar to the shade of pink I remembered from Mikimoto) in the display case and asked Abe about it. She answered "that's salt water", and when I asked how much, after checking the tag, she told me that the "trade" price (i.e. if sold to her "neighbours") was RMB3000. I said unfortunately I did not have that much cash with me. She said not to worry, since she accepted all credit cards (except American Express). After a bit of bargaining (I do not consider myself a serious negotiator), we agreed on a "nice" price for a light pink strand in 7.5 to 8mm size, of which I was given a choice of 3 to choose from. However Abe then showed me a single strand (also light pink) but in 8 to 8.5mm size (which was to my untrained eyes slightly but noticeably larger than each of the 3 strands I had been comparing) and said, "although this is one size larger and ought to be more expensive, since this is the last strand in this size, I can let you have it for the same price as the smaller size, if you like".
That offer seemed to me to make a good deal that I considered I had even better, and I Graciously accepted Abe's offer. I then thought, why not get a set of earrings to match the strand I had just gotten, and finally ended up getting a pair in one (or two, can't remember exactly) sizes larger than the pearls in "last" strand, together with a double strand of "mixed" color freshwater pearls, for casual/everyday use.
Altogether a wonderful buying experience with no pressure selling whatsoever from Abe, who also taught me what to look for when buying pears (size, roundness, lustre, colour and smoothness is what I remember).
Last but not least, I confirm that Abe's is number 2059 on the second floor. Have fun browsing and happy shopping!
Written September 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MsKellyBean
Alamo, CA5 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
I visited Abe based upon the recommendation below and had a wonderful experience! She is just as patient and low-pressure as I'd hoped. One of the things I love about her shop is that she has so many different types of beautiful pieces. I found plenty of pearls to suit my more modern taste, and was able to find my grandmother a classic necklace that I know she'll love. Abe was great about listening to what I was looking for and in what price range, and happy to change clasps or other details that I didn't like. I'm heading back to the US in a week with what is now a pearl jewelry collection and plenty of gifts for friends and family.
Her shop (# 2059) is on the second floor and easy to find.
Her shop (# 2059) is on the second floor and easy to find.
Written July 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hartyboy87
London, UK2 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
This place is worth taking the time to visit though some taxi drivers struggle to find it first off so make sure you have the local address up on your phone from trip adviser to make life a little easier.
My other half and I had no previous experience of buying pearls and when you go up to the first floor it is a little overwhelming if you aren't 100% sure what you are looking for. However after a bit of wandering we cam across Julin Pearl store number 2039 run by Candy Julin. She was absolutely fantastic! From the second we looked into her store she was not pushy (which was ultimately what we were looking for). Her English was great and she explained all the different types of pearls and the different priced sections.
We ended up buying two sets of necklaces and earrings and just a set of earrings for 320RMB. She also customized them to our exact requests for the type of settings and mounts while we waited (only took 5 minutes).
It was such a nice easy experience that we have recommended her to our friends living in Shanghai. So fully recommend to anyone a bit nervous about pearls, language or prices to drop by and see her for a fantastic deal. We will certainly be returning to her on our next trip!!
My other half and I had no previous experience of buying pearls and when you go up to the first floor it is a little overwhelming if you aren't 100% sure what you are looking for. However after a bit of wandering we cam across Julin Pearl store number 2039 run by Candy Julin. She was absolutely fantastic! From the second we looked into her store she was not pushy (which was ultimately what we were looking for). Her English was great and she explained all the different types of pearls and the different priced sections.
We ended up buying two sets of necklaces and earrings and just a set of earrings for 320RMB. She also customized them to our exact requests for the type of settings and mounts while we waited (only took 5 minutes).
It was such a nice easy experience that we have recommended her to our friends living in Shanghai. So fully recommend to anyone a bit nervous about pearls, language or prices to drop by and see her for a fantastic deal. We will certainly be returning to her on our next trip!!
Written March 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EnjoyingChina
Chengdu, China6 contributions
Jun 2014
I agree with other reviewers, finding the right vendor here is key. With 10 years of experience shopping for pearls in Shanghai, I LOVE Abe's shop (2059). Her prices are reasonable and she is always willing to explain the differences in prices between pearls and find just the right solution for you. I feel confident bringing friends and co-workers visiting from overseas. Her team speaks English and there is none of the high pressure tactics you see in other shops. The best part is you can design your own jewelry and watch it come to life. Abe also does batch production for those looking for a vendor to produce their vision. Enjoy!!!
Written June 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henry S
Gibraltar171 contributions
After reading other reviews I knew this place was a must. Ground floor is bits and pieces of Chinese things. First floor is pearls, we met April store G067. We found she had the best prices and actually spoke good English. We spent three hours and walked away with most of our Christmas presents bought.
Third floor if you want clothes made to measure or better still, I took a suit which I love and had it copied in four days at about seventy pounds! My taylor is Mr.Liu stor No 303-1. Will certainly return!
Third floor if you want clothes made to measure or better still, I took a suit which I love and had it copied in four days at about seventy pounds! My taylor is Mr.Liu stor No 303-1. Will certainly return!
Written September 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paige N
Shanghai Region, China4 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
When you walk into any of these types of markets in Shanghai for the first time you may feel a bit overwhelmed. So, it is always good to go in with a list or an idea of what you are looking for. We went to the second floor pearl market looking for a birthday present. We wanted something elegant but simple. After browsing shop after shop we could not find a necklace that we really fell in love with. Some of the shop owners are a bit pushy and refuse to negotiate. Then we came across Daaxxi pearl. (I think that is how it is spelled)
We found a beautiful pearl necklace with three pink pearls on a gold chain with small gold blocks in between the pearls. It was really well made and looked pricey. We only paid 800 RMB or 130 dollars. The two women working in the shop spoke great English and they were polite, accommodating, and actually fun to work with.
Then we went a bit crazy....... I saw this pearl necklace with one pearl on a white gold chain....the price she said was 130 RMB or 21 dollars.. WHHAATT!!! At first I didn't think the pearl was real but sure enough I rubbed it against my teeth and it felt like a real pearl. So, we bought four. She also changed all the chains on the necklaces to the chain I saw on another necklace for no additional fee. Then she had beautiful earrings at 80 RMB or 13 dollars. Some nice rings at 70 RMB and some gorgeous sets starting at 200 RMB.
The shop is well lit and looks very nice. We almost didn't walk in because we thought it would be too pricey! We hardly negotiated because the prices were already so low and the quality was high. She will also string pearl necklaces for a great price as well. Given that I live in Shanghai when Christmas comes along I know what stall I will be doing my shopping!
We found a beautiful pearl necklace with three pink pearls on a gold chain with small gold blocks in between the pearls. It was really well made and looked pricey. We only paid 800 RMB or 130 dollars. The two women working in the shop spoke great English and they were polite, accommodating, and actually fun to work with.
Then we went a bit crazy....... I saw this pearl necklace with one pearl on a white gold chain....the price she said was 130 RMB or 21 dollars.. WHHAATT!!! At first I didn't think the pearl was real but sure enough I rubbed it against my teeth and it felt like a real pearl. So, we bought four. She also changed all the chains on the necklaces to the chain I saw on another necklace for no additional fee. Then she had beautiful earrings at 80 RMB or 13 dollars. Some nice rings at 70 RMB and some gorgeous sets starting at 200 RMB.
The shop is well lit and looks very nice. We almost didn't walk in because we thought it would be too pricey! We hardly negotiated because the prices were already so low and the quality was high. She will also string pearl necklaces for a great price as well. Given that I live in Shanghai when Christmas comes along I know what stall I will be doing my shopping!
Written April 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krbPalmDesert_CA
Palm Desert, CA204 contributions
Like Beijing, Shanghai has a Hongqaio Pearl Market, only this one is cleaner and very quiet. The floor offering jewelry made to order offered neckaces, earrings and bracelets even cheaper than the one in Beijing. I had a very good experience with vendors not being too obnoxious. The taxi cost $5.00 from the Shanghai Skyway Landis, included in our China Spree tour.
It was a 25 minute taxi ride but I felt safe going by myself.
Stuff offered in Hong Kong's Jade Market was available here but at much less cost. I'm sorry I spent anything in that Jade Market. Don't miss the Hongqaio Pearl Market in at least one Beijing or Shanghai!
It was a 25 minute taxi ride but I felt safe going by myself.
Stuff offered in Hong Kong's Jade Market was available here but at much less cost. I'm sorry I spent anything in that Jade Market. Don't miss the Hongqaio Pearl Market in at least one Beijing or Shanghai!
Written October 24, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie R
Columbus, OH231 contributions
May 2013
LOVED pearl shopping at the market. We bought about 15 strings of freshwater pearls (16 inches each) for $133 US at Vickie's stand. They were uniform in size an color, and the razor test showed they were real. I bet we could have bargained harder and paid even less, but this felt like a great deal as it was. And they made 4 of the stands into a really pretty three-tiered necklace pulled together with a broach on the side. I read that you can get pearls in China for 1/6th or less of what you'd pay in the U.S. I'm no jeweler, but it seems like that's true. We used the advice of offering 1/4 of the starting price and expecting to pay about 1/3. Such fun gifts to bring back. So neat that pear necklaces are affordable enough to be souvenirs. We also got other souvenirs on the market's other floors.
Written May 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Imran M
Dallas, TX80 contributions
Do you know if Abe's in Shanghai has a website or Email?
t07813
Santa Barbara, CA27 contributions
I don't think that Abe's has a website or social media presence. I asked her if she had her own trip advisor page for the store and she said 'no,' but that she would look into it. She gave me a card with her email, but I lost it...
Anurag Puri
New Delhi, India33 contributions
what is the price of pearl bracelet? just a general idea
Shop No.339E Fake Products!!!!!!!
emmy b
George Town, Australia21 contributions
Dear awayalot, I would like to know what currency is used and if they accept money travel cards,? Thank you in advance
Shop No.339E Fake Products!!!!!!!
ardentfan
Kenner, LA27 contributions
I would like to visit the Pearl Market and am wondering what Metro station is the closest and can I walk from there to the Market? Thanks!
Marie-Catherine L
Montreal, Canada57 contributions
Lonxi Road Station is the one I found to be the nearest. It is very easy to walk t the Hongjiao Pearl Market afterwards. Be sure to have a map or a phone with a GPS! Happy shopping, Marie-Catherine
greatravel
montreal,176 contributions
I am looking to purchase prescription glasses at a reasonable price and I heard that market such as this one have cheap prescription glasses. Is this true and how much can I expect to pay. Also are there other markets for glasses? thanks
Docks1702
Toronto, Canada193 contributions
We made a pair on Nanjing Road Market
Was more expensive than Costco in Canada
The frames are cheap
Bargain and shop around
Not all things are cheap in China
Be careful
Hi, Kimberly. What would you like to know about this attraction? Does the shopping markets in Shanghai accept US dollars?
Cheri M
Bonita Springs, FL87 contributions
Most malls and other shops do not accept American credit cards. The exception would be places like the pearl market who cater to tourists. I shopped at the one large mall, and only found one restaurant that would take an American credit card.
I'm looking for Laura's Pearls email address. The one I have does not work and also a phone number if possible. Thank you
Mosajo
Taranaki18 contributions
I wonder what you mean by a "reasonable price". I have no idea! But would like to buy a bracelet.
Kcupcake1968
Sydeny98 contributions
What price in Aussie dollars would I be looking at paying for a single strand ?
awayalot Z
Blue Mountains, Australia50 contributions
The other readers have offered good advice on pearl selection and buying. I have a couple of things to add.
1. Lustre should be highest on your list when selecting pearls, compare a dull set of pearls with a lovely shining strand and you will know what I mean. You can overlook other imperfections but you cant overlook lustre. Are you familiar with the term "lack lustre"?
2. Round unmarked pearls are the holy grail but there are some truely stunning pearls in many shapes and sizes, even the pitted or lined are beautiful if their lustre is good, dont discount these beauties, you will also get more "pearl" for your dollar.
3. Before you leave home visit some jewellers and have a look at the pearls they stock and the prices they charge. If you work on roughly 20% of the Australian value for a similar item you have got somewhere to start when negotiating. Another tip, if you cant get you offer across the line and are going to accept their price, give the "its a deal if you throw in a pair of matching studs" a try.
If you have the time go to Yada Pearls at The Science and Technology Museum, its not as formal and its cheaper - at least once you get their "I see you coming" price off the table, you are also in the hub of the massive copy and other goodies market.
Have fun and I hope you enjoy your pearls and matching studs :)
panchBelgium
belgium
can you give us the chinese directions for the taxi driver ?
CaAnEmMa
Kelowna, Canada50 contributions
3721 Hongmei Road (虹梅路3721) just off Yan'an Road.
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Shanghai's Hongqiao Pearl Market Information
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