Imagine wandering through a city where pop culture pulses through its streets, filled with colorful shops, lively fan spaces, and buzzworthy flagship stores. For those interested in the youthful side of Shanghai, this tour offers a lively glimpse into how China’s new generation expresses themselves through anime, toys, and brands. For just $99 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring some of the city’s coolest spots, guided by knowledgeable local experts who know their fandoms inside out.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances shopping with cultural discovery. Visiting Huasheng Anime Street offers a peek into small, privately owned fan shops—perfect for collectors hunting for rare treasures. Meanwhile, the visit to Joy City, with its rooftop Ferris wheel, combines fun with a view of modern Shanghai’s skyline. The chance to browse flagship stores like MINISO and POP MART reveals how Chinese brands are innovating within the pop culture landscape—offering surprises and collectibles you won’t find just anywhere.

That said, one consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking through busy shopping districts, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s also tailored mainly for fans of anime, toys, or Chinese youth culture, so if your interests lean elsewhere, this might not be the most aligned experience.

This tour is best suited for anime enthusiasts, toy collectors, and those simply curious about China’s modern youth scene. It offers a chance to see behind the scenes of China’s rising pop brands while enjoying some retail therapy—an engaging mix of culture, commerce, and fun.

Key Points

Authentic Cultural Insight: Focuses on how China’s youth express themselves through fandom and shopping.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience with context and stories.
Unique Shopping Opportunities: Visit small fan shops, flagship stores, and discover surprises at POP MART.
Balanced Itinerary: Combines visits to physical spaces, shopping, and a relaxing lunch in a popular mall.
Accessible Location: Starts at Qufu Road, easy to reach via subway and Didi.
Value for Enthusiasts: Excellent for fans wanting a deeper look into Shanghai’s pop scene without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour isn’t your typical sightseeing jaunt. Instead, it’s a targeted exploration of China’s modern fandom culture through the lens of shopping, collectibles, and immersive spaces. It’s perfect if you’re interested in how young Chinese people spend their free time, what brands they love, and where they go to connect with others who share their passions.

The tour lasts about five hours, making it a manageable half-day outing. It begins at Qufu Road, a lively hub for Shanghai’s youth culture, easily accessible from subway lines 8 and 12. The guide will contact you beforehand with details, ensuring a smooth start.

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Visiting the Heart of Shanghainese Fandom: Huasheng Anime Street

Your first stop is Huasheng Anime Street, a hidden gem lined with small fan shops. Here, you’ll see local shop owners trading in private collections—a rare chance to see what rare or vintage items might be hiding behind the counters. As one reviewer noted, these shops are “trading their private collections,” giving fans a glimpse of the passion behind the collectibles. Expect to browse through action figures, manga, posters, and perhaps discover a hidden treasure.

This street captures the intimate side of fandom, contrasting with the big-brand stores. It’s a scene that many travelers miss but one that reveals the genuine enthusiasm of Shanghai’s youth.

Joy City: Shopping, Fun, and a Rooftop Ferris Wheel

Next, you’ll visit Joy City, a bustling mall famous for its anime pop-ups and a rooftop Ferris wheel. We loved the way this space combines retail with entertainment—it’s vibrant, modern, and designed for young shoppers. The Ferris wheel offers a fun way to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, providing a break from retail therapy.

The mall hosts temporary anime pop-up displays, giving fans a chance to see exclusive merchandise and participate in themed activities. This spot vividly demonstrates how commercial spaces are adapting to youth culture, blending shopping with interactive experiences.

Discovering China’s Rising Pop Culture Brands

One of the highlights is visiting flagship stores like Top Toy, MINISO Global, and POP MART. These brands are pivotal in China’s pop culture scene, creating collectibles, toys, and surprises that appeal to a broad age range. POP MART, in particular, has become famous for its blind-box surprises, which keep collectors hooked.

As one traveler described, “Shopping at POP MART was like opening a mystery box every time. It’s a fun, interactive way to collect,” emphasizing the appeal of surprises and limited editions. Visiting these flagship stores is both a product showcase and a cultural lesson—showcasing modern Chinese branding and innovative merchandising.

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Lunch at New World Underground Mall

A well-placed lunch break at New World Underground Mall offers a variety of options, including local Chinese flavors and international choices. It’s a chance to relax, refuel, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of a modern shopping hub. The mall’s underground setting adds an urban, slightly hidden vibe, making it a fun part of the overall experience.

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Final Stops and Surprises

The last part of the tour takes you to other key spots, spending about an hour and 40 minutes exploring further shops, perhaps catching last-minute collectibles or browsing additional stores. The guide’s insights help you understand why these spaces matter to Chinese youth and how they symbolize a new kind of cultural identity.

The Guide’s Role

Throughout the tour, guides are praised for their knowledgeable commentary. They explain the significance of each space, offering insights into how fandom influences youth culture and how brands like MINISO and POP MART are shaping modern China. Reviews consistently highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Practical Details and Value

At $99, the tour offers a solid value considering the number of stops, the guided context, and the insider access. It includes all entry fees (except for personal shopping) and emphasizes flexibility with a free cancellation policy. The tour is private, making it ideal if you want a personalized experience.

Walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour’s timing is flexible, with various start times, which helps fit it into different travel plans.

This experience is best suited for anime fans, toy collectors, and anyone interested in modern Chinese youth culture. If you’re curious about how China’s younger generations express themselves and love shopping for exclusive collectibles, you’ll find this tour both fun and insightful. It’s also suitable for those who want a behind-the-scenes look at local fan spaces and brands often missed by mainstream travelers.

It may not appeal as much if you prefer historic sights or natural landscapes, but if your goal is to understand contemporary urban China, this tour hits the mark.

For travelers eager to see a different side of Shanghai, this tour offers a fascinating look at Chinese youth culture through the lens of anime, toys, and brands. It combines shopping, cultural insights, and fun spaces that reveal how modern Chinese youth spend their leisure time. The knowledgeable guides make a real difference, helping you understand the significance behind each shop and display.

If you’re wanting a practical, engaging experience that moves beyond traditional sightseeing, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially perfect for those who love collectibles, want to explore the brand scene, or simply wish to see how China’s pop culture influences its cities.

Whether you’re a dedicated anime fan or just curious about the trendsetting youth scene, this tour offers a lively, authentic slice of Shanghai that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Yes, especially if they’re interested in anime, toys, or pop culture; the shops and spaces are engaging for younger audiences.

How much walking is involved?
The tour involves walking through shopping districts and busy malls, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are the shops and stores accessible for disabled travelers?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to contact the provider for specifics.

Can I purchase items directly during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour is designed around shopping, so you’ll have opportunities to buy collectibles, toys, and souvenirs.

Is the tour private or group-based?
It’s offered as a private tour, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, making it accessible for international travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is a separate activity at the New World Underground Mall, but there are plenty of options available.

This tour really opens a window into a side of Shanghai that’s often overlooked—one where youthful energy, brand innovation, and collectible culture thrive. It’s a compelling choice for fans and culture-curious travelers eager for a fresh perspective on China’s urban pulse.