Best Things to Buy from China

Bringing back souvenirs after a trip is a cherished tradition, but choosing the perfect gifts within your budget can be a challenging task. When it comes to the best things to buy from China, it’s all about picking items that are authentic, meaningful, and reflect the rich Chinese culture. Whether it’s intricate silk scarves, beautiful porcelain, or traditional Chinese teas, these gifts offer a taste of China’s heritage and make for memorable keepsakes

If you are planning to visit China, this article will help ease your worries about what to buy. It provides a list of the best souvenirs and China famous things to buy, budget-friendly options, shopping tips, and the top markets where you can find these treasures.

Whether you’re looking for silk, tea, jade, or trendy electronics, this guide will ensure you make the most of your shopping experience in China.

China famous things to buy

China is famous for silk, tea, porcelain, jade jewellery, and handcrafted souvenirs. You can also buy electronics, traditional calligraphy sets, and high-quality green tea.

10 best things to buy from China

Explore the top 10 things to buy from China that are not only budget-friendly but also make for perfect souvenirs, gifts, or personal use.

Food Souvenirs

Chinese tea (green, oolong, or pu-erh), century eggs, and traditional snacks like moon cakes and White Rabbit candy. These make great gifts with authentic flavours.

Dried Fruits and Nuts

China is known for its high-quality dried fruits and nuts, including goji berries, dried jujubes (red dates), and walnuts, which are both delicious and nutritious.

• Best Place to Buy: Specialty food markets, supermarkets, and tea houses in cities like Beijing and Guangzhou.
• Cost: ¥30 – ¥200 per pack, depending on the type and quality

Beijing Crisp Candy

A famous traditional Beijing snack, these peanut-based crisp candies are light, crunchy, and mildly sweet, making them a popular treat for all ages.

• Best Place to Buy: Wangfujing Snack Street, specialty snack shops, and supermarkets in Beijing.
• Cost: ¥10 – ¥50 per box, depending on the brand and packaging.

Pineapple Cake

Originally a Taiwanese delicacy, pineapple cakes are now widely loved across China. These buttery, crumbly pastries with sweet pineapple filling make a great souvenir.

• Best Place to Buy: Bakeries, specialty pastry shops, and airport duty-free stores.
• Cost: ¥20 – ¥100 per box, depending on the brand and quality.

Décor Souvenirs

Delicate porcelain, jade figurines, paper-cut art, and calligraphy scrolls are popular decorative souvenirs, reflecting China’s rich cultural heritage.

Chinese Porcelain

Renowned for its craftsmanship, Chinese porcelain comes in various styles, including blue-and-white pottery and Jingdezhen ceramics, making it a prized souvenir.

• Best Place to Buy: Jingdezhen Ceramic Market, antique markets, and specialty stores in major cities.
• Cost: ¥50 – ¥5000 per piece, depending on intricacy and origin.

Calligraphy Sets

A perfect gift for art lovers, Chinese calligraphy sets include brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, allowing you to practice the elegant art of Chinese writing.

• Best Place to Buy: Calligraphy supply shops, cultural markets, and bookstores in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou.
• Cost: ¥50 – ¥500 per set, depending on quality and materials.

Chinese Knots

These intricate, handwoven decorative knots symbolize luck and prosperity, making them a meaningful and affordable souvenir from China.

• Best Place to Buy: Street markets, souvenir shops, and temple fairs in cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
• Cost: ¥10 – ¥100 per piece, depending on size and complexity.

Clothing Souvenirs

Silk scarves, embroidered qipaos (cheongsams), panda-themed apparel, and traditional Tang suits are stylish and memorable fashion keepsakes.

Qipao (Women’s clothing)

The qipao (cheongsam) is a traditional Chinese dress known for its elegant fit and intricate embroidery, often worn for special occasions.

• Best Place to Buy: Tailor shops in Shanghai, Beijing’s Silk Market, and high-end boutiques.
• Cost: ¥200 – ¥3000, depending on fabric and craftsmanship

Fans

Chinese folding fans are beautifully designed with silk, bamboo, or paper, often featuring calligraphy or landscape paintings. They make for a classic souvenir.

• Best Place to Buy: Souvenir shops, cultural markets, and street vendors in Hangzhou and Suzhou.
• Cost: ¥20 – ¥300, depending on materials and craftsmanship.

Silk Scarves

Made from high-quality silk, Chinese silk scarves come in vibrant patterns and are a stylish and lightweight souvenir.

• Best Place to Buy: Suzhou’s Silk Market, Beijing’s Silk Street, and major shopping malls.
• Cost: ¥50 – ¥500, depending on the quality of the silk.

Electronics Souvenirs

China is known for affordable gadgets like Xiaomi smart phones, wireless ear buds, drones, and smart home appliances, making tech souvenirs a great buy.

Smart Phones

China is home to leading smartphone brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and OnePlus, offering high-tech features at competitive prices.

• Best Place to Buy: Official brand stores, electronics malls, and online platforms like JD.com and Tmall.
• Cost: ¥1000 – ¥8000, depending on the model and specifications.

Tablets

Chinese tablets from brands like Lenovo and Huawei offer powerful performance at affordable prices, making them a great tech purchase.

• Best Place to Buy: Electronics markets, official brand stores, and online retailers.
• Cost: ¥800 – ¥6000, depending on specifications and brand.

Home Appliances

From smart rice cookers to robotic vacuum cleaners, China produces innovative and budget-friendly home appliances.

• Best Place to Buy: Large electronics stores like Suning and Gome, as well as online platforms like JD.com.
• Cost: ¥200 – ¥5000, depending on the appliance and brand.

Cheap Things to buy from China

Some cheap products you must not miss buying in China are:

Silk Products

China is the largest producer of silk. These products are available in markets like Suzhou’s Silk Market and Beijing’s Silk Street. Silk scarves, pajamas, and hand-embroidered fabrics range from ¥50 – ¥300, depending on quality.

Tea

Famous varieties like Longjing (Dragon Well) and Pu-erh tea can be bought in tea markets such as Maliandao Tea Street in Beijing. Prices range from ¥30 – ¥500 per pack, depending on the grade.

Educational Toys

Places like Yiwu International Trade Market and Chenghai Toy Market offer wooden puzzles, abacuses, and STEM kits. Prices start at ¥20, making them budget-friendly learning tools.

Jade Products

Jade is mined abundantly and valued item in Chinese households. Authentic jade bracelets, pendants, and carvings can be found in markets like Beijing’s Hongqiao Pearl Market, with prices starting from ¥100 for small pieces.

Pearl Jewellery

China is known for its jewels especially pearls. Freshwater pearls from Zhuji or Beijing’s Pearl Market are popular, with pearl earrings and necklaces priced between ¥50 – ¥500, depending on size and quality.

Shopping Places in China

1. Wangfujing Street

This Chinese lane is one of the most famous shopping streets in Beijing. Shoppers can find a mix of luxury brands, traditional Chinese snacks, and souvenir shops. The market is bustling every day from morning until late at night.

2. Chunxi Road

This is a vibrant shopping district well- known for trendy fashion boutiques, international brands, and delicious Sichuan street food. It is open daily, attracting both locals and tourists.

3. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

A historic shopping street lined with Lingnan-style architecture, famous for traditional Cantonese snacks, clothing, and affordable shopping. Stores are open daily from morning to night.

4. Barkhor Street

This is a culturally rich market around the Jokhang Temple. It offers Tibetan handicrafts, prayer wheels, and religious artefacts. Shops generally open in the morning and close by evening.

5. The Central Avenue

This avenue is a European-style shopping street that features Russian souvenirs, winter clothing, and Harbin’s famous ice cream. Stores and cafés remain open throughout the day and evening.

Tips for Shopping in China

• Bargain and quote your lowest price.
• Take care of your belongings in crowded places and markets.
• Learn a bit of Mandarin for smooth transactions.
• Please ensure you buy from a genuine place and check its quality since most Chinese products look shiny and attractive.

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