I was reading luxury link's world's best shopping destination, and it got me interested that Shanghai is on the list (along with Italy, Milan, London).

To anyone who's been here, what can you say about the shopping in Shanghai? Should a girl be excited?!

It all depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend. I thought Shanghai had some cool bookstores--even if the books were in Chinese. From what I saw, it was mostly high-end shops in tourist areas with prices to match.

If you're looking for all the knock-off products, head to Shenzhen where all the major markets sell fakes.

I cannot speak for Shanghai where I have never been.....

But I have now lived in Beijing for approximately 1 month. As far as I can tell, shopping can be a full time occupation here.

Most of the stuff I've seen in umpteen zillion places is fourth shift production of the same goods that are shipped to America. Polo and Nike and Ralph Lauren and other label clothing by the acres and acres. Cheaper at TJ Maxx and Marshall's than in China under the barter system that westerners are sure to lose. Go home and buy it in the US on sale and save money. Seriously. This place is a ripoff. And if you're a westerner in China there is really no way to hide that fact and try to blend in......

Soft goods are of shoddy quality. Souvenirs are ok. Better to spend your money in the US where you can return stuff that falls apart in 30 days.

China is not cheap when you're being conned out of your bucks for junk that disintigrates.