It can be hard deciding what to take back from China for yourself, or for others. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top ten different China souvenirs to take home for friends and family.
Tea 茶叶 Cháyè
Because tea plays such a big role in daily life, tea quality varies throughout different shops too. If you want normal tea that people drink on a day to day basis, check convenience stores and supermarkets. In many supermarkets it will even be possible to buy many different types of tea by the gram.
Where you can buy it!
Shanghai: Tianshan Tea City
Beijing: Maliandao Tea Market
Chengdu: Wukuaishi Tea Market
Silk 丝绸 sīchóu
Perhaps one of the most popular products to take home for female relatives, silk products are an old favorite. Nice silk clothing can be quite expensive, depending on the quality. The same goes for bedding sets, but smaller items such as pillow cases, bags, and accessories are more affordable and widely available at tourist sites.
Where you can buy it!
Shanghai: Huaihai Road Market
Beijing: Yaxiu Clothes Market
Jewelry 珠宝 zhūbǎo
Another favorite for the ladies is jewelry, of which there is a ton in China. Many stores will sell cheaper bracelets and necklaces, and areas near temples will often sell Tibetan-inspired jewelry which is made using silver and a combination of orange and blue stones.
Where you can buy it!
Shanghai: Lao Fengxiang Silverware Shop
Beijing: Yonghe Lama Temple
Chopsticks 筷子 kuàizi
If you’re planning on taking your new chopstick skills home, you’ll have to get some chopsticks here. Chopsticks are really easy to find, as stores throughout the country sell beautiful boxes of chopsticks whether you’re looking to buy just the one pair, or ten identical pairs.
Cloisonne 景泰蓝 Jǐngtàilán
Cloisonne products were introduced into China a long time ago, and are very popular throughout the country. You’ll find vases, beads, jewelry, plates, and other trinkets readily available throughout your travels. Not all of it is of the same quality, and this is important to keep in mind when you are bargaining.
Where you can buy it!
Shanghai: Yuyuan Bazaar
Beijing: Enamel Factory
Chinese Knots 中国结 Zhōngguó jié
The Chinese art of knotting is an ancient art that produces beautiful pieces. Whether you’re looking for something small like a key chain or a bigger piece to hang up in your house, they come in all shapes and sizes. They are usually red, but there are always varieties.
Calligraphy 书法 shūfǎ
Chinese calligraphy is an art that is famous throughout the world, and pieces of intricately made art can be bought to hang up on your wall, no matter what size.
Spirits 白酒 báijiǔ
For the really manly men out there, or those with a strong stomach, Chinese spirits and wines may be the best gifts.
Peking Masks 京剧面具 Jīngjù miànjù
The opera is a huge part of Chinese entertainment, and the masks are an important part of the overall show, especially in Beijing Opera.
Mao Memorabilia 毛主席纪念品 Máo zhǔxí jìniànpǐn
Mao memorabilia is a huge trade in China, and you’ll find items such as the little red book, watches, propaganda posters, school books from the Mao era, and more.
Okay! You’d like to buy loads of souvenirs, but how to bargain in China? Next time we will talk about it: Smart Shopping in China——Bargain!
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