LEARN Chinese Shopping Savvy

Although most of what you buy at home may be made in China, you can still find unique local items to bring home for yourself or as gifts.

Silks

You'll find a wonderful selection for sale in the country where silk was invented more than 5,000 years ago, from traditional dresses (qipao) to beautiful scarves, ties, pajamas and decorative linens. Look for real silk, which is soft and luminescent, while man-made silk tends to be rough. Silk is sold in clothing markets in every city, but you'll find the best selection and value in key silk-producing areas: Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Tea

Good tea is pricey, but kept dry in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for at least two years. For the best selection, head to one of the tea stores (like the renowned Tian Fu chain), where you can sample the teas as well as the snacks. You'll get the freshest tea and best value by asking for high-quality leaves sold in bulk; pack it in a cute tin to make it a gift.

Tea Sets

The typical Chinese teapot is tiny by Western standards (it's about the size of a coffee mug), and so are the shot glass–size teacups that go with them. The sets can make special gifts, especially if you're prepared to educate your giftee on the proper preparation of the Chinese tea ceremony; check out this video . To find a tea set, head for a store that specializes in tea-service items or look in any department store's Home section, where you'll find a wide selection.

Chopsticks

You'll find chopsticks plain and fancy, sophisticated and fun, in pairs and dozens, and in full dinner-party sets, too. Many are sold with matching rests for each pair. Choose between bamboo and wood, or more expensive jade, silver and porcelain; if they're to be used for eating, keep in mind that the paints or inks used in delicately patterned sets may not meet Western toxicity standards.

Paintings

Bold brushstrokes and limited palettes mark the signature style of traditional Chinese fantasy landscapes and nature scenes. Buy one directly from the artist who painted it and you'll have a one-of a-kind memento or gift. In Beijing, you'll find hundreds of artist-owner galleries on Liu Li Chang culture street. Paintings may range from hundreds of dollars to thousands.

Calligraphy

Almost ubiquitous in Chinese homes and businesses, calligraphic paintings may feature a single Chinese phrase like luck (福) or double happiness (喜喜), or a full text such as a poem. Calligraphic paintings are often mounted on patterned silk to make decorative wall hangings that many Chinese believe will bring good fortune to the home.

Paper-cuts

Paper cutting, or Jianzhi, is a thousands-year-old art form from the country that invented paper. Modern paper cuts are intricate, inexpensive gems that can brighten up the home. Hang a red one by your doorway for good luck or use one as a "window flower."

Jade

Wherever you go in China, you'll find opalescent green and white jade sculptures and jewelry; traditionally, you would wear jade for well-being. Real jade is expensive – and the fake stuff can be, too. Look for a rich, oily, translucent luster, avoid any piece with bubbles or cracks, and definitely get an expert to help if you're buying anything really expensive.

Pearls

You can get amazing value when you buy pearls in China; unless you know how to evaluate quality, try to bring along someone who can help. To identify whether it's really a pearl, or just a "pearl," rub it on your front tooth – the real thing will feel rough.

Mah Jong Sets

Bring home a fun game for four that's quite easy to learn (it's like gin rummy played with tiles bearing Chinese characters). You'll see new and antique sets in most shopping areas, and also can find Mah Jong pieces recycled on whimsical bracelets, earrings, cufflinks and more.

Peking Opera masks

Ubiquitous in souvenir shops throughout China, Peking opera masks evoke traditional performances so ancient that their creators are unknown. You'll find these boldly colored, expressive faces on every imaginable trinket, from wall-hangings to cell-phone charms.

Global brands for less

Clothing, accessories, luxury items and general merchandise from every global brand are available in big cities in China's high-end malls and discount markets. Check your travel guide for locations of top merchandise markets in the city you're visiting.
High-end malls look much like their equivalents in the U.S., and mall stores stock authentic items in the latest styles. But at current exchange rates, you might end up paying more than you would at home.
Learn China Shopping Discount Market
Discount markets are packed with tiny shops or stalls selling mostly knock offs of brand-name items. Quality varies; you can find some amazing values. If you find something you like, bargain for the best price. When you shop at a discount market, scope out the whole place first since many vendors might be selling the same type of merchandise, but in slightly different styles or at slightly different prices.