Need a Halloween costume? It can definitely be tough in Shanghai to find just the right costume for your kid for Halloween. But not to worry, we have found a few options for you that will be relatively hassle-free. You may even find a costume or two to suit yourself!
1. Holiday House
One-stop shopping for costumes and decorations, Holiday House is worth a visit for the wide selection of costumes. Find the scary classics, like ghosts, bats and witches, to the fun-filled princess and superhero variety. Many accessories, hats, masks, wigs and face paint can also be found here.
See listing for Holiday House here.
2. Ruby's Party
A well-established costume and party supply store with bilingual staff will make shopping here a breeze. A wide variety of children and adult costumes and accessories are in stock and many can even be purchased on their website. Prices range from RMB60 for simple witch or Superman costume to RMB180 for a Roman soldier. Adorable animal costumes for toddlers – penguins, zebras and kangaroos are RMB75.
See listing for Ruby's Party here.
3. Party Pop Shop
Mainly a party supply store that specializes in balloons, this Jinqiao shop also carries a selection of Halloween costumes for children and adults.
See listing for Party Pop Shop here.
4. Nantai Costume Company
The place to find traditional Chinese theatrical costumes and accessories, this small costume shop also supplies costumes to several local Peking opera groups. If dressing like a Peking Opera star seems like too much work, they have also qipaos, silk robes, intricate wooden masks and Chinese style slippers. Both child and adult sizes are available.
See listing for Nantai Costume Company here.
5. Shanghai South Bund Fabric Market
Want to make your own custom creation? Find the materials and a tailor and bring along a photo to the fabric market for your one-of-a-kind look this Halloween.
See listing for Shanghai South Bund Fabric Market here.
6. Neon Kids Plaza
At this children’s market, you’ll find a variety of shops selling fun costumes for the kids. And a number of shoe shops if the costume requires something special. An added bonus is a trip to the play area after your costume search is complete.
See listing for Neon Kids Plaza here.
7. JAJAJA Party
This is a full shopping experience for anything party-related, including balloons, party rentals, bouncy castles and more. However, they also provide a range of Halloween costumes and costume accessories for girls, boys and adults. Get a Disney Frozen princess outfit or a Harry Potter costume for RMB180. For adults, their costumes range anywhere from RMB 220-460.
See listing for JAJAJA here.
8. Shanghai Science and Technology Market
If you don’t mind haggling and crowds, the fake market has a few vendors with children’s costumes. With so many shops, you might also find inspiration for a costume of your own creation. Those on the Puxi side can also check out Han City for holiday garb, but keep in mind it is impending closure so pickings might be scarce. And if you need some help with haggling, our handy dandy guide will give you all the tools you need to score the better bargain.
See listing for Shanghai Science and Technology Market here.
9. Taobao.com
You’ve probably heard it many times before, but Taobao has everything, including the widest variety of costumes for young and old alike. Best of all, you can shop 24/7. If you’re not a Taobao user, you’ll need to get some help, but simply copying and pasting the Chinese for Halloween costume (万圣节服装; add 成人 for adult or 儿童 for children) is a good place to start (Google Translate helps with the rest). You’re likely to find the best prices here without having to trek all over town in your quest for the perfect costume. If you need a little inspiration, here are six of the best Chinese-themed costumes you can find on the e-commerce behemoth. You can also browse Taobao in English with the help of Baopals.
Search on Taobao here.
Where to celebrate Halloween 2016 in Shanghai
Once you've got your costume sorted, you'll probably need somewhere to flaunt it. For the little 'uns, we're hosting a kids' Halloween event at Shanghai Archwalk from 11am-5pm on October 29-30. Details here.
