What should I buy when travelling to China? Here are the most worthwhile recommendations for Chinese speciality products, including souvenirs, cheap goods, children's gifts, must-buys in supermarkets, and speciality products in different cities. No matter what you want to buy, you can find practical suggestions here!
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Best things to buy in China
① Silk products
Chinese silk is soft and smooth, and has been a symbol of luxury and taste since ancient times. Silk scarves, pajamas or cheongsams are not only comfortable to the touch, but also have a unique oriental charm. They are particularly decent whether for personal use or as gifts.
If you want to buy the most authentic silk, Hangzhou and Suzhou are the best choices. Hangzhou's China Silk City and Suzhou's Guanqian Street are home to many time-honoured shops. It is recommended to choose 100% mulberry silk products, which have a natural lustre and good breathability. Nanjing's brocade is colourful and suitable for collection, while Xiangyunsha has a crisp texture and is particularly cool to wear in summer. When purchasing, remember to touch it with your hands. Real silk will feel slightly cool and make a rustling sound. Avoid buying chemical fiber imitations.
② Jade
Jade symbolizes auspiciousness and eternity in China. Hetian jade is as smooth as fat, and jade is transparent and agile. It is not only an exquisite ornament, but also carries beautiful meanings. A superior jade pendant or bracelet can not only set off the temperament, but also be regarded as a talisman, especially suitable for giving to cherished people.
If you want to choose real jade, the seed material from Hetian, Xinjiang is the most precious, Ruili, Yunnan is the jade distribution centre, and there are many time-honoured jade shops in Panjiayuan, Beijing and Chenghuang Temple, Shanghai. It is recommended for beginners to choose simple peace buckles or zodiac carvings to avoid complex craftsmanship - natural jade has natural texture, no bubbles when polished, and feels cool and heavy. If the budget is limited, Xiuyan jade and Dushan jade are more cost-effective.
③ Tea
Chinese tea culture has a long history, and every piece of tea carries the spirit of mountains and rivers. The fragrant Longjing, the mellow and sweet Pu'er, and the floral Tieguanyin can not only refresh the mind, but also hide the Chinese hospitality of "making friends with tea". A box of good tea is not only a taste enjoyment, but also a cultural experience.
So where can I buy good tea? The Mingqian Longjing in Longjing Village, Hangzhou is the freshest, the Tieguanyin fried by tea farmers in Anxi, Fujian is full of flavour, and the Yunnan Pu'er tea cake is more fragrant as it ages. Time-honored brands such as Zhang Yiyuan and Wu Yutai have guaranteed quality. For the first time, you can choose small cans of tea, which is convenient and fresh. For green tea, choose fresh buds and leaves, and for Pu'er, choose translucent tea soup. Remember to smell the fragrance before tasting. Good tea is smooth and has a long aftertaste.
④ Electronics
Chinese electronic products are known worldwide for their high cost-effectiveness and innovative features. Huawei's camera phones, Xiaomi's smart homes, and DJI's drones are not only technologically advanced, but also increasingly fashionable in design.
You can go to Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen, which is the largest electronics market in Asia. There are also many brand flagship stores in Zhongguancun, Beijing and Xujiahui, Shanghai. We recommend star products such as Huawei Mate series phones and DJI Handheld Imaging Devices & Action Camera. When purchasing, look for officially authorized stores and pay attention to check the anti-counterfeiting logo.
If you have a limited budget, you can look at cost-effective models of brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO and vivo, or buy some interesting digital accessories.
⑤ Porcelain
Chinese porcelain has been famous all over the world since ancient times. The blue and white porcelain of Jingdezhen is white and translucent, and the glaze is as warm as jade. A set of exquisite porcelain tea sets or tableware is not only a practical daily necessity, but also adds oriental elegance to the home, and is especially suitable as a souvenir collection.
If you plan to buy porcelain in China, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi is the best choice. The ancient kiln scenic area and ceramic market here can find hand-painted fine products. There are also time-honoured porcelain shops in Beijing Liulichang and Shanghai Yuyuan. It is best to choose underglaze colour technology, and the pattern will never fade.
For your first purchase, you can choose a small teacup or vase. Blue and white and pastel are classic styles. Pay attention to the sound of knocking. High-quality porcelain will make a crisp and pleasant sound. The price ranges from tens of yuan to tens of thousands of yuan, and handmade ones will be more precious.
🛍️ What are Cheap Things to Buy in China
- Phone accessories (cases/cables)
- Souvenirs (keychains/fans)
- Tea samples (jasmine/green)
- Local snacks (spicy tofu)
- Cotton pajamas
- USB gadgets (mini fans)
- Calligraphy stationery
🐼 What to Buy in China for Kids
- Panda plush toys
- Chinese-style outfits
- Tangram puzzle sets
- Cute panda stationery
- Fruit jelly snacks
- Paper lantern kits
- Terracotta warrior figurines
🛒 What to Buy in China Supermarket
- Instant noodles (白象)
- Dried shiitake mushrooms
- Lao Gan Ma chili sauce
- Sesame oil (小磨香油)
- Tea bags (铁观音)
- Unique chips (cucumber flavor)
- Red date snacks
Best Things to Buy in China’s Major Cities
What to buy in Beijing
🎁 Cultural and creative products of the Palace Museum: Silk scarves with the painting of a thousand miles of rivers and mountains and ornaments of imperial cats are exquisite and full of cultural charm, suitable for collection or gifting.
🍡 Old Beijing snacks: Beijing eight pieces of food from Sanhe Daoxiang Village, pickled vegetables from Liubiju, donkey rolls, and beef stewed in soy sauce from Yueshengzhai are authentic Beijing flavours with retro packaging.
🍵 Tea: Jasmine tea from Zhang Yiyuan/Wu Yutai has a rich aroma and is the favourite daily tea drink for old Beijingers.
🎨 Handicrafts: Beijing cloisonné jewelry (direct sales from the enamel factory), clay sculptures of rabbit gods (Nanluoguxiang), and bracelets from the Lama Temple are both traditional and interesting.
📚 Cultural and creative items: Peking opera mask bookmarks and shadow play sets are suitable as small and unique travel souvenirs.
📍 Recommended places to buy: Qianmen Street (concentrated with time-honored brands), Cultural and Creative Store of the Palace Museum (cultural boutiques), and Panjiayuan (traditional handicrafts).
What to buy in Shanghai
🥮 Traditional Treats - Xinghualou's green rice cakes (Qingtuan) and Shen Dacheng's sticky rice rolls are must-try local snacks. International Hotel's butterfly pastries are buttery and crispy. Best found at Nanjing Road's century-old shops.
🧣 Silk - Visit Yu Garden for embroidered scarves or qipao dresses. The smooth fabric with Shanghai-style floral patterns makes perfect gifts.
✉️ Creative Keepsakes - Tianzifang's artsy lanes offer skyline postcards and Shikumen-themed fridge magnets. Quirky and portable!
💍 Pearl Jewelry - City God Temple area sells affordable freshwater pearl bracelets (look for round, blemish-free ones).
🍖 Foodie Favs - Take home Wuxiang beans or "Meilin" canned braised pork - authentic flavors in convenient packaging.
📍 Places to buy: Nanjing East Road (where time-honored brands are concentrated), Yuyuan Shopping Mall (traditional handicrafts), and Tianzifang (artistic small items).
What to buy in Guangzhou
🥮 Cantonese dim sum: Chicken biscuits and wife biscuits from Lianxianglou, and daughter-in-law biscuits from Taotaoju, with crispy skin and fragrant fillings, are the traditional flavours that Cantonese people love the most.
🌿 Herbal tea ingredients: Isatis root and heat-clearing granules from Baiyun Mountain, Qingping Herbal Medicine Market has the most choices. Lingnan is humid, and these herbal drinks are particularly suitable for taking home to regulate the body.
🏺 Crafts: Cantonese porcelain and ornaments in the shape of Xiguan mansions best reflect the cultural characteristics of Lingnan.
👗 Clothing and luggage: High-end shopping malls → Tianhe City/Taikoo Hui, Zhengjia Plaza. Wholesale markets (high cost-effectiveness) → Baima Clothing Market (Zhanqian Road), Hongmian International Fashion City: a concentration of Korean clothing, Zhonggang Leather City (Sanyuanli), etc.
🍲 Seasoning dry goods: Yide Road’s seafood dry goods, such as scallops and dried oysters, can instantly enhance the freshness of soups and porridge.
📍 Where to buy: Beijing Road Pedestrian Street (cultural and creative + souvenirs), Yide Road (seafood wholesale), Hualin Jade Street (affordable jade).
What to buy Hong Kong
👗 Clothing & Customization
- Haute couture – Hong Kong is famous for its handmade suits and cheongsams.
- Chinese cheongsam/Tang suits – Shanghai Street in Mong Kok or Yuen's Tailor for customization
- Street fashion – Sneaker Street in Mong Kok, trendy shops in Causeway Bay
🍵 Traditional tea & medicinal materials
- Traditional Chinese tea – Pu'er tea, Tieguanyin (Lu Yu Tea House, Fu Ming Tang recommended)
- Chinese medicine & health products – Bird's nest, ginseng, Tong Ren Tang herbal tea bags
- Po Sum On Peace Paste – a local time-honored brand, relieves muscle soreness and mosquito bites
📱 Electronic products & digital products
- Mobile phones, cameras, headphones – Golden Computer Mall in Sham Shui Po, Star City in Mong Kok
- Tips: compare prices, check warranty, avoid "parallel imports"
- Recommended markets: Wan Chai Computer City, Golden Computer Center
🍪 Snacks & souvenirs
- XO sauce – Lee Kum Kee, Da Ma Sauce Garden
- Butterfly cakes/egg rolls – Royal Garden Hotel, Jenny Cookies
- Moon cakes – Maxim's Lava Custard, Peninsula Hotel Mini Custard
💍 Jewelry & Crafts
- Jade & Gold Jewelry – Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang (pay attention to the quality certification)
- Hong Kong theme souvenirs – neon sign models, Star Ferry souvenirs
- Netsuke – Japanese style carved small items, can be found in antique shops
🏮 Feng Shui & Cultural Supplies
- Feng Shui Ornaments – Causeway Bay Goose Neck Bridge Market, Sheung Wan Man Mo Temple Area
- Name Seal – Hand-carved, suitable for souvenirs
- Chinese Porcelain & Board Games – Upper Lascar Street Antique Market
📍 Recommended Shopping Locations
- Central – Luxury goods, custom clothing, antiques
- Causeway Bay – Cosmetics, daily necessities, trendy clothing
- Mong Kok – electronic products, street fashion
- Sheung Wan – medicinal herbs, tea, Feng Shui products
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What to buy in Shenzhen
📱 Electronic products: Huaqiangbei (mobile phones/earphones/drones) SEG Plaza (high-end brands)
🍗 Speciality food: Guangming pigeon, Shajing oyster sauce, Pengcheng Eight Treasures gift box
👗 Fashion clothing: Nanyou Market (designer style) Dongmen Old Street (cheap and good things)
🎨 Cultural and creative products: OCT Creative Park (art objects) Dafen Oil Painting Village (custom paintings)
💊 Hong Kong-made cosmetics: Zhongying Street (drugs/cosmetics) Mannings/Watsons (authentic guarantee)
👓 Fashion accessories: Huaqiangbei Glasses City (same glasses as big brands)
🍰 Internet celebrity snacks: Bao Shifu meat floss and Xiaobei 🧁 Heytea limited peripherals
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