China has unique souvenirs and must-have items that reflect its culture and modern innovations. From silk and porcelain to electronics and fashion, there’s something for every traveler. This guide will help you find the best items to buy in China.

Discover Unique Chinese Souvenirs

Traditional Handicrafts and Artisans

China Calligraphy: It is a highly stylized form of writing that has been developed by many eminent calligraphers from many different dynasties. These art pieces can be bought to hang up on your wall. Without a doubt is one of the best items to buy in China.

Chinese Jade: Jade symbolizes merit, grace, and dignity. It is one of the best items to buy in China as a souvenir. It is used both to decorate rooms, and as jewelry by people hoping for a blessing, but make sure you’re buying from somewhere credible if you want to buy an expensive and genuine item.

Chinese Knots: The Chinese art of knotting is an ancient art that produces beautiful pieces. Whether you’re looking for something small like a key chain or a bigger piece to hang up in your house, they come in all shapes and sizes. They are usually red.

Authentic Chinese Tea and Tea Sets

Tea plays a big role in daily life. It is a good souvenir to bring back home with you. Imagine drinking authentic Chinese tea in an original tea set after your meals, what a charming view! This is the best item to buy in China as a souvenir.

Keep in mind that tea quality varies throughout different shops. Check convenience stores and supermarkets for normal tea. For special teas or other tea-related souvenirs such as teapots or cups, check out tea markets in bigger cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

Elegant Silk Products and Clothing

This is one of the most popular souvenirs and the best item to buy in China for female relatives to take home. Nice silk clothing can be quite expensive, depending on the quality. The same goes for bedding sets, but smaller items such as pillowcases, bags, and accessories are more affordable and widely available at tourist sites.

 

Classic Shanghai Souvenirs to Buy in Shanghai

Silk: One of the best items to buy in Shanghai, China. This city is close to Suzhou, one of the finest silk producers in the world. It’s possible to find fine silk products at good prices. Some places where you can buy fine silk are Shanghai Silk Building and Jiangnan Silk Museum.

Tea Sets: With tea being an important element of the Chinese tradition, it is possible to find tea sets almost anywhere throughout Shanghai. It is recommended to go to a specialized shop such as Shanghai JunZiQuan Arts & Crafts.

Pearls: China is the world’s largest producer of pearls and buying beautiful necklaces and earrings here is much cheaper than anywhere else. The best places to buy pearls in Shanghai are the shopping center AP Xinyang Fashion & Gifts Market and Hongqiao International Pearl City.

 

Local Markets and Shopping Hotspots

South Bund Fabric Market: The Bund is a beautiful place to visit, especially when you see colorful fabrics on Lujiabang Road. You can buy quality fabrics to use at home or you can buy a custom-made suit.

Jing’an Temple Jewellery Market: This jewelry market caters to visitors wanting to take home a real slice of Chinese culture. Jade statues, traditional jewels, and vintage antiques all sit prettily on display.

City God Temple Market: Also known as “Treasure Tower” is where hundreds of vendors gather to offer a range of authentic Chinese antiques you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

 

Specialty Goods You Can't-Miss

Xiaolongbao or Soup Dumplings: Delicate thin-skinned dumplings, with pork, vegetable, shrimp, or crab fillings inside with a delicious hot broth, each is an explosion of flavor in the mouth.

Smoked Fish Slices: Ideal for those who like highly spiced food. The fish is usually a carp and is prepared in a way that it tastes smoked and delicious.

Shanghai Snacks: Shanghai boasts 1,800 snack houses and stalls serving various sorts of refreshments. You will find it in every corner of Shanghai, in big restaurants and little food stalls.

 

Iconic Beijing Souvenirs from Beijing and Beyond

Peking Glass Snuff Bottle: a traditional Chinese handicraft with a history of about 200 years. They are popular in China and abroad for their unique workmanship and exquisite artistry.

Beijing Dough Toys: a traditional Chinese folk handicraft, that became popular at the beginning of the 21st century.

Blue Glaze Cloisonné: a unique traditional handicraft of Beijing. It is a collection of all traditional Chinese handicrafts, as one piece represents copper, porcelain, and traditional painting and sculpture arts.

 

Popular Regional Crafts and Goods

Silk and Embroidery: Beijing is known for its high-quality silk products, such as scarves, dresses, and embroidered items. Look for silk in markets like Yandai Byway.

Tea: Different regions specialize in various teas. In Beijing, try jasmine tea, while areas like Fujian offer oolong or white tea.

Paper-cutting: This intricate craft, widely available in Beijing, reflects Chinese folklore and traditions.

 

Tips for Finding Authentic Souvenirs

• Visit Government-Endorsed Stores: For genuine silk, tea, and jade, visit stores that are endorsed by the government or local craft associations.
• Research and Compare: Study local crafts and souvenirs before buying. Authentic items like cloisonné and jade require an understanding of the pricing and material quality.
• Ask Locals for Recommendations: Engage with locals or even your tour guide to get recommendations on where to find authentic souvenirs.

 

Best Shopping Districts and Markets

• Beijing: Explore Wangfujing Street and Panjiayuan Market are ideal for buying antiques and crafts items.
• Shanghai: Visit Nanjing Road and the Old City God Temple Bazaar for a mix of modern and traditional items.
• Chengdu: Jinli Ancient Street is perfect for buying handicrafts and Sichuan-style goods.

 

Bargaining and Shopping Etiquette

• Bargaining: It's common in markets but not in malls. Be polite and start with an offer around 30-50% lower than the asking price.
• Etiquette: Be respectful, and avoid aggressive haggling. It’s also customary to say “thank you” after agreeing on a price.

 

How to Choose Quality Items

• Check Craftsmanship: When buying hand-made items like jade or embroidery, examine the craftsmanship closely.
• Know the Source: For products like tea, silk, or porcelain, make sure they come from regions known for their expertise in those products (e.g., Longjing for tea, Suzhou for silk).

 

Traditional vs. Modern Souvenirs: What to Buy in China

Combining Traditional Items with Modern Souvenirs: Look for a pair of silk scarves, porcelain teapots, and jade jewelry with modern fashion accessories and tech gadgets for a balanced mix.

Unique Finds and Contemporary Trends: Look for Longjing tea, Yixing clay tea sets, Sichuan peppercorns, and Beijing roast duck sauce, and also trendy Chinese fashion and electronics.

How to Blend Traditional and Modern Shopping Experiences: Shop in markets for calligraphy scrolls, paper cuttings, and decorative fans, then visit malls for modern designer brands and high-tech products.

 

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