Shopping in China

Shopping is an exciting thing to do in China. Tourists will come across many exotic and unusual things to buy in China which would make wonderful souvenirs and gifts back home. When you do china shopping keep in mind the products are priced in three ways. First, fixed prices by the state; second, regulatory prices by the state; and third, market prices. And most of the tourist goods fall under the third category of market prices. Therefore, you may pay visit to several shops to get the best price.

It is wise to be cautious while shopping in China. Like many other countries, China is also plagued by inferior and imitated products, especially on street stands. The tourists should shop accompanied by local guides. The big department stores and tourist stores selected by the government are better apt to have better credibility.

For shoppers there is an unbelievable choice of boutique shops, department stores, and hotel shopping arcades to shop. For bargain hunters there are a good numbers of new ‘free markets’, which have sprung all over the country. Be ready to be astonished by the unique array of artistic and practical gifts available in China. When shopping in Beijing china one can find everything from high quality silks and porcelains to antique screens and traditional Chinese herbal medicines.

In large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, there are big department stores with four or five floors, selling a wide range of products. The best shopping is in local factories, shops and hotels specializing in the sale of handicrafts. Arts and crafts department stores offer local handicrafts. Special purchases include jade jewelry, embroidery, calligraphy, paintings and carvings in wood, stone and bamboo. Shop personnel often pack and arrange shipping for bulky items. It is advisable to keep receipts, as visitors may be asked to produce them at Customs prior to departure.

• Don’t buy antiques that date before 1795. For many of them can’t be legally exported.

• Make sure that the antiques you bought carry a wax seal indicating that it is authentic and is able to be exported from China.

• Keep all purchase receipts, especially that of Chinese medicine herbs, antiques, gold and silver articles, jade ware and etc. You may have to produce it to customs when leaving China.

• Do not buy those articles made form rare wild animals. All the contraband articles would be confiscate without compensation.

• Examine items carefully before buying them.