Cloud Nine Shanghai Shopping & Dining Guide: My Top Recommendations

Overview of Cloud Nine Shanghai

Cruising Shanghai can be overwhelming, as the city of more than 24 million people is filled with soaring skyscrapers, neon lights and narrow alleys. But snug away in Changning District, Cloud Nine Shanghai provided me something different: a vertical city that seemed complete unto itself. From the fashion brands I recognized to local treasures I’d never spotted, it struck this perfect balance between global recognition and something very Shanghai about itself. I roamed its floors as if on a layered map of the city — shopping, dining and relaxing in solitude without leaving the building. I hope by sharing my shopping experience, you can join me on checking out Cloud Nine Shanghai and find out myself why it is. If you’re after a place that has some semblance of being both convenient and lively, this mall should be on your list.

A Landmark Vertical City in Changning

Cloud Nine Shanghai

Tower and Lifestyle Hub

The first time I stepped into Cloud Nine Shanghai, it was easy to see that this place was more than just a shopping center: It’s an honest-to-goodness Vertical City. At 58 floors and 238 meters high, the possibility for extensive shopping, dining, entertainment outlets as well as office-space is realized in addition to a Renaissance hotel. I could walk from fashion houses to coffee shops, then see a film — without leaving the building. It seemed like a city built on the stack (it was hours later).

It was an illuminated tower of light that became a distinctive landmark defining the western horizon over Shanghai. Based on the experience of travelers writing in to CTrip, this mall has a strong 4.4/5 rating – exactly what you’d expect when referring to that go-to for leisure and quick getaways from the city’s chaos. I’d recommend this stop if you want to absorb modern-day Shanghai all in one place.

This mall is often mistaken for the “Cloud 9 Bar” at the Jin Mao Tower, but is not the same. Despite this place’s official name — Longemont Shopping Center (Changning) — it simply says 1018 Changning Road. I was able to avoid mistakes because I had the right name and address. Inside, I found myself caught up in the vibe of locals and visitors while walking among global brands and local favourites. It was one of the clearest mirrors of Shanghai’s modern city life. If you’re looking for a dependable shopping and dining scene, this is a place that will not let you down.

Key Info: Cloud Nine Shanghai at a Glance

🛍️ Type: Vertical shopping mall & lifestyle hub

⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

💰 Shopping Budget: 200–800 RMB (average range)

🕒 Suggested Visit Time: 3–5 hours

📍 Address: 1018 Changning Road, Changning District, Shanghai

Getting to Cloud Nine

By Metro: Take the metro is by taking any convenient line to Zhongshan Park Station corresponding with lines 2.3, and 4. Direct from the platforms, crystal-clear signals point directly into the mall — you never have to step outside. This makes it particularly useful on rainy, muddy days or in Shanghai’s sizzling summers. I’d recommend this way over other options for a smooth arrival.

Take the Bus: A number of local buses stop right along Changning Road near the mall. Buses are frequent and cheap, so it’s a good choice if you’re staying close. They may be slower than the metro, but the ride gives you some insight into real city life. It is worth a try if you are in need of a slow pace.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Taxis are available at main entrances, and ride-hailing services such as Didi can bring you right to the doors. It’s the way to go if you have heavy luggage or you’re pressed for time. Many passengers take this line before arriving at or after departing from Hongqiao Airport and the railway station. For convenience, I would highly recommend it for an evening arrival or morning departure.

Driving: Alternatively driving to Cloud Nine is available and is accessible from Changning Road. Driving is helpful if you have a longer shopping day in mind, or are lugging oversized purchases. Spaces are a hot commodity on weekends and holidays, so getting here early is one way to turn the trick. The easiest one for families, that can be.

Shopping Overview

Here’s a simplified look at Cloud Nine (龙之梦购物中心 Changning):

Cloud Nine Shanghai makes it easy to find everything—from souvenirs to fashion and dining—all under one roof. I’d suggest keeping at least half a day free if you want to cover both shopping and dining here.

Shopping Choices: From Familiar Brands to Local Finds

Global Brands

When I joined Cloud Nine, I saw names that I recognized immediately. UNIQLO, sprawling over two full floors and Zara teeming with students to try on autumn coats. The brightly lit Apple Store attracted a long line for the latest iPhone launch. The prices, about 200–400 RMB, seemed comparable to what I’d pay back home. Items I already owned gave me joy — like a little piece of Europe had followed me to Shanghai. Cloud Nine Shanghai made me feel both way and home and out. If you are shy about shopping in China, these brands make it easy to dip a toe.

Still, there were surprises. Nike marketed China-only colorways of popular sneakers, and UNIQLO showcased exclusive collaborations with local artists. Even French beauty behemoth Sephora carried Asian-only skincare brands. For me, shopping was a treasure hunt, I saw rare finds that were not available for purchase in Europe. It felt like an adventure. If you ask me what I would keep an eye out for in limited editions.

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Local Treasures

Seeking local color, I roamed upper floors. Shanghai Tang exhibited silk scarves and embroidered handbags, and I slipped into a qipao-style dress costing 680 RMB to try on. The cut was fresh, the tradition and modernity from where it sprang jostling one another. They also sold handmade notebooks stamped with ink paintings and brushes carved with dragons at a small shop, Dragonfly Stationery. I walked out with one for 35 RMB, a quaint little memento. Cloud Nine Shanghai provided me with an authentic taste of local crafts. If you’re in the market for a cultural memento, these shops are worth a stop.

Another favorite was the sustainable fashion brand NEEMIC, which combines Chinese fabrics with European tailoring. I liked a linen jacket at 900 RMB. The price was dear, but it gave me a glimpse of Shanghai’s artistic spirit. Shopping there was one step deeper into the city’s culture, past polished international brands. The vibe was inspiring. I’d say don’t miss this if you like storytelling fashion.

Affordable Finds

The best finds always came via the hunt. Hotwind sold casual shoes for under 150 RMB on the high floors, while racks of sunglasses under 50 RMB drew gangs of teens. I chimed in and laughed at my reflection daring edgy frames. It seemed like play, less serious than areas devoted to luxury. Cloud Nine Shanghai has made bargain shopping an experience. I would recommend this piece to any budget minded traveler.

I wound up at MINISO, looking at weird home stuff. There, I purchased chopsticks for 20 RMB and a panda mug costing me 35 RMB. When I said I’d lug them back to Europe, the cashier laughed. Now those tiny playful objects all sit on my desk, sending me back to everyday Shanghai rather than to a glossy tourist image. They still make me smile. If you’re looking for easy-to-pack presents, this is the spot.

Dining: Snacks, Souvenirs, and Regional Tastes

Tang Bing Jia

Chinese Pastries

In the B2 level, I ventured into Tang Bing Jia, known for pastry gift boxes. Their egg yolk puff was 22 RMB and came with a deliciously buttery crust, filled with decadent salted egg. I also sampled their coconut latte flavoured puff at 14 RMB, which was a pleasant combination of coffee smell and flaky pastry. Gift sets began at 110 RMB, making them excellent souvenirs that outlived the trip. Cloud Nine Shanghai gave me neat gifts that fit in my bag. If you are a souvenir person (of the edible variety), I’d recommend this shop.

Down the road, Gao A Shu baked traditional cakes fresh daily. The osmanthus black rice cake, which went for 8 RMB, was fragrant and chewy; the pumpkin steamed cake (6 RMB) soft and calming. Eating them immediately, I got a sense of the old Shanghai they’d carried me back to. The tastes stayed in my mind. This is a great stop if you crave cheap, delicious snacks.

Regional Flavors

My favorite for regional specialties was B2 Wutong Market. Caogen Dongguan Restaurant offered a vacuum-packed roast goose for 128 RMB, and additional packs of plum sauce. Reheating at home maintained the skin’s crispness, which astonished me. It was like having Lingnan cuisine in my bag. Cloud Nine Shanghai demonstrated the diversity of Chinese flavors. I recommend to go through this area if you like to try local foods.

I also noticed Tai Dou Thai Bistro selling bottled seafood marinade for 38 RMB and bought one on impulse as a cooking experiment. Another stall, Shan Xin, offered ready-to-eat silver ear and lotus seed soup for 15 RMB per jar. These discoveries were or snacks souvenirs, too, showing how Cloud Nine scooped up assorted flavors under one roof. It was a nice surprise. Adventurous eaters are the ones who love this corner.

Dining Experiences

I didn’t just live on snack food and quick bites, however; I had quite a few sit-down meals at Cloud Nine. Upstairs, I tested Din Tai Fung, its 80 RMB for a basket of xiaolongbao forbidden. Looking at chefs fold dumplings in the windows behind glass was a good meal, a fun meal. For a faster option, I got some crispy soup dumplings at Xiao Yang Sheng Jian, four for about 12 RMB, which was exactly the recharge I required. Both are must-try’s in my book.

International options diversified my stay. I took a break at Starbucks Reserve for a sample of Shanghai blend in limited edition, and later indulged at Haagen-Dazs as a sugary reward from an exhausting day’s worth of shopping. As I strolled through these dining zones, I noticed how the mall brought global flavors to bear on local traditions. It wasn’t merely convenient for me to eat here — it was another way for me to take part in Shanghai’s culture of eating. This is a place for you if you really love diversity dining.

Leisure: Cinemas, Arcades, and Quiet Corners

Cinema and Arcade

I visited the CGV cinema on the 9th floor. Booking online through CTrip for 70 RMB, which was easy. Families chatted, children carted around popcorn and the scent of butter wafted on the air. I was able to laugh along with a local comedy even if I missed words. It felt like being part of a Shanghai weekend tradition. Just past the China Pavilion, Cloud Nine Shanghai turned down the volume on relaxation for ease and fun. I would recommend seeing a movie if you get a chance.

Special sightsThe Tom Bear Happy World (Hongkou Longming Branch) inside the Dream Cloud Nine Shopping Mall is not to be missed, equipped with all kinds of amusement facilities for players of different ages, such as Claw Machine, FL Vending Machine and Coin Pusher. It is, in fact, touted as a good place for some R&R and enjoyment so the mall is somewhere many tourists don’t mind spending 2-3 hours to go around. It makes the visit particularly worthwhile for families.

Bookstores and Events

Further inside the mall, I came across a quiet Xin Hua bookstore. The scent of paper replaced that of the food court and I rifled through Chinese novels, a few with English translations. Reading a guidebook made me feel in touch with the stories of the city. Cloud Nine Shanghai even had quiet places for those times when I needed to chill out. For travelers who enjoy reading, this is an unappreciated foot stop.

Another time there was a crafts pop-up market near the atrium. Booths were hung with hand-crafted jewelry and painted fans and clay figurines. One vendor explained that she comes from a family of craftspeople for three generations. I purchased a painted fan for 60 RMB, though not as a memento but as culture. That modest buy had significance beyond the purchase price and stuck with me long after I moved on. It felt truly personal. If you are looking for something unusual, you will find it among these stalls.

Cafés and Relaxation

When I felt the need for a break, I At Starbucks Reserve, I ordered a Shanghai-sourced blend latte for 45 RMB and observed the flow of bodies through the atrium below. Then I had a fast Americano at Luckin Coffee for 18 RMB, just picking me where I was that morning. Both offered comfortable breaks. I recommend trying at least one for a recharge!

Another time, I went to the rooftop tea lounge where locals convened for hushed conversation. I ordered a jasmine tea set for 30 RMB and sat near the glass windows that overlook Changning’s skyline. It was all very chill, with soft music and sunlight streaming in making for a soothing counterpoint to the frenetic mall floors. It was like entering a bubble of calm just above the buzz of the city.

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Practical Tips for Visitors

Payment and Language

Many stalls are small, and busy stores inside Cloud Nine malls usually accept international credit cards (though you should ask before ordering at smaller rigs, since many accept only mobile payments). For smoother buying, foreign cards can be tethered to Alipay or WeChat Pay by signing up with a passport. Service counters on this first floor often help with setup, and ATMs provide for cash withdrawals. Large brand counters often have English but it’s less common in a bakery or at a snack kiosk, so you might want a translation app or the ability to point at menu boards. Visitors should also keep an eye out for bilingual signs, particularly near the restrooms and customer-service desks, so that there is no confusion. I suggest having a payment app ready before you come.

Timing and Navigation

Weekends are busy, particularly in dining zones (and at the cinema), so arriving on weekday mornings makes the journey far more jolly. Schedule peak hours around lunchtime when elevators are crowded. When you emerge, the Metro Line 2 Zhongshan Park Station goes directly into the mall at more than one exit, so follow the English metro signs for a swift penetration. For those traveling with luggage, Exit 6 with elevator access is the most convenient. Taxi and ride-hailing are the easiest way to depart, both of which have designated pick-up areas on Changning Road that are well-signposted for straightforward navigating even at night. If you like to be comfortable, that’d be a good reason to come in the morning.”

Shopping Strategy

For souvenirs, B2 pastry shops such as Tang Bing Jia offer gift boxes that have a long shelf life and can withstand flights. For those craving inexpensive clothes you can try the upper floors at Hotwind, for example, or alternatively UNIQLO and Zara not only offer pricing that hardly discriminates but their sizing is international. Bargain seekers should look out for seasonal promotions, typically advertised in English on signs with percentage discounts. For tax-free shopping, ask at the service desk to verify which stores qualify and keep receipts on hand because only some brands participate. Fusing big global brands with quirky local specialist shops like Dragonfly Stationery helps ensure visitors return home with a sense of safety and culture. My advice: try some global brands and some local ones when shopping.

FAQ: Cloud Nine Shanghai

Q: Can I use foreign SIM cards to pay via Alipay or WeChat at Cloud Nine?

A: Yes, you can use foreign SIM cards if they receive SMS codes. Some travelers face setup problems, but counters at Cloud Nine help foreigners register with passports. Alipay and WeChat work well once linked to cards. I found signs in English guiding the steps, which made it easier. Make sure your bank card supports international online payments before you try. I’d recommend setting this up before your trip for peace of mind.

Q: Are there luggage storage services in Cloud Nine Shanghai?

A: Yes, lockers are available near B2 and cinema levels, priced around 10–20 RMB per hour. I saw travelers storing bags before heading to restaurants and cinemas. On weekends, lockers fill fast, so arriving earlier is best. Larger luggage can be stored at service counters if lockers run out. Staff guided me clearly when I asked about storage options. This service makes the mall much more practical for travelers.

Q: Does Cloud Nine Shanghai offer tax refunds for tourists?

A: Yes, but only certain luxury shops qualify for refunds. Shoppers must spend more than 500 RMB in one store and keep receipts. I asked at the first-floor desk, and staff explained the process in English. A passport is needed for verification at checkout. Give yourself extra time, because paperwork and refund steps take longer than normal shopping. If you’re planning big purchases, this is worth using.

Q: Is Wi-Fi free inside Cloud Nine Shanghai?

A: Yes, Wi-Fi is free, though login may need a Chinese phone number. I used my roaming SIM, but connections slowed when the mall was busy. Many tourists prefer eSIM apps or portable hotspots for stable internet. The network worked fine for checking maps and messages. For heavier tasks like video calls, I used my own data plan. I’d suggest having backup internet.

Q: Can I buy Shanghai specialty snacks packaged for flights at Cloud Nine?

A: Yes, Cloud Nine has bakeries and B2 stalls selling sealed pastries and goose packs. I bought osmanthus cakes and vacuum roast goose to bring home. Staff reminded me which items pass customs without issue. Prices ranged between 20–150 RMB, and packaging felt sturdy. These snacks made excellent gifts for family and friends abroad. Definitely a good option if you want edible souvenirs.

Q: Are there quiet spots to work or study in Cloud Nine Shanghai?

A: Yes, Starbucks and boutique cafés allow laptops, but they can be noisy. I preferred the Xin Hua bookstore, which had calm reading corners and power outlets. The atmosphere was quieter than the food courts, letting me focus better. Weekday mornings felt most peaceful for working. It became a hidden spot for me to relax during shopping breaks. For remote workers, I recommend it.

Q: Is Cloud Nine open late enough for a stop before heading to Hongqiao Airport?

A: Yes, most stores close by 10 PM, and food stalls often remain until 11. I once ate dinner here before catching a late train. The short ride to Hongqiao Airport or station made it easy. Evening visits gave me time for shopping and snacks. I still caught my transport without feeling rushed or stressed. If you have a late flight, this is a smart stop.

Q: Do hotels around Cloud Nine accept foreign guests?

A: Yes, hotels nearby welcome foreign guests. I stayed at the Radisson Blu Zhongshan Park, located across the street, starting around 600 RMB per night. Booking through Trip.com confirmed its acceptance of foreigners. Staff spoke English, and check-in was smooth with my passport. Staying there let me walk directly into Cloud Nine in minutes. For location and convenience, I recommend this hotel.