Your otaku adventure starts here
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WITH its high “ACG culture density,” anime pop-ups, gachapon shops and themed malls have taken over Shanghai, especially in the Nanjing Road E. Business District, now known as Shanghai’s own Akihabara.
This stretch has become the pilgrimage path for anime and toy fans, with department stores turned into cosplay havens and shopping complexes dedicated to figurines, card games and IP displays.
Here we pick seven spots on the “Otaku Adventure route.”
New World City (FUN肆 Street District)
Since its 2023 launch, FUN肆 Street at New World City Mall has become one of Shanghai’s largest anime and ACGN-themed retail spaces, spanning over 20,000 square meters across multiple levels.
In addition to China’s first Capcom and Koei Tecmo flagship stores, the district has Sanrio Gift Gate, Doraemon pop-ups and over 40 prominent IP brands. Holiday events like the Conan 30th Anniversary Exhibition draw large crowds.
FUN肆 is also an ACG lifestyle playground. Cosplayers interact in themed corridors, dancers do spontaneous “otaku dances” while “makeup maids” and “wig stylists” help fans dress as their favorite characters. For immersive anime culture, this is the place to be.
First Department Store (Building C)
The First Department Store’s C Tower, across from New World City, reimagines retail. Its multi-floor Qili Dimensional Street has indie retailers, cosplayers and card competitions.
Every holiday, the mall becomes an anime market with colorful posters, rare merchandise, and cosplayers selling their works. Pokémon TCG tournaments and themed pop-up events create a grassroots energy.
The best part? As vendors frequently rotate, each visit yields discoveries. It’s an ideal place for treasure hunters looking for niche or second-hand items.
Miniso LAND (U479)
The Miniso LAND Global No. 1 Flagship store redefines the concept of “shopping by IP.” Spanning 2,000 square meters, this immersive retail experience brings together beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Chiikawa, Disney, Sanrio etc — under one roof.
What makes Miniso LAND unique is its theme park-like layout. All sections — from cushy corners to scent bars and blind box zones — are narrative-driven. Fans get a rare chance to buy exclusive, limited-edition merchandise.
Miniso LAND has become a must-see for global IP collectors due to its innovative design, interactive displays and brilliant product curation.
Shanghai Foreign Language Bookstore
Manga fans can relax at Matsuzaka Book House on the fourth floor of the Shanghai Foreign Language Bookstore. Rows of Japanese manga and anime magazines, including rare or out-of-print volumes, are available.
You’ll find everything from classic Shonen Jump titles like Slam Dunk and One Piece to niche hits like Bungou Stray Dogs or Jujutsu Kaisen. It’s also a hub for local high school anime fans, who frequently line up for pre-orders or magazine pickups.
For bookworms and purists, this spot is your serious manga fix — no frills, just content.
TOP TOY Global Flagship
The towering “Maneki Neko” (fortune cat) façade of TOP TOY’s flagship proudly proclaims its mission: to make quality design toys affordable without artificial scarcity. The three-story store has over 80 IPs, including Sanrio, Disney and Chinese creations.
Their vision isn’t just to sell — it’s to reshape the industry by avoiding scalper culture, promoting fair pricing and giving designers a platform to shine. Inside, you’ll also find snack corners and pop-up cafés, turning your shopping spree into a lifestyle experience.
TOP TOY is where trend meets ethos, offering a more conscious way to love your favorite characters.
Bailian ZX Creative Park
As Shanghai’s first mall fully dedicated to ACG culture, Bailian ZX has become the flagship of next-gen fandom commerce. Themed floors feature brands like SEGA’s first global flagship, the One Piece Straw Hat Store and I.G & WIT’s first worldwide concept shop.
You’ll also find TAMASHII Nations, VR gaming and anime cafes like Happy Zoo, offering themed dining with exclusive merchandise. Bailian ZX boasts a 2D cultural sandbox, packed with IP collaborations, immersive events and even VR Evangelion experiences.
Whether you’re looking for premium collectibles, cosplay-friendly events, or just want to meet fellow otaku, Bailian ZX is Shanghai’s most all-in anime destination.
Pop Mart Global Flagship
Right at the iconic Nanjing Road entrance, Pop Mart’s global flagship adds a futuristic twist to the toy world. With a cyberpunk space theme, it showcases IPs like LABUBU, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO and MOLLY in bold installations and artfully designed rooms.
One of Shanghai’s most Instagrammable stores, its tech-enhanced design and immersive narrative zones make it stand out. Shanghai-exclusive badges and MEGA collectibles can be found here. POP MART sets the standard for fashionable collectibles for designer art toy collectors.
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