Tips: authentic silk is quite expensive and there are many roadside stands sell fake silk to customer for profit, so it’s recommended to purchase silk in big stores.
3.Porcelain
Well, as the name of “China” reveal, china or porcelain is a symbol deeply rooted foreigners. The most famous porcelain in China is Jingdezhen porcelain. Jingdezhen can be called the capital of Chinese porcelain. You can also purchase it from many boutique stores and shopping malls. Porcelain is very fragile; it must be well packed when you transport it home.
4.Jade, Pearl and It’s Products
Chinese people may be the most fervent fans of jade in the world. There is an old saying in China, “Gold has a value; jade is invaluable”. Thus, traveler can find really good jade or jade products in China. Pearl is also popular among travelers for its good quality and cheap prices. Necklace, bracelet and other handicrafts made of jade or pearl are most popular.
5.Art
Traditional Chinese art like scroll paintings, calligraphy, carvings (jade carving, stone carving, wood carving, etc.) can be bought in the antique market. Major cities often have big antique markets, like Panjiayuan Market in Beijing, Yuyaun Market in Shanghai, Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage Market in Chengdu, etc.
6.Antiques
Yes, it’s possible to purchase antiques in China. Both reproductions and real antiques can be bought in antique market. There is no regulation about how many reproduction antiques you can purchase; however, China Customs do have regulations about the real antiques. Real antiques over 100 years old need an export certificate with an official wax seal from the antique store to take out of the country. Antiques dated back before 1795 are prohibited to take out of China.
7.Ethnic Jewelry and Costume
Ethnic jewelry and costume are popular due to its special design and featured ethnic flavor. Most ethnic jewelry are made of silver and colorful marbles, and famous ones are Yi Ethnic silver and Tibetan silver. Travelers can purchase ethnic jewelry in many ethnic areas, like Tibet, Guilin, Sichuan, Guizhou, etc. Costume is also a good choice. Cheongsam, or Qipao is a traditional costume for Chinese female, which often appears in the old movies, and it’s still very popular in China. Qipao can be purchased in most shopping mall, and there are also tailor-made Qipao, which is more expensive yet with better quality. Big cities, like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong can find very good tailor to make Qipao.
