Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in China.
China offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to ultramodern Shanghai skyscrapers. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from karst mountains in Guilin to the Tibetan Plateau, savor world-renowned cuisine, and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology.
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Intricate metal objects decorated with colorful enamel patterns using a centuries-old technique. Vases, bowls, and jewelry are popular forms of this distinctly Chinese art originating in Beijing.
China's most famous green tea grown in Hangzhou's West Lake region with a distinctive flat leaf shape and sweet, mellow flavor. Considered one of China's top ten teas and a prestigious gift.
Exquisite porcelain from China's porcelain capital with 1,700 years of production history. Blue-and-white patterns, famille rose, and celadon pieces represent the pinnacle of Chinese ceramic art.
Lustrous silk scarves, ties, and fabric from Suzhou, China's silk capital. Hand-embroidered pieces from Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute are world-renowned for their double-sided needlework.
Traditional brush paintings of landscapes, birds, and flowers or calligraphy scrolls make meaningful keepsakes. Original work from Liulichang Art Street in Beijing offers authentic artistic expression.
Delicate decorative paper cuttings depicting animals, flowers, and folk scenes using scissors or knives. These red paper artworks are traditional festival decorations with roots in China's rural heritage.
Authentic Sichuan peppercorns producing the famous numbing-spicy 'mala' sensation, dried chili varieties, and five-spice blends. Essential ingredients to recreate Sichuan cuisine at home.
Jade is central to Chinese culture symbolizing good luck, virtue, and prosperity. Nephrite and jadeite pieces range from simple pendants to elaborate carved figures and bangles.
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Beijing's largest flea market with 4,000+ stalls selling antiques, folk art, ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and collectibles. Weekends are the best time to visit with thousands of vendors and the best selection.
Historic Ming-Dynasty-style complex surrounding Yu Garden with hundreds of stalls selling traditional Chinese goods. Great for silk, tea, snacks, jade, and handicrafts in a beautiful historical setting.
Vibrant market in Xi'an's Islamic district stretching 250 meters with street food stalls, spice shops, and handicraft vendors. Famous for lamb skewers, persimmon cakes, and handmade noodles.
Lively outdoor market near Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street selling Sichuan snacks, local handicrafts, and folk art. A great place to taste skewers and buy Sichuan souvenirs.
China's largest Chinese herbal medicine market with hundreds of shops selling dried herbs, medicinal roots, mushrooms, and exotic ingredients. Also has seafood, dried goods, and local specialty foods.
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Where to find different types of shops.
Beijing's premier shopping thoroughfare stretching 800m with department stores, boutiques, flagship stores, and the famous snack street. Mix of Chinese brands, international labels, and tourist shops in central Beijing.
Shanghai's most famous shopping street spanning 1.2km from People's Square to the Bund. Hundreds of shops ranging from Chinese state stores to international brands in a festive pedestrian setting.
Upscale Shanghai entertainment and shopping complex in restored 1920s lane houses. Luxury boutiques, international restaurants, bars, and art galleries in a beautiful shikumen architectural setting.
Beijing's historic street for art, antiques, calligraphy supplies, and cultural artifacts stretching from Xuanwumen to Hepingli. Traditional shop fronts sell paintings, ink stones, rare books, and chops.
Sprawling open-air luxury shopping complex in central Chengdu around historic Daci Temple. Premium international brands, designer boutiques, and excellent dining in a modern-traditional architectural blend.
Six floors of clothing, silk, electronics, and souvenirs in central Beijing. Known for bargaining and a wide range of goods from silk scarves to name-brand merchandise. Haggling essential.
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Upscale shopping mall in Jing'an district featuring over 200 international luxury brands including Prada, Gucci, Burberry, and Apple. Connected to metro with multiple dining options and a cinema.
Beijing's premier luxury mall near the World Trade Center with the highest concentration of top-tier international brands. Home to Hermès, Chanel, and an exceptional food hall with gourmet offerings.
High-end integrated complex combining luxury shopping, dining, and the Kerry Hotel. Features international luxury brands, a gourmet supermarket, and excellent dining floor with international cuisines.
Elegant mall in the city center featuring mid-to-high range international brands, a food court, and multiple restaurants. Convenient location near Dongzhimen station with wide variety of shops.
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is expected at markets, antique shops, and street stalls - never at fixed-price stores or malls
Start by offering 30-40% of the asking price and work up from there
Compare prices at multiple stalls before committing to a purchase
Be willing to walk away - the vendor will often call you back with a lower price
Use a calculator or phone to communicate prices when there's a language barrier
Buying multiple items gives you more bargaining power for a bundle discount
Never show too much enthusiasm for an item or the price will stay high
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Antiques over 100 years old with red wax seal require special export permit; genuine jade exports regulated; cultural relics may be confiscated at customs without documentation
VAT refund available for purchases over 500 CNY at designated tax-refund stores; claim at airport customs before check-in; refund rate approximately 9-11%
Travelers can bring home up to $800 USD of goods duty-free (US residents); UK allowance £390; alcohol limit 2L spirits or 4L wine; tobacco 200 cigarettes
International shipping available through China Post, SF Express, and DHL from major post offices and courier shops; factor in shipping costs for large purchases; EMS reliable for smaller items
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