Shopping in China

Friendship Stores

In China, friendship stores were originally set up by the government to provide services to foreign visitors. Now, most are like any modern department store with a variety of goods including silk; jewelry made from gold, silver, pearl and jade; embroidered tablecloths and blouses; paintings, porcelain, pottery and handicrafts. Prices are clearly marked on the merchandise. Prices may be slightly higher than at other Chinese stores but the goods are of higher quality and some items are unavailable elsewhere. Government stores have a reputation for honesty. Bargaining is acceptable.

Department Stores

Most department stores are run by the state with some being run by individual or joint venture. The merchandise available in Chinese department stores is similar what you would expect to find in department stores anywhere in the world. Bargaining is seldom acceptable. Look for sales.

Factories

Every arts and crafts factory has a showroom where visitors can buy what is made there. Marked prices may be more expensive than similar items elsewhere but deep discounts of 40 to 50% are common.

Markets

Markets are an ideal place to search for inexpensive items. Markets with many similar shops or stalls have the cheapest prices and it is possible to sometimes find merchandise of good to very good quality. You will need to be extremely careful but those name brand items just might be genuine. They could be seconds or factory overruns. Check everything carefully. The prices are flexible and you should practice your bargaining skill there.

Hotel stores

Where to get the antiques?

A good place find a wide selection of antiques is at Liulichang. Liulichang is a street in Xuanwumen, and many of the stores are quite old. This area has everything from scrolls, to jade articles to decades-old cigarette advertisement posters. Another large antiques market is the Antiques City at Panjiayuan. This is a multi-story building which is full of antiques and general kitsch.