Shopping

Every region specialises in its own crafts: Suzhou and Hangzhou are famous for silk, Jingdezhen for porcelain, Xi'an for calligraphy and shadow puppets, and Yunnan for silver and batik. Tea, jade, pearls and Chinese medicine are also classic purchases — though quality varies enormously, so a little knowledge protects both your budget and your trust.

What's Worth Buying

• Tea — from Longjing green tea in Hangzhou to pu-erh in Yunnan; buy from reputable shops, not street stalls.
• Porcelain and ceramics — Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital, is the place to shop and watch artisans.
• Silk — scarves, quilts and garments in Suzhou and Hangzhou; check the silk content label.
• Handicrafts — calligraphy, paper-cuts, shadow puppets and minority silverwork make unique keepsakes.
• Chinese medicine and jade — beautiful, but buy only from established shops and keep any certificates.

Markets & Malls

Modern shopping malls sell branded goods at fixed prices, while traditional markets and night markets are where the bargaining happens. For souvenirs, pedestrian streets such as Beijing's Nanluoguxiang or Xi'an's Muslim Quarter offer a lively mix of crafts, snacks and atmosphere.

• In markets, expect to bargain — start around half the asking price and meet in the middle with a smile.
• Fixed-price shops and malls do not bargain; the tag price is the price.
• Pay by mobile wallet or card where possible; carry small cash for street vendors.
• For antiques, stick to registered shops — genuine old items are heavily regulated.

Tax Refund & Shipping

Tourists can often claim a tax refund on purchases made in tax-refund shops when leaving China — keep your receipts and ask the shop for the refund form. For bulky or fragile purchases such as porcelain, most shops can arrange packing and international shipping, saving you the hassle of carrying them.

Tip:Don't buy "branded" goods, jade or antiques from random street stalls — quality and authenticity are best found in established shops. We can take you to trusted workshops and markets, help you bargain, and arrange packing and shipping so your treasures arrive home intact.