Could you give me some tips on shopping in China?
Most travelers want to take home some bargains or mementos. With so many options available, shopping can be time-consuming, confusing and exhausting. The following tips may make it easier for you:
1. Don't buy everything in the first day or two. Each city has its own specialty. Some of the best buys are:
Beijing: Cloisonn, Fresh water pearls
Xian: Replicas of the Terracotta soldiers; Tangsancai (Tang Dynasty hand painted China); Antique Furniture
Shanghai: Silk carpets Hangzhou: Longjing Tea; Silk
Suzhou: The home of Chinese silk
Guilin : Scroll paintings; China Southern Sea Pearls
Yunnan : Mounted Butterflies; Pure tea; Dali Batik (tie-dyed fabric)
Xinjiang : Carpets; jade articles
Tibet : Thang-ka(tanka)(Sheep skin wall hangings)
2. Where to buy:
Large Department Stores and Shopping Malls
Large department stores and modern shopping malls are commonly seen in China's major cities. Most of them are located in the bustling commercial areas in city hearts. A wide variety of goods are sold including silk, jade, pearl paintings, art crafts, pottery and much more. Prices are usually fixed and a little higher than at the free local markets but the goods are often better quality than the local markets. Language may be a problem but with a little ingenuity, you can usually manage to communicate through a variety of gestures.
Local Markets
China's local markets are a quite interesting place to purchase inexpensive things. The markets usually have many small stalls selling a great variety of items. The motto should be Antiques Stores The state-run antique stores are reliable places to purchase. Bargaining is usually not acceptable when in a genuine antique shop.
1. Ensure that the antiques carry a wax seal indicating that it is authentic and is able to be exported from China.
2. Antiques are items over 120 years old.
3. Items dated before 1795 cannot be legally exported.
4. Item manufactured before 1949 are classified as being culturally significant and require an official receipt. 5. Keep the purchase receipts, certificates, official documents as these documents will be required by customs when leaving China.
3. How to Bargain Bargaining for goods and services is normally acceptable except in large department, and restaurants. Tips on how to bargain: 1. Before purchasing the items, have a general idea of the price (you can visit different shops to check the price). 2. Be stubborn and persistent when bargaining, but keep smiling.
3. If you find the price unacceptable and the shop owner will not compromise, pretend walk away. The venders then will give in and offer you a satisfactory price. As a guide 50% discount is widely acceptable in China.
4. When you are presented with a good price after your bargaining, you should buy the item, otherwise you will be regarded to be impolite and discreditable.
5. Before you leave the site where you bought the item, be sure to check the item for any blemishes. The language barrier can be overcome by pointing and your inventive gestures.
- Updated: 2007-4-9 3:03:00
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