China is a fantastic shopping destination. From the roadside stall to the large-scale modern shopping mall, from the common store to a popular supermarket, China has numerous perfect places to shop that can satisfy all shoppers' desires. Most large Chinese cities feature special business streets, where local products are on sale.
Things to buy in China
1.Clothes, though difficult to tell whether real or fake (probably fake), name brand clothing is considerably cheaper here and a good value. An exception: I’d avoid any type of “performance” goods (such as supposedly Gore-tex jackets, shoes or backpacks)— it’s too easy to copy or steal labels and save money by skimping on quality.
2.Art: Scroll paintings, calligraphy, carvings, etc —of course, for high-end collectible art, you’ll need to know your stuff but for items for your house or gifts, you can find a lot of cool stuff.
3.Jade and porcelain in Mainland China has a reputation for being cheaper and better quality than in Hong Kong.
4.Silks, fabrics, embroidery
5.Lacquer ware
6.Ethnic jewelry and handicrafts
7.Bootleg CDs, DVDs—usually around $1 per DVD. If possible, test if they have a DVD player on site. Or buy one to test out first before buying larger quantities. I’ve haven’t had any problems getting past US Customs or viewing DVDs back home.
8.Mementos from Mao & Cultural Revolution (e.g. Little Red Book, lighters, etc)
9.Stone seals—called “chops”—with your name engraved in characters. Used in China as proof of signature.
10.Reproduction antiques
11.Real antiques—seek out specialist stores or markets. For real antiques over 100 years old, you’ll need an export certificate with an official wax seal from the seller to take out of the country (otherwise can be taken without compensation). I’m told the antiques in the Shanghai Friendship Store are worth checking out. Antiques that date way back (before 1795) cannot legally be taken out of the country at all.
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If you have further queries, don’t hesitate to contact Tannet anytime, anywhere by simply visiting Tannet’s website www.tannet-group.net, or calling Hong Kong hotline at 852-27826888 or China hotline at 86-755-82143422, or emailing to tannet-solution@hotmail.com.
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