China is a shopper’s dream that includes everything from old-world, traditional crafts to brand-new electronics and souvenirs.
Whether you’re perusing hectic street markets or shopping malls, you won’t be disappointed.
In this China shopping guide, we’ll show you what to buy (and where) so you can be sure to walk away with the best souvenirs from your trip.
Traditional Chinese Souvenirs
1. Tea and Tea Sets
Tea is an essential part of China’s historic and cultural tapestry. When you sip Longjing, Pu-erh, or Jasmine tea, you’re experiencing a piece of that history; a taste of centuries of tradition and hard work.
Recommended:
Longjing Tea: Known for its delicate flavor and aroma, this green tea from Hangzhou is highly regarded.
Pu-erh Tea: Sourced from Yunnan, this fermented tea offers a unique taste that matures over time.
Purchase Location:
Head to the tea market in Hangzhou, Yunnan or the Maliandao Tea Street in Beijing to phánxine cụe of all the types of Chinese tea.
2. Silk and Embroidery
China is famous for its silk. Known and coveted around the world, the silk is so soft, and finally getting a traditional silk scarf or embroidered item allows you to bring home a piece of this ancient art.
Recommended:
Suzhou Silk Scarves: Known for their exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant designs.
Hangzhou Silk: Recognized for its soft texture and rich colors, perfect for clothing and accessories.
Purchase Location:
For authentic Chinese silk, visit the Suzhou Silk Museum or the Silk Market in Hangzhou.
3. Porcelain and Ceramics
Chinese porcelain and ceramics are famous and respected worldwide for their exquisite designs and long history. And by having one of your own, you get to take a piece of China’s art history.
Recommended:
Jingdezhen Porcelain: Prized for its quality and craftsmanship, often featuring intricate designs.
Blue and White Ceramics: Classic pieces that are instantly recognizable and cherished for their elegance.
Purchase Location:
Check out Jingdezhen or Beijing and Shanghai’s antiques markets for unique ceramics honoring China’s centuries-old tradition.
4. Chinese Calligraphy and Paintings
Chinese calligraphic and painting traditions are renowned worldwide for their beauty and artistic depth. Owning a calligraphy scroll or painting is like owning a piece of the traditional creative history.
Recommended:
Calligraphy Scrolls: Handmade pieces that showcase the art form’s precision and elegance.
Hand-Painted Fans: Delicate and decorative, these fans are both functional and artistic.
Purchase Location:
To find calligraphy and artworks that are iconic of the timeless culture, head to the Panjiayuan Market in Beijing or Fuzhou Road in Shanghai.
5. Jade and Jewelry
Jade is historically associated with purity and rare status in China, so it can serve as a valuable souvenir. Genuine jade jewelry will help you wear a piece of cultural and aesthetic beauty.
Recommended:
Hetian Jade Bracelets: Known for their quality and are often associated with good luck and protection.
Jade Pendants: Popular for their intricate designs and deep green hue, representing elegance and tradition.
Purchase Location:
Visit Hongqiao Market in Beijing or Yuyuan Bazaar in Shanghai for the real thing. It will have cultural significance and artistic value.
Popular Snacks and Food Souvenirs
6. Local Snacks
China boasts an assortment of snacks to please both your sweet tooth and your sense of adventure. It’s a fast and easy way to sample some local dishes and get a real taste of Chinese cuisine.
Recommended:
White Rabbit Candy: Famous for its chewy, milky texture and nostalgic wrappers, it’s a beloved treat across generations.
Spicy Duck Neck: This snack is packed with rich spices and provides a satisfying crunch, perfect for those who love a bit of spice.
Purchase Location:
All of these tasty treats can be found in supermarkets and snack stores, so you can easily discover your next new favorite.
7. Chinese Liquor (Baijiu) and Rice Wine
Chinese alcohol, like the Baijiu, is steeped in tradition and taste. You experience the food culture with every sip, no matter what the taste — be it strong or mellow, you can enjoy local flavor without stress.
Recommended:
Moutai: Known for its smooth finish and complex flavors, this premium Baijiu has a reputation that precedes it.
Shaoxing Rice Wine: With a gentle, sweet profile, this rice wine is perfect for those who appreciate more subtle beverages.
Purchase Location:
Look for these local libations at spirit shops throughout China, or grab them on the fly at airport duty-free.
8. Regional Delicacies
Sample the country’s varied and diverse flavors by purchasing and trying local specialty foods. They’ll make for great souvenirs to take back home with you, and you can enjoy traditional flavors long after your trip is over.
Recommended:
Peking Duck-Flavored Snacks: Offering the savory essence of a beloved dish, these snacks provide a fun and crunchy way to enjoy Peking duck.
Spicy Hotpot Base: Turn up the heat with this essential hotpot ingredient, known for its bold and invigorating spice blend.
Purchase Location:
Specialty food stores and airport shops can provide quick and easy access for travelers looking to find these regional treats.
Gadgets and Electronics
9. Chinese Smartphones and Accessories
Chinese smartphone companies make excellent products. They are typically less expensive than other brands, so they are perfect for anyone who is interested in finding a good deal for a great smartphone.
Recommended:
Xiaomi: Known for its innovative design and powerful specs, Xiaomi delivers a premium user experience with a wide range of models to choose from.
Huawei: Renowned for its robust performance and excellent camera quality, Huawei’s smartphones cater to a diverse audience looking for reliability.
Where to Purchase:
For authentic goods, go to the brand’s official stores, or search online marketplaces such as JD.com and Tmall. You’ll have an easy shopping experience and find the newest versions and add-ons.
10. Affordable Tech Gadgets
For techies who want to experience all the latest gadgets but have to pay the bills on the road, China is for you. China is the destination for inexpensive, high-quality electronics, for the traveler and the person looking to outfit their entire home with tech gear and not hurt their wallet.
Recommended:
Portable Chargers: Compact and reliable, these chargers ensure your devices stay powered throughout the day.
Bluetooth Earphones: Combining great sound quality with freedom from wires, these earphones enhance your daily commute or workout routine.
Where to Purchase:
In Shenzhen, Beijing,and Shanghai you can check out some of the coolest electronics markets and products in the world.
11. Fun and Quirky Stationery
If you like things both practical and fun, check out these unique and creative stationery products that you can find in China. Whether you want them for yourself or as a present, they’ll help you inject some fun into the mundane.
Recommended:
Muji: Offers minimalist yet stylish notebooks and writing instruments for a clutter-free workspace.
Miniso: Known for its cheerful and quirky designs, providing an array of anime-themed and colorful stationery.
Where to Purchase:
Check out local bookstores and specialty stores for a lot more variety or just go to Muji or Miniso for a limited and organized selection.
Where to Shop in China
Shopping in China is a unique experience that will allow you to explore a world where old and new collide.
If you love busy shopping streets, you won’t want to miss Wangfujing in Beijing or Nanjing Road in Shanghai.
These shopping meccas are filled with activity and you can get all sorts of things here, from street food to designer clothes.
Chunxi Road in Chengdu offers a local shopping experience where you can pick up some weird stuff.
Want to visit a mall? Some of the most popular ones are Taikoo Li, The MixC, and IFC Mall.
These malls are a mix of local and international brands, so it’s a fun experience because you never know what you may come across.
They have all the trendy clothes and tech you could want. It’s a nice place to relax and do some shopping.
Don’t want to step foot outside the door of your hotel? No problem. Shopping on the internet is easy in China!
Use Taobao, JD.com, and Tmall to order whatever you want online, from basics to obscure souvenirs. It’s basically every store in China right on the tips of your fingers.
Tips for Shopping in China
1. Bargaining Tips
Shopping in China is a hoot but you can easily end up spending a lot of money if you aren’t careful. If you’re at street markets, go to town bargaining! It’s not only normal, it’s encouraged!
Malls and official stores will have fixed prices so don’t bother at those places but you can try to get a good deal in the markets.
2. Payment Methods
Also, one more tip: know how to pay. Most shops and the local markets use digital payment systems (Alipay or WeChat Pay).
If you’re cash-heavy, that’s fine as well, but some shops don’t take non–mainland China credit cards.
3. Customs and Regulations
Just make sure that, if you’re planning to buy food or medicine, you do a quick check to see what’s allowed in your country.
Some have restrictions on importing food, particularly traditional medicines, and you’d hate to have anything confiscated by customs.
Head out with these tips in mind and your shopping experience in China will be well-stocked and hassle-free!
FAQ
1. How can I make sure I am getting real Chinese silk?
To avoid counterfeit goods, always look for the “Silk Mark” or inquire about where the silk came from. Pure silk will be soft and smooth, and you’ll also be able to see small, authentic imperfections in the material.
2. When should I shop in China?
The best time to shop is during the Chinese New Year (late January to February), when many shops have special sales. Besides this, Singles’ Day (November 11) and China’s National Day (October 1) are when to nab the biggest discounts.
3. Can I get VAT on purchases in China?
Yes, you are able to receive a tax refund for items purchased in China if you are a non-resident tourist. You will need to spend a certain amount at the stores listed and then show your receipts at the airport before leaving.
Conclusion
Shopping in China is quite an experience, as you’ll come across items that represent the country’s deep history, rich culture, and fast-moving modern advancement.
Whether you return with handmade crafts, tasty treats, or the newest tech gadgets, these mementos will be a treasure. Bring a bigger suitcase — you’ll be purchasing a lot!