Shanghai truly has the some of the best ice cream and gelato shops in China, featuring a vibrant mix of artisanal parlors serving everything from classic Italian styles to daring local twists.
In recent years, the city has witnessed a steady rise in premium gelaterias, now seen on nearly every street corner. Wulumuqi Zhong Lu has even earned its reputation as Shanghai’s unofficial “Ice Cream Street,” packed with nearly a dozen specialty shops in a single block.
Whether you’re craving silky traditional gelato, avant-garde scoops incorporating Chinese ingredients like tofu and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), or viral-worthy soft serves, this guide covers all the must-visit spots.
I also have to add — every shop I’ve visited has incredibly welcoming staff who generously offer tasters of every single flavor. Think of this as your guide to potentially sampling hundreds of flavors!
- My Personal Favorites
- Gelato Dal Cuore (The ultimate favorite)
- Azabuya (Matcha specialists)
- Zhong Yao Tang (Chinese Traditional Medicine)
- Luneurs (Salted caramel)
- Making Gelato (Tofu pudding)
- Beiye Tofu (Tofu specialty store)
- (More) Traditional Flavors
- Amuni Gelato
- Venchi (Chocolate gelato)
- Cream Story
- Bleuska (American ice cream)
- Gelatini Da Q
- Babar
- Buco
- (More) Creative Flavors
- Doiceful
- Sit Gelato
- Dip In Gelato
- Bonus (Longest standing on Ice Cream Street)
- Di-Solve (Crazy funky flavors & boozy ones)
- Spiceman Gelato
- Mimilato
- Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve
- Spoooon (Froyo)
- Avocado Tree (Avocado soft serve)
Gelato Dal Cuore
Gelato Dal Cuore has earned a cult following among gelato lovers for its exceptional quality. As my personal favorite gelato spot, I regularly order their tubs to stock up at home. (P/S: they’re launching pints soon!)
Their menu balances wildly creative experiments (the uncanny Shanghai Scallion Noodle flavor tastes just like 葱油拌面!) and one-day specials like Durian Musang King or Kueh Salat with perfected classics: salted caramel, amarena cherry, burrata, 75% chocolate fondant (divine), and purple yam (equally stellar).
For the full experience, visit their Shanxi Bei Lu flagship, where you’ll get a larger variety of seasonal flavors. Summer flavors include croccante al rum, mango seabuck thorn, salted butter caramel, summer fig, apricot vanilla passion fruit, crema rose, and peach bergamot.
How Much: ¥40/double, ¥48/triple; tubs are ¥160/500g, ¥240/800g, ¥300/1000g.
View the listing for the flagship on Shaanxi Road.
View the listing for the Zhangyuan location.
Azabuya
Azabuya is a Japanese ice creamery that’s completely devoted to matcha — and it might just serve the best matcha ice cream in Shanghai. What makes their matcha ice cream special is their three intensity levels: Level 1 (good), Level 2 (excellent), and Level 3 (crazy intense). While I suggest trying all three to compare, I usually end up going home with the perfectly balanced Level 2.
Beyond their signature matcha, they also offer other flavors like cookies & cream, black sesame, chocolate (highly recommended), and raspberry. If you want to join the hype on Shanghai’s ice cream street, Azabuya has a store on Wulumuqi Lu. Otherwise, I find the queues are less intense by Yongkang Lu.
How Much: ¥35/double, ¥38/triple, ¥40 for two in a cone. Pints are ¥90 and tubs (1kg) are ¥120 for normal flavors, while matcha has a surcharge.
View the listing for the Wulumuqi Road location.
View the listing for the Yongkang Road location.
Zhong Yao Tang
Zhong Yao Tang (中曜堂), which debuted in mid-2024, quickly gained attention for its groundbreaking fusion of gelato and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) ingredients. Their unconventional approach transforms remedies like Pei Pa Koa cough syrup and herbal ingredients into surprisingly balanced ice cream flavors — all notably less sweet than typical desserts. For an authentically Shanghai/China experience, this is a must-visit.
Texture plays a starring role in flavors like black sesame tangyuan (studded with chewy glutinous dumpling bits) and black glutinous rice (featuring actual sticky rice grains). True to its TCM roots, bold offerings like yam Angelica & wolfberry lean into earthy, bitter (but acceptable) notes without apology. The ginger & cinnamon (tastes like pumpkin pie) and pistachio & chrysanthemum stand out as favorites.
Staff encourage sampling, making the adventure approachable. Beyond gelato, they serve classic Chinese desserts like grass jelly, cementing its cultural niche.
How Much: ¥38/double, ¥45/triple, ¥150 for tubs.
View the listing for Zhong Yao Tang.
Luneurs
Luneurs Boulanger & Glacier has earned its reputation as one of Shanghai’s most beloved French bakeries and artisanal ice cream shops.
At the heart of their success are exceptional signature flavors like their rich salted caramel (considered by many to be the city’s finest), luxurious dark chocolate, and perfectly balanced vanilla. Other flavors include oat milk, raspberry sorbet, pistachio, and mango-passionfruit, among others.
How Much: ¥35/single, ¥58/double, add ¥3 for a cone.
View the listing for Luneurs Rockbund.
For other locations, check their WeChat official account or mini-program.
Making Gelato
Making Gelato is a compact, unassuming spot crafting gelato inspired by China’s regional flavors. Currently highlighting Fujian and Guangdong influences, their standout tofu pudding (doufuhua) gelato captures the pure, delicate essence of fresh soy milk — only lightly sweetened and very fragrant.
Other inventive offerings include pineapple cake, pickled green mango, and an unexpectedly harmonious tomato & beer. For those preferring richer options, the caramel pudding comes highly recommended, alongside the uniquely savory smoked sea salt cracker variation. There’s also a small seating area in the lanehouse courtyard next door. A nice touch, though, be wary of mosquitos.
How Much: ¥38/double, ¥48/triple.
View the listing for Making Gelato.
Beiye Tofu
Beiye Tofu (北叶豆腐) on Yongkang Lu is a compact specialty shop focusing on tofu-based desserts, particularly gelato and puddings. Their straightforward menu offers four gelato flavors: signature tofu (vegetarian), rice, almond, and matcha.
The standout tofu flavor delivers remarkable smoothness and creaminess, with the authentic taste of freshly brewed soybeans. Almond comes a close second in popularity. The rice flavor while pleasant has a slightly grainy texture.
How Much: ¥28/double, ¥36/triple; cones are ¥28 for single flavor.
View the listing for Beiye Tofu.
Amuni Gelato
Amuni Gelato is a charming gelateria founded by Alex (also known as Alex雷), a Sicilian gelato maker and KOL. The shop features a cheerful aesthetic, adorned in sunny yellows and vibrant greens, and includes a spacious outdoor patio.
The gelato selection leans toward traditional flavors, such as pistachio, tiramisu, black sesame, lemon sorbet, coffee, coconut, matcha, and guava, among others. Beyond that, they also do gelato cakes, gelato brioche sandwiches, coffee, affogato, and tiramisu. Currently, one of their standout summer specials is the Limonata Amuni (¥48) — a refreshing lemon sorbet served inside an actual lemon, which has been gaining significant popularity.
How Much: ¥38/double, ¥48/triple, ¥58/four flavors; to-go boxes start from ¥130 for 350g. Add ¥5 for cone.
View the listing for Amuni Gelato.
Venchi
Venchi, the renowned Italian chocolatier, delivers what might be Shanghai’s finest chocolate gelato — unsurprising given their expertise. While premium-priced, its velvety texture and depth of flavor justify the splurge. The standout Chocoviar, made with 75% extra-dark chocolate and signature “caviar” grains. Other flavors lean sweeter: milk chocolate & hazelnut, Piedmont hazelnut, cappuccino, stracciatella, and vanilla. For the adventurous, there are limited offerings like Parmigiano Reggiano or osmanthus with chocolate grains.
How Much: ¥59/double, ¥69/triple, ¥79/four flavors, chocolate coated cones from ¥74/double. Tubs start at ¥210/500g for three flavors.
Multiple locations in Shanghai: Xintiandi, IFC, Jing An Kerry Centre, Rockbund, IAPM, and more.
Bleuska
Located in Xintiandi’s Red Building, Bleuska specializes in American-style ice cream with both regular and soft-serve options. Their over-the-top soft serves have become viral hits, loaded with toppings like marshmallows and generously drizzled with salted caramel sauce. The menu features classic American flavors including Rocky Road, lemon pie, Oreo Twist, piña colada, and strawberry crumble – with the roasted banana (regular ice cream) standing out as particularly memorable.
How Much: ¥28/single, ¥50/double, soft serve cones for ¥39.
Cream Story
Cream Story is an Italian artisanal gelato brand that launched in Shenzhen in 2021 and has since expanded to 10 locations across China.
While I particularly enjoy their classic Italian flavors like rich pistachio, refreshing mint chocolate, aromatic hazelnut, buttery caramel, and decadent chocolate, they’ve also created some localized varieties including pomegranate, bailie, matcha, rice & jasmine, cognac & cheese, and durian. They also have gelato cakes and sorbet-filled whole fruits in flavors like kiwi, lemon, pineapple, and orange.
How Much: ¥38/single, ¥58/double, ¥78/triple. Tubs start from ¥128/350g.
View the listing for Cream Story.
Babar
Restaurant and wine bar Babar serves some pretty bangin’ house-made ice creams. This season’s flavors see salted caramel with butter biscuits, vanilla with candied peach, Rhum & Raisin (recommended), nougat with raspberry jam, dark chocolate with caramelized almonds, and yangmei grape sorbet with lemon jam.
How Much: ¥28/single, ¥50/double; cup or house-made cones.
Buco
Directly opposite Babar is Buco, a handy ice cream window connected to Alimentari Grande, serving authentic Italian-style gelato. Their selection focuses on classic flavors like creamy vanilla, rich pistachio, Nutella, smooth caramel, and mint chocolate, alongside more tropical options like pineapple & passion fruit and baked coconut.
How Much: ¥25/single scoop.
Gelatini Da Q
Gelatini Da Q (formerly Dallatte) is a cozy Italian gelateria around the corner from Yongkang Lu, typically offering about a dozen rotating flavors. Their most popular choices include rich pistachio and Piedmont hazelnut, with other standout options like salted caramel, tea-infused varieties, classic tiramisu, distinctive black truffle, and refreshing orange with Greek yogurt.
How Much: ¥29/single, ¥39/double, ¥49/triple. Tubs start from ¥158/500g.
Address: 170-3 Jiashan Lu 嘉善路170-3号
Hours: 11am-10pm
Doiceful
Doiceful in Xintiandi serves reliably excellent ice creams with rotating seasonal selections alongside permanent signatures like rich salted caramel, panna vanilla, buttered baguette, and decadent dark chocolate (notably studded with brownie bits).
A nice perk is their free toppings bar, offering almonds, chocolate crumble, olive oil, caramel drizzle, and sea salt for customizing cones or cups. Current limited-time flavors include boozy drunk pecan, popcorn, raspberry-elderflower, rose milk curd, and a standout tomato oolong – which delivers remarkably fresh tomato essence with refreshing tea undertones.
Beyond scoops, they offer affogato sundaes (¥68), classic ice cream sandwiches (¥45 – chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream), and seasonal sundaes (¥58).
How Much: ¥32/single, ¥42/double.
View the listing for Doiceful.
Sit Gelato
Tucked away on Sinan Lu is Sit Gelato, a compact shop specializing in inventive flavor combinations — most delightfully approachable, with a few daring exceptions.
Standouts include their green cherry tomato & kiri cream cheese (a perfect balance of bright and creamy) and avocado & aloe vera (unexpected yet totally works). For the more adventurous, the soy sauce & pine nuts offers a savory curveball. While many creations are satisfying enough to finish in one sitting, a few pairings lean intriguingly unconventional.
How Much: ¥38/single, ¥48/double, cones are ¥35/¥45, tubs from ¥135/350g.
View the listing for Sit Gelato.
Dip In Gelato
Dip in Gelato has built a strong following from their creative flavor combinations and rotating seasonal collaborations. Their signature lineup includes matcha, white mint stracciatella, classic chocolate, creamy zabaione, distinctive pepperberry & leatherwood honey, and pistachio.
For those seeking more unconventional tastes, they offer pawpaw, bold lemon & wormwood, and tea-inspired creations like longan with lapsang souchong and pine with Anhua dark tea. Other innovative options include pandan kaya and horchata, alongside sugar-free and vegan sorbet alternatives.
How Much: ¥38/double, ¥48/triple. Tubs are ¥128/350g, ¥168/500g.
View the listing for Dip In Gelato.
Bonus
Bonus on Wulumuqi Zhong Lu holds legendary status as one of Shanghai’s original creative/artisanal ice cream pioneers – in fact, it’s likely the first proper ice cream shop to have opened on Ice Cream Street, making it the neighborhood’s longest-standing parlor.
They do bold combinations. Their most famous flavor is the salted egg yolk. Flavors rotate and may include: jasmine tea, osmanthus litchi and barley, lavender and white chocolate, salted caramel, and yuzu. Some are alcoholic and some are dairy-free.
How Much: ¥35/double, ¥38/triple; ¥40/double cone, ¥43/triple cone. Tubs are ¥168/500g.
Di-Solve
Di-Solve is a gelato and sorbet shop that completely tosses out the ice cream rulebook. Located in PAC, Jing’an, this ice cream laboratory (courtesy of Malaysian pastry chef Leafy Ng) serves up eight highly unusual gelato flavors and six alcohol-spiked creations.
How funky are the flavors? Well, they have roasted capsicum & pistachio (somehow works), white peach & tomato, and kaffir lime & chocolate. Their boozy lineup features peaty whisky-chocolate, smoky mezcal-pineapple, and cassis-almond, basically cocktails in cone form. The taste testing certainly promises a fun experience, but for me personally, finishing a full cup proved challenging.
View the listing for Di-Solve.
Spiceman Gelato
Spiceman Gelato blends crowd-pleasing options with more adventurous creations. Reliable choices include refreshing basil & green mango, Earl Grey chocolate, tropical litchi & pink guava, rich pistachio, and bright yuzu coconut.
For those seeking something more unconventional, they offer exotic mangosteen, pandan-durian with cocoa nibs, Turkish apricot, and watermelon with ricotta cheese. Multiple locations in Shanghai: Wulumuqi Zhong Lu is the busiest with the most flavors.
How Much: Cups are ¥40/¥48, cones are ¥40/¥48, tubs are ¥176 for up to four flavors.
View the listing for Spiceman Gelato.
Mimilato
Mimilato makes gelatos and sorbets using premium ingredients sourced from across China, with a focus on vibrant, fruit-driven flavors. Their current lineup includes mango, soursop, coconut, peach, fermented tomato, fermented passion fruit, mint stracciatella, shiso plum, mangosteen & green tea, and finger lime. They occasionally offer lesser seen creations like porcini mushroom and edamame.
How Much: ¥35 for two flavors, ¥50 for three, add ¥10 for a cone. Boxes are ¥180.
Spoooon
Over on Yongkang Lu is Spoooon, a long-standing venue on the coffee street serving up house-made yogurt offerings. While all their products shine, their frozen yogurt remains a particular standout. They also have classic plain yogurt, rich Greek yogurt, and newer flavored Greek yogurt varieties (including plum, chocolate, and açai). Every option can be customized with toppings like fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, cereals, or sweet candies.
How Much: Frozen yogurt from ¥24/cup.
Avocado Tree
Avocado Tree may not be an ice cream shop, but it certainly earns a place on this list for its unique avocado soft-serve ice cream. If you find yourself in Taikoo Hui or Grand Gateway with a craving for something cool and creamy, swing by this health-conscious eatery for a cone of their velvety avocado soft serve.
How Much: ¥19/small, ¥26/regular.
