Last updated on January 4th, 2026 at 02:21 am
Shanghai Mahjong – Entertainment Game Review
Shanghai Mahjong is a Entertainment/Puzzle/Board game from MobileAge LLC, first launched in 12th February 2019.
It’s rated 4+ and currently has 236+ ratings on the App Store.
What Makes Shanghai Mahjong Stand Out
WINNER "BEST GAME" 2009
3rd PLACE WINNER "BEST APP EVER" 2010
"Quite honestly, if you enjoy the game of Mahjong even a little bit, you’d be nuts not to buy this game. It’s the best mahjong available for the iPad or the iPhone" — 148Apps
"Shanghai Mahjong app is the best Mahjong app available on iTunes" — slapapp.com
"This is arguably the best digital version of the game I’ve ever played" — macgamer.com
"absolutely gorgeous!" — gear diary
"If you've been stuck trying to decide which mahjong solitaire game in the App Store will get you the most bang for your buck, it’s time to stop wracking your brain and give Shanghai a try. It’s a gorgeous and über customizable version of the game you know and love" — appadvice.com
"With solid controls, a variety of game modes, and nearly endless customization via direct downloads, Shanghai Mahjong came away the winner in our Games category. — iLounge.com
"13th Top iOS App of all time" – 148Apps
"You’d be seriously hard-pressed to find a nicer looking mahjong app than Shanghai" — appsafari
Shanghai Mahjong, one of the most popular games of all time, returns in this definitive edition. Whether you have two minutes or two hours you'll quickly lose yourself in this classic tile-matching obsession. Shanghai has been carefully designed to look amazing on whichever device you decide to run it on: iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
Features:
• Photorealistic game tiles
• 50+ tilesets keep the game fresh
• 200 different layouts keep your mind active
• 33 Challenging Game Center achievements
• Unique Windstorm mode adds new game twists
• Personalize with custom backgrounds
• Global Leader boards
• Detailed Game statistics
• Supports your background music
• Post scores to Facebook
• Fully supports iOS4 and the Retina display.
UNLIMITED CUSTOMIZATION
Those that think that classic Mahjong is so 1924 can rest easy. Now you can choose from an ever expanding library of tilesets to keep the game fresh. From Fractals to Trippy Polish Cinema we automatically make new sets available as they're cranked off the production line.
You can further personalize the look of the game with an unlimited selection of backgrounds. Choose images from your photo album or from a selection of custom designed artwork
From fast two minute games to extended head scratchers, quickly choose from over 200 layouts or select one at random each time you start a game.
LEADERBOARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Wondering if you're king of the tile heap? Now you can see how you stack up against friends and other players world wide. From Morphious Moves to Slaying Dragons Shanghai's 33 built-in Game Achievements are guaranteed to test your zen-mettle in new and challenging ways.
This Entertainment game offers engaging gameplay and regular updates for mobile players.
Player Feedback
As a newer release, Shanghai Mahjong is building its player community. Early feedback suggests .
Recent Updates & Development
Latest Update: 12th February 2019
Recent improvements include:
This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
- Fixes bug related to player score history not saving
- iPhone X Support
Download & Availability
Shanghai Mahjong is available through the official App Store for iOS devices.
Get Shanghai Mahjong on App Store
Requirements: Requires iPhone 5s / iPad Air / iPad Air (Cellular) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina, Cellular) / iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus / iPad Air 2 / iPad Air 2 (Cellular) / iPad Mini 3 or later.
Compatible with iPhone and iPad devices.
Player Experience Highlights
Community Insight:
Classic mah jong game with more options than we will ever use but Im glad theyre there. Best of all, we were given the option to purchase the game so it is truly ad free.
Ive had this game on our phone for years and still love it.
We have used this app every morning to wake up our brain since 2016. All others put to much stuff into theirs. This one is simple allow change background and tile pictures. We have kept our 2nd addition we pad going just for this purpose.
Do you have this same game for android? This is one of our favorite.
This has the BEST variety of tiles, layouts and background of any Mahjong game on here! Awesome.
Ive had this app for many years, and its our all time favorite Shanghai Mahjong app.
Thanks for the update. We had purchased a new iPad to keep this game when next iOS update is available. We have had the game forever and play it everyday. If you're looking for Mahjong, look no further. This is the best. Updated April, 2021: we have played this game for years and love it. We are enjoying all the new set ups. They are a good add. Thank you again for the updates.
Our absolute favorite game. Everything works so smoothly. The pieces are clearly enscribed. (Im glad to see the old (ugly) philosopher is gone.).
With the latest update to IOS 14.2 the game will not open. We miss it.
This game has everything: quality design, no ads, no bugs, a variety of backgrounds and tiles and just enough help to get you on track if you know nothing about Mahjong. We tried a few other versions before we found this one. We play it on our iPad – we think it would be too small for us on our phone. Id pay a bit for an additional set of tile styles. We prefer the styles where the three main suits are distinguishable, like the traditional and icona ones, not just random. We were surprised to see how much changing the tile style changes how you think during the game. Thanks for a great app.
We love this game! We have played it for years. There are many different tile faces so we never get bored. It is very relaxing. The only improvement we can think of is to get even more tile themes.
Ive tried other Mahjong games and this is the greatest. Best boards, sounds and settings. Thanks for your work and effort.
This is a good 5 star game. It used to have bugs in it but we havent Run into any lately. After ~ 12 years or so this is still our favorite game.
Ive been playing this game for years. Its our go-to game when Im waiting for anything. We love that you can customize the background and tile setting and change the layout. Just recently started playing windstorm which we love. It allows us to get higher scores and change our strategic thinking.
Very good game. Maybe you will allow players to make comments to each other. Just a thought to increase social activity and expand the game word of mouth. People dont really know about shanghai in usa.
Love the game but, no new updates of any kind ie new tiles. We guessing since this particular mahjong is not gouging our pockets therefore no new anything.
Have always loved this game because of the stunning graphics on tile and background choices. Have never seen a better mahjong game. Can upload photos to use as background and tile images can't be beat anywhere else. Had it for years and it's still the best!! Thank you.
Addictive game, love the fortunes at the end! The tile selection is superb (won't be mad at chad if you create some new tiles!) The tiles in options OTHER THAN traditional style are what we kept seeking in other apps UNTIL we found Shanghai!!!! We love Windstorm play, the shuffle of boards if one chooses, the background scenes are gorgeous and perfect in theme and color against the tiles. The opacity option is neat too!!! We have gotten so many people addicted to Shanghai! They love it too!! Best of all?! No in app purchases or dumb storyline to advance your game. $1.99 we thank thee sirs for giving us sooo much for so little!!! Love it.
Hours of fun playing this game. An entertaining game.
After the latest update to iOS, the sound no longer works in this app. We've force closed the app and restarted our phone, but still no sound.
Ive had this game for God knows how long, we still play it every once in a while, though we believe that its long due for optimization as we believe it hasnt gotten any since the iPhone 4 came out thank you.
Stopped working after last apple update.
Layout is too close to bottom screen, some pieces are hidden or difficult to see.
We cant seem to find a way to reset all the playing times back to zero so that we could start again with our own times rather than the ones that are there help.
We used to love this game, but as of iOS 17.1 it crashes about every third game. Im beginning to look for an alternative.
While we greatly enjoy this game, its frustrating that the achievement for clearing all the boards does not trigger. We sent a message to developers about this along time ago, and never got a response. Disappointing to work so hard to finish that achievement only to have it say we have one board left, but it wont show us which layout that is.
Game launches and immediately quits. Works fine on iPhone X v14.2.
Freezes constantly. Using on a shuffle. The you have to start over.
We love this game. We've had it for years. Now, we'll be playing and will go out to read a messge, an email, take a break while we go do something or just press new game, and our screen comes up black. We can't get rid of it until we reboot our iPad. Today, the black screen comes up after we've played 3 or 4 games. Darn. The game has 5 stars but with this problem, we are giving it 2.
The latest release frequently prevents pieces from changing state on our iPhone X. It will allow pieces to be matched again after getting out of the screen and coming back. We were real happy before this release.
We do not like the upgrades with negative messages after completed game nor do we appreciate being forced to close two screens every time the program opens because we do not want to complete the avatar image & connect online! Give us options to Opt out! Game is no fun with this garbage.
Hey, we actually purchased this years ago, to avoid Adverts, and have usually played this every day, enjoying the challenge (5 stars), but with the latest OS update – WHOOPS! – doesnt even open. We were concerned this would happen as the Developer last updated the game two years ago – DEVELOPER, we need your help in UPDATING this app to work with the freshest OS! Signed, Paying Customer.
Took a while for it to soak in, but there are only 5 or 6 games and this ap just cycles thru the same 5 or 6 games. If you play only every 3rd or 4th day you dont even realize it. We will have find another developers Shanghai.
Used to love this game and then…. Win a game and this is the uplifting message we get: Hard times are behind you. Impossible ones lie just ahead. Very uplifting message. Guess Ill delete this game and download another with more positive messages. Guess with a pandemic hitting hard Im in no mood for garbage saying. So long, not nice to know you.
Works worse now than before the update yesterday.
Love love love this game. So happy we found it again. We got a new iPad and this was the only game that didnt transfer to the new one, and we couldnt find it. So happy we found it last night, cant stop playing. Thank you for a great game.
We love this app. So many unique tile choices and background choices. Each combo challenges us different way. Love the black lab background! Like the wind variation. Single wish add mobility to allow see available puzzle pieces bottom layers. Our other favorite moonlight mahjong allows us to roll puzzle to sides, top and bottom to see all layers.
We were disappointed that the developers did not upgrade the Lite version of Shanghai, because that was a quick game. However, we went ahead and started using this complete version. We must say, we like it a lot. Works great. So glad that this one was upgraded to 64-bit. We have tried other Ma Jong games on this and other platforms. This one is our favorite. Well, we did like the one on OS/2, but that platform is kaput along with all its apps.
We love this game. We have other versions of Mahjongg Solitaire, but Shanghai Lites lack of time clock and the cookie fortunes when you win, keep us coming back for more games. (Hey, if youve never seen the droll fortunes this gave serves up to its winners, its worth the purchase price just for that! And now, theyre unbidden by pop up frames.) we were disappointed when we bought a new iPad and the iOS 11 version of this game didnt download with the other apps, so a few weeks later we searched and managed to find it. Hooray.
Excellent detail, lots and lots of different layouts, good graphics. Enjoyed this app for years.
We were beyond thrilled to see that these developers updated this classic game! Its the purest form of Mah Jong on this platform, and the only one that teaches true tile values and rules in case one wants to learn to play the real, physical tile version. Those who want storylines, cutesy graphics and a more generic puzzle experience wont like it, but those who seek a more challenging and genuine experience will adore it.
Very enjoyable, love the fortunes at end of each set. Will be spending a lot of time playing it.
Simple classic Mahjong game with some added perks. You can download different tile sets and backgrounds for free or use your own pictures as backgrounds. Plenty of tile setups to choose from. If you JUST WANT TO PLAY MAHJONG…this is the app for you.
This is our favorite mahjong app. Thanks for releasing an update.
Didnt mind paying $2 to get the updated iOS 11 version. We love this classic game with many layouts. Play with it everyday. Thanks for this great game with no ads, yet. Oct 2017.
The description doesn't lie! We've had Shanghai Mahjong for about eight or nine years and it's still the best Mahjong experience we've had on any platform. Tile sets and backgrounds are crisp and pleasing, and so are the sound effects. We're very thankful it was recently updated to be compatible with the newest iOS.
Love the choices of tile layout and tile sets. Still going strong after all these years.
Our favorite mahjong app finally got an update and now we're back to playing nonstop! Thank you for listening to us.
Several months ago we were upset to get a notice on our iPhone 6s when we opened this app that it was not going to be considered compatible with the upcoming iOS 11 upgrade. So glad the developers finally fixed that problem, as we play this game at least several times a week. We've tried them all! This mahjong app has the best interface. Easy to use, beautiful tile designs, from clean, simple, traditional backgrounds to the more exotic or playful, and limitless variations of tile layouts. We've used the paid version for years and it's just gotten better over time. Thanks, developers.
Anytime we have a moment between tasks, we find ourselves playing this version of Mahjong. We love the three fortunes after a game; it reminds us of the classic Burning Monkey games for Mac. The tile sets are nice, especially the classic tiles. The update cones just in time. We haven't liked other Mahjong solitaire games. This is the classic, the one we've enjoyed for years. Thank goodness for the update.
User feedback from Apple App Store
App Details
- Version: 2.0.2
- Size: 17.88 MB
- iOS: 9.0 or later
- Languages: EN
- Content Advisory:
- Developer: MobileAge LLC
Last updated: 12th February 2019 | Genre: Entertainment, Puzzle | Developer: MobileAge LLC