Are you planning a trip to Shanghai?
If you’re looking for practical Shanghai souvenirs that still feel local,
one place worth checking out is ALDI (奥乐齐),
the German supermarket chain that has become increasingly popular in Shanghai.
The prices are reasonable, the stores are clean, and there are plenty of surprisingly good products to browse.
What Is ALDI (奥乐齐) in China?
ALDI (奥乐齐) is one of Germany’s best-known discount supermarket chains.
ALDI opened its first physical stores in Shanghai in 2019
and has since expanded its presence across the city.
One reason it has become popular with local shoppers is
its wide range of affordable private-label products.
It is also becoming something of a hidden gem
among travelers looking for budget-friendly souvenirs in Shanghai.
A lot of ALDI (奥乐齐) private-label products are priced around RMB 9.9,
which makes them especially convenient if you need inexpensive gifts for friends, coworkers, or family.
The fruit and deli sections are also surprisingly good.
If you want something simple to take back to your hotel
after a long day of sightseeing, ALDI is a pretty easy option.
Just maybe skip the durian. 🙂
What to Buy at ALDI (奥乐齐) in Shanghai
German-Style Lemon Garlic Chicken
One of the deli items that caught my eye was German-style lemon garlic chicken.
The whole garlic cloves and lemon make it look surprisingly impressive.
If you’ve been eating Chinese food for several days and want something different,
the deli section at ALDI (奥乐齐) is worth checking out.
Chinese Sesame Snacks
China has plenty of sesame-based crackers and snacks, so they can also make easy souvenirs.
They’re inexpensive, easy to carry, and work well as small gifts.
Lime Juice and Coconut Water
Price: around RMB 9 to 12
These are light, refreshing, and great for drinking during your trip.
I wouldn’t necessarily buy them as souvenirs, but they’re perfect for keeping in your hotel fridge.
Chinese Liquor
Chinese baijiu is obviously one of the classic things people associate with China.
But if strong baijiu feels a little intimidating, you can also try huangjiu (黄酒).
Huangjiu is a traditional Chinese fermented alcoholic drink usually made with ingredients such as rice, wheat, and qu.
It has a darker color, a noticeable sweetness, and plenty of umami.
The alcohol level is generally much easier to handle than strong baijiu,
so it can be a more approachable option if you’re curious about traditional Chinese alcohol.
Chinese Yogurt
China is actually really good at yogurt.
I had just started my itinerary that day, so I only bought one of the squeeze-pouch yogurts.
You probably won’t be taking fresh yogurt back, but I definitely recommend trying some while you’re in Shanghai.
Chinese Florida Water, 花露水
Hualushui (花露水) is a traditional Chinese cologne-style liquid that is especially common during summer.
People use it for several purposes, including helping repel mosquitoes and insects,
cooling down the skin, and adding a refreshing fragrance.
You’ll often see the most popular version sold in a bottle that looks almost like a green soju bottle.
It’s a shame that smaller bottles aren’t always available,
but it’s cheaper than many international insect-repellent brands such as OFF!,
so it can be worth picking up for personal use.
Why I Like Shopping at ALDI (奥乐齐)
Overall, ALDI (奥乐齐) is inexpensive but still feels clean and organized,
probably because of its European discount-supermarket format.
You’ll also find Korean and Japanese products here.
Still, if you’re visiting China, I’d focus more on the Chinese products and ALDI private-label items.
That’s where the store gets more interesting.
ALDI (奥乐齐) has quite a few products priced at RMB 9.9,
and jasmine tea is another easy recommendation.
It’s cheap, lightweight, and easy to brew, making it a practical Shanghai souvenir.
If you want higher-quality Chinese tea, though,
I’d recommend visiting Tianshan Tea City (天山茶城), one of Shanghai’s best-known tea markets.
That’s a better place to shop for pu’er tea and more premium Chinese teas.
Herbal Tea Bags
Another practical option is Chinese herbal tea.
Some tea bags contain ingredients such as dried pear and Chinese red dates.
They’re especially nice when you have a cold or simply want a warm drink in your hotel room.
My ALDI (奥乐齐) Shanghai Shopping List
| Item | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|
| 52% Chinese grain liquor, small bottle | Compact and lightweight, making it easier to give as a gift |
| Cucumber-flavored Lay’s chips | An unusual Chinese snack flavor that is difficult to find in Korea |
| Egg roll cookies / butterfly cookies | Crispy Chinese-style cookies that pair well with tea |
| Hualushui (花露水) | Traditional Chinese cologne water commonly used in summer for mosquitoes and a cooling sensation |
| Jasmine tea | Affordable, lightweight, and easy to brew |
How to Use the ALDI (奥乐齐) Self-Checkout
Using the self-checkout at ALDI is pretty simple.
Scan the barcode on each item, then pay with Alipay (支付宝).
That’s basically it.
One thing that may confuse first-time visitors is the membership screen that appears at the beginning.
If you don’t have an ALDI membership, just press the X and skip it.
Then scan your products one by one.
Check that the correct items appear on the screen,
and once you’re finished, select Alipay and complete the payment.
Easy.
Is ALDI (奥乐齐) Worth Visiting in Shanghai?
If you want a supermarket that feels a little fresher and more reasonably priced
than many regular grocery stores, I think ALDI (奥乐齐) is absolutely worth visiting.
The stores are generally smaller than large hypermarkets, so they’re much easier to browse.
Prices are low, the selection is manageable,
and there are plenty of products that work well as casual Shanghai souvenirs.
If you’re shopping for affordable gifts for family, friends, or coworkers,
ALDI (奥乐齐) is a surprisingly useful place to add to your Shanghai itinerary.