In China, you can buy everything at a relatively cheap price. From luxury brands to unique souvenirs, each city has something special with more products and lower prices, like you can buy silk in Suzhou, or tea in Hangzhou. Here, Trip.com will guide you to the best shopping destinations, must-buy items, and tips for shopping like a local.👀
Top Products to Buy in China
1. Electronics and Gadgets
- Products: Smartphones, drones, cameras, headphones, smart home devices, and accessories.
- Why China?: China is a global leader in electronics manufacturing, with brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and DJI offering high-quality products at competitive prices. Many global tech products are also made in China, so you can find them cheaper here.
- Where to Buy: Shenzhen (the "Silicon Valley of Hardware"), Beijing's Zhongguancun, or Shanghai's electronics markets.
2. Silk Products
- Products: Silk clothing, scarves, bedding, and traditional Chinese dresses (qipao/cheongsam).
- Why China?: China has been producing silk for thousands of years and is known for its superior quality and craftsmanship.
- Where to Buy: Hangzhou (famous for its silk markets), Suzhou, or Beijing's Silk Street.
3. Tea
- Products: Green tea, oolong tea, pu'er tea, jasmine tea, and tea sets.
- Why China?: China is the birthplace of tea, and its diverse regions produce some of the world's finest teas.
- Where to Buy: Hangzhou (Longjing tea), Fujian (for oolong tea), or Chengdu's tea markets.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Herbs
- Products: Ginseng, goji berries, herbal remedies, and acupuncture kits.
- Why China?: TCM has a 2,000-year history, and China is the best place to find authentic, high-quality herbs and remedies.
- Where to Buy: Beijing's Tongrentang, Chengdu's herbal markets, or Guangzhou's Qingping Market.
5. Porcelain and Ceramics
- Products: Fine china, tea sets, vases, and decorative items.
- Why China?: Chinese porcelain, especially from Jingdezhen, is world-renowned for its beauty and durability.
- Where to Buy: Jingdezhen (the "Porcelain Capital"), Shanghai, or Beijing.
6. Jade and Pearls
- Products: Jade jewelry, pearl necklaces, and decorative items.
- Why China?: China has a long history of jade craftsmanship and is a major producer of freshwater pearls.
- Where to Buy: Beijing's Hongqiao Market, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
7. Fashion and Apparel
- Products: Affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Why China?: China is a global manufacturing hub for fashion, offering trendy items at low prices.
- Where to Buy: Guangzhou's wholesale markets, Shanghai's Nanjing Road, or Beijing's Sanlitun.
8. Antiques and Artwork
- Products: Calligraphy, paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture.
- Why China?: China's rich history and culture make it a treasure trove for authentic and unique art pieces.
- Where to Buy: Beijing's Panjiayuan Antique Market, Shanghai's Dongtai Road Antique Market, or Xi'an.
10. Handicrafts and Souvenirs
- Products: Paper lanterns, fans, chopsticks, and embroidery.
- Why China?: Chinese handicrafts are known for their intricate designs and cultural significance.
- Where to Buy: Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, Lijiang's Old Town, or Beijing's Hutongs.
11. Knockoffs and Replicas (Be Cautious)
- Products: Designer handbags, watches, and clothing.
- Why China?: While not legal, China is famous for its replica markets, offering near-identical copies of luxury items.
- Where to Buy: Shanghai's Xiangyang Market (now closed, but similar markets exist) or Guangzhou's underground markets.
Popular Shopping Destinations in China
📍 Beijing
Forbidden City in Beijing @Trip.com
- Silk Products – Beijing has many affordable clothing, silk products, accessories, and souvenirs.
New Silk Alley Market (Xiu Shui)
Foreign friends often came here to stroll.
4.6/5: Excellent
✅What to Buy: Silk scarves, traditional Chinese clothing (qipao/cheongsam), and silk bedding.
✅Average Price:
- Silk scarves: ¥100–¥300
- Qipao: ¥500–¥2,000
- Silk bedding: ¥800–¥3,000
✅Tips: Bargaining is expected; start at 30% of the asking price.
- Luxury Brands - As an international city, Beijing has great malls to offer multiple luxury brands with enough stock.
Wangfujing
No.8 of Night Attractions in Beijing
4.6/5: Outstanding
✅What to Buy: High-end fashion, Beijing roast duck, traditional Chinese snacks.
✅Average Price:
- Branded clothing: ¥1,000+
- Beijing roast duck: ¥200–¥500
- Local snacks: ¥10–¥50
✅Tips: Visit in the evening for the best atmosphere and street food options.
- Antiques & Art - As a city with rich history, it has many antique markets, offering calligraphy, paintings, and ceramics.
Pan Jia Yuan
more than 3,000 booths
4.7/5: Outstanding
✅What to buy: Calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, jade, and antique furniture
✅Average Price: Varies widely based on authenticity and rarity
✅Tips: Arrive early for the best selection. Be cautious about authenticity when purchasing antiques.
📍 Shanghai
The Bund in Shanghai @Trip.com
- Silk Products – Shanghai is home to high-quality silk items with diverse styles and craftsmanship.
✅ What to Buy: Silk scarves, custom-made qipao, silk pajamas, embroidered fabrics
✅ Average Price:
- Silk scarves: ¥150–¥400
- Custom Qipao: ¥800–¥3,000
- Silk pajamas: ¥500–¥1,500
✅ Tips: Tailoring services are available; negotiate prices before purchasing.
- Fashion clothes & Accessories - Shanghai has some streets providing world fashion clothes, shoes, or accessories like Tokyo's Harajuku fashion district.
Huaihai Road
"Oriental Champs-Elysees"
4.7/5: Outstanding
✅ What to Buy: International high-street fashion, premium Chinese designer brands, stylish accessories
✅ Average Price:
- High-street clothing: ¥300–¥1,500
- Designer fashion: ¥2,000+
- Accessories & shoes: ¥500–¥3,000
✅ Tips: Ideal for trendsetters looking for stylish yet less mainstream fashion.
- Luxury Brands – Shanghai has top-tier shopping malls featuring global luxury brands.
Plaza 66
Luxury brands & Restaurants
4.8/5.0: Outstanding
1. Plaza 66 (恒隆广场) – No. 1266 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District
2. IFC Mall (上海国金中心) – 8 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area
3. IAPM Mall (环贸iapm商场) – No. 999 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District
✅ What to Buy: Designer clothing, luxury handbags, fine jewelry, Swiss watches
Boutique clothing & crafts – A vibrant shopping and cultural hub with unique finds.
Tianzifang
Liuli China Museum
4.5/5: Outstanding
✅ What to Buy: Handmade crafts, boutique fashion, art pieces, traditional Chinese souvenirs
✅ Average Price:
- Handmade crafts: ¥50–¥500
- Boutique clothing: ¥200–¥1,500
- Art prints: ¥100–¥800
✅ Tips: Explore small alleyways for hidden art studios and specialty shops.
📍 Guangzhou
Canton Tower in Guangzhou @Trip.com
- Traditional Chinese Medicine – Guangzhou is a hub for herbal remedies.
✅ What to Buy: Herbal tea, dried seafood, medicinal herbs
✅ Average Price:
- Herbal tea: ¥50–¥200 per pack
- Ginseng: ¥500–¥5,000 per piece
- Dried seafood: ¥200–¥2,000 per kg
✅ Tips: Look for government-certified shops for high-quality products.
- Fashion Wholesale – Guangzhou is China’s fashion capital with large clothing markets.
Baima Clothing Market
Opens at 08:30-18:30
4.6/5: Excellent
✅ What to Buy: Affordable clothing, trendy streetwear, bulk orders
✅ Average Price:
- T-shirts: ¥20–¥80
- Dresses: ¥50–¥300
- Jackets: ¥100–¥500
✅ Tips: Best for resellers and bulk buyers; bargaining is necessary.
📍 Hong Kong
The peak in Hong Kong @Trip.com
- Electronics – Hong Kong offers tax-free electronics at competitive prices.
✅ What to Buy: Laptops, smartphones, camera equipment, gaming accessories
✅ Average Price:
- Laptops: ¥5,000–¥15,000
- Smartphones: ¥3,000+
- Cameras: ¥2,500+
✅ Tips: Check international warranty policies before buying.
- Luxury Shopping – Hong Kong is a paradise for high-end shopping, especially for Luxury brands with lower price.
Harbor City (Gateway Mall)
World-class brand stores
4.6/5: Excellent
✅ What to Buy: Designer bags, premium cosmetics, Swiss watches
✅ Average Price:
- Luxury handbags: ¥10,000+
- Skincare & cosmetics: ¥300–¥2,000
- Watches: ¥15,000+
✅ Tips: Duty-free shopping makes luxury items slightly cheaper than in mainland China.
Regional Shopping Differences in China
China's vast geography and diverse cultures mean each region has its own specialties when it comes to shopping. Whether you're looking for traditional handicrafts, luxury goods, or unique souvenirs, different parts of the country offer distinct products that reflect their local heritage and industries.
Northern China
Northern China is known for its rich history and intricate craftsmanship. Some of the best shopping finds here include:
- Cloisonné (Jingtailan) – A famous enamelware art form from Beijing, often crafted into vases, jewelry, and decorative plates.
- Jade Jewelry – High-quality jade, especially from Hebei and Beijing, is used for rings, pendants, and bracelets, symbolizing luck and prosperity.
- Antiques & Calligraphy – Cities like Beijing and Xi’an have excellent antique markets where you can find ancient coins, scrolls, and calligraphy brushes.
Southern China
Southern China is a shopping paradise, known for its luxurious textiles, famous teas, and cutting-edge electronics. Notable shopping specialties include:
- Silk & Embroidery – Suzhou and Hangzhou are world-famous for high-quality silk, qipaos, and beautifully embroidered textiles.
- Tea – The region produces some of China’s most prized teas, such as Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou and Tieguanyin from Fujian.
- Electronics & Gadgets – Shenzhen, China’s tech hub, is the best place to shop for affordable electronics, including smartphones, accessories, and smart devices.
Western China
Western China is home to diverse ethnic cultures, which influence its handicrafts and textiles. Travelers can find:
- Tibetan Jewelry – Handmade silver and turquoise jewelry from Tibet and Qinghai, often featuring Buddhist symbols.
- Uyghur Carpets & Textiles – Xinjiang produces stunning handmade carpets with intricate patterns, as well as traditional Uyghur embroidered caps (doppa).
- Ethnic Handicrafts – Minority communities in Yunnan and Guizhou create unique wood carvings, batik fabrics, and silver ornaments.
How to Shop Like a Local
Master the Art of Bargaining
>> Stay friendly and patient. If the seller refuses your price, walk away—they might call you back with a better deal.
Use Mobile Payments
>> It’s best to set up a digital wallet for hassle-free transactions.
Learn Key Mandarin Phrases
- 多少钱？(Duō shǎo qián?) – How much is this?
- 太贵了！(Tài guì le!) – Too expensive!
- 可以便宜一点吗？(Kěyǐ piányi yīdiǎn ma?) – Can you make it cheaper?
Avoid Counterfeit Goods
>> Check the quality of stitching, materials, and packaging to spot fakes.
Practical Tips for Shoppers
Check Customer Restrictions
- Antiques – Items over 100 years old require official approval and an export certificate.
- Ivory & Endangered Animal Products – Buying or exporting ivory, tiger bones, or rhino horns is illegal.
- Electronics – Many countries have restrictions on the number of electronic devices you can bring back without extra taxes.
- Food & Tea – Some countries, like the U.S. and Australia, have strict rules on importing tea, dried food, and herbal medicines.
Pack Properly for Fragile Goods
Be Wary of Tourist Traps
FAQs
What are the duty-free allowances for travelers entering China?
Non-resident visitors can bring in duty-free items intended to remain in China with a total value of up to RMB 2,000. Items exceeding this limit are subject to customs duties.Can I export antiques from China?
Exporting antiques over 100 years old requires government approval and an official red seal. It's advisable to purchase such items from reputable dealers who can provide the necessary documentation.Are there restrictions on purchasing ivory or products from endangered species?
Yes, buying or exporting ivory and products made from endangered species is illegal in many countries due to wildlife protection laws. It's best to avoid purchasing such items.