China is one of the world’s great shopping destinations — the source of silk, porcelain, tea and jade, plus unbeatable electronics and handicrafts. A little know-how on where to go, how to bargain and how to pay and ship turns a souvenir run into some of the best value of the whole trip.
What to buy
- Silk — scarves, qipao and bedding; Suzhou and Hangzhou are the classic sources.
- Tea — Longjing, oolong and pu-erh; buy by taste, not by packaging.
- Porcelain & ceramics — Jingdezhen ware and Yixing teapots.
- Jade & stone carving — buy from reputable dealers and ask for grading.
- Artisanat — fans, paper-cuts, cloisonné, embroidery and seals.
- Electronics — Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen is the world’s gadget market.
Where to shop
- Specialist markets in every big city (silk, pearl, jade, tea).
- Old-town craft streets for souvenirs with atmosphere.
- Yiwu for wholesale at factory prices.
- Modern malls for fixed-price brands and duty-free.
Bargaining, payment & shipping
- Bargain in markets — open near half the first quote and settle politely; malls are fixed-price.
- Pay by Alipay or WeChat Pay QR; carry small cash for stalls.
- Claim the tourist VAT refund at the airport on qualifying purchases (keep receipts).
- Have shops air-freight large or fragile items home — rugs, ceramics and furniture are routinely shipped worldwide.
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Questions fréquemment posées
- What should I buy in China? — The classics are silk, Chinese tea, porcelain and ceramics, jade and stone carvings, fans and calligraphy supplies, and regional handicrafts — many are cheaper and higher quality in China than abroad.
- Where are the best places to shop? — Specialist markets (silk, pearl, jade, tea), factory and wholesale hubs like Yiwu, high-street malls in every big city, and old-town craft streets.
- Do I bargain in China? — In markets and non-fixed-price shops, yes — open around half the first quote and settle politely. Malls, bookstores and brand stores are fixed-price.
- Can I get a tax refund and ship things home? — Tourists can claim a VAT departure refund on qualifying purchases (keep receipts and process at the airport), and most shops will air-freight large or fragile items like rugs and ceramics worldwide.
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