China is a heaven in shopping and it is a mixture of ancient artisans and modern shopping. Being a luxury enthusiast, a gadget geek, or a culture enthusiast, there is something to be found when shopping in China. Whether it is the neon-light malls of Shanghai and the traditional markets of Beijing as well as handicraft villages of Hangzhou, each destination has a story to share in terms of products. China has emerged as a favourite destination in the fashion, technology and cultural souvenirs in the world due to its booming retail environment.
You must first have your travel needs in order by planning your retail adventure. It is advisable to Apply China visa online so that visitors, particularly the Indians, can have the process easier and faster. To the Indian tourists, the process of getting China tourist visa for Indians has been made an easy task as it offers online application and easy submission of documents. After attending to your visa, it is time to venture into the exciting world of shopping in China whereby culture collides with innovation in every turn.
Top Shopping Destinations in China
Where shopping in China is concerned, it is all about knowing where to shop. Every city boasts of its specialty, and it can be luxury boutiques to the local flea markets.
1. Beijing – Trading Traditional Crafts and Cultural Souvenirs.
Beijing being the capital city is the most ideal place to get original Chinese products such as silk, porcelain, jade, and calligraphy art. Panjiayuan Antique Market is the treasure of traditional objects and personal discoveries, and Wangfujing street is the center of foreign companies. You should not pass the Qianmen Street area where you would find the ancient products like Peking opera masks, Chinese tea, and delicate paper-cuttings.
2. Shanghai -High end Shopping and Contemporary Style.
Shanghai is a fashion capital of China with a combination of high-end shopping malls and the stylish street boutiques. Nanjing Road is also one of the busiest shopping streets in the world that houses international fashion houses and local designers. To have an elite feel, go to Plaza 66 and IFC Mall. To be more special, Tianzifang is a artistic area of the city but full of hand-made jewelry, boutique clothes, as well as more bizarre souvenirs – all of which would appeal to a person fond of creative discoveries during shopping in China.
3. Guangzhou -The Electronics and Wholesale Center.
Being referred to as the Factory of the World, Guangzhou is the best destination when one wants to buy in large quantities and enjoy huge discounts. There are wholesale markets of the city such as Baiyun World Leather Trade Center, handbags and shoe markets, and Guangzhou Textile Exchange Park, a fashion market. To the technical enthusiasts, Huaqiangbei in neighboring Shenzhen is among the biggest electronic markets in the world and one of the places he/she must visit to shop gadgets in China.
4. Hangzhou -Silk and Tea Home.
Hangzhou is the place to take home a bit of Chinese heritage. Hangzhou is famous as the homeland of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and fine silk goods, which are considered to be the best elegant souvenirs. Go to China Silk Museum or Hefang Street to see the craftsmen creating delicate fabrics -a real representation of the China artistic heritage.
5. Chengdu Souvenirs and Snacks.
Chengdu is a charming mixture of culture, food and enjoyable shopping. The city is the most appropriate place to purchase Sichuan spices, panda-themed gifts, and snacks of locals. The Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) are filled with boutique shops that offer anything ranging to the handmade crafts to the stylish accessories and it is also an enjoyable place to do cultural shopping in China.
What to Buy in China
The options available are inexhaustible when shopping in China. These are the items that need to be purchased in order to grasp the spirit of the Chinese craft and modernity.
- Silk: Chinese silk is legendary in the world due to its quality and beauty. Search original silk scarf, clothing and embroidery particularly in Hangzhou and Suzhou.
- Tea: Starting with the green tea, the oolong, Chinese tea is an ideal choice of a present. The specialties of each region are various and one of the most valued are the Longjing tea in Hangzhou and Tieguanyin in Fujian.
- Porcelain and Ceramics: Jingdezhen is called the Chinese capital of porcelain whereby beautiful hand-painted ceramics are manufactured.
- Electronics: Shenzhen and Guangzhou are centers of low end but high quality electronics, ranging to smartphones to accessories.
- Traditional Medicine and Herbs: Chinese herbal medicine is very popular with the pharmacies selling everything ginseng to teas to help in well being.
- Fashion and Accessories: China has experienced an influx in its fashion industry which provides luxury and street wear. Some of the cities such as Shanghai and Beijing have the boutique shops which compete with those in Paris and Milan.
Tips for Shopping in China
1. Bargain Smartly: Negotiating is expected in markets and in the local stores. Always bargain in a nice way to receive the best price.
2. Check Authenticity: When purchasing luxury goods, only official stores or dealers should be used.
3. Pay with Mobile: The apps, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, have a huge following; nevertheless, foreign cards can now be integrated with them.
4. The Learn a Few Chinese Phrases: Simple expressions such as (duo shao qiang) which is translated as, how much, shopping will be easier.
5. Make Room to Souvenirs: You may well find yourself spending more than you planned – the selection in China is hard to resist!
Conclusion:
Chinese shopping is not only a shopping experience but a culture journey between the old and modern technology. It is not only when shopping at the antique market in Beijing or the high-end boutiques in Shanghai, but every single purchase has a story of crafts-manship and creativity. The very variety of products, such as silk to electronics, makes China an ideal place to visit when all are shoppers regardless of their tastes and budgets.
Do not forget to Apply China visa online early enough before you embark on your retail adventure so that you can have a hassle free visit. China tourist visa has been made easier to Indians than ever before so that the Indian traveler can visit the best markets and malls without wasting time. Then start packing, create your shopping list and prepare to have the adventure of shopping in China – where olden time artistry and new luxurious time collide, and each street will give you something new to take home.