The Touhou Project - Shanghai figure presents a delicate living doll in a maid-inspired outfit, rendered with refined linework and soft shading. The sculpture captures a gentle, almost porcelain-like face with subtle cheek color and a serene expression. Her hair is styled in a timeless, curled silhouette that cascades around a tiny headpiece, with meticulous paintwork bringing out each strand and highlight. She wears a frilled dress with layered ruffles, a high collar, and trim that catches light along the edges, giving a sense of lightweight fabric. The hands are posed gracefully, as if paused in a quiet moment of service, while a small, ornate pedestal base grounds the figure. Textures range from glossy skin to matte fabric, and the overall presentation exudes a refined, museum-worthy display quality. The pose balances poised elegance with a touch of whimsy, inviting collectors to admire the character's charm from multiple angles.

Shanghai is depicted as a living doll serving as a loyal maid within the Scarlet Devil Mansion, embodying a blend of innocence and quiet mischief that fans associate with the mansion's atmosphere. Though tiny in stature, she moves with careful grace, often seen assisting her mistress and silently observing the comings and goings of the household. Her backstory hints at a crafted origin—an artificial creation brought to life by magic and affection—allowing her to experience companionship and belonging beyond her initial purpose. In stories and fan interpretations, Shanghai's plot threads explore themes of autonomy, memory, and the boundaries between animate toy and sentient being. Her presence often signals both warmth and the hidden complexities of life behind the mansion doors.