Could you give me some tips on shopping in China?

Most travelers want to take home some bargains or mementos. With so many options available, shopping can be time-consuming, confusing and exhausting. The following tips may make it easier for you:

1. Don't buy everything in the first day or two. Each city has its own specialty. Some of the best buys are:

Beijing: Cloisonn, Fresh water pearls

Xian: Replicas of the Terracotta soldiers; Tangsancai (Tang Dynasty hand painted China); Antique Furniture

Shanghai: Silk carpets Hangzhou: Longjing Tea; Silk

Suzhou: The home of Chinese silk

Guilin : Scroll paintings; China Southern Sea Pearls

Yunnan : Mounted Butterflies; Pure tea; Dali Batik (tie-dyed fabric)

Xinjiang : Carpets; jade articles

Tibet : Thang-ka(tanka)(Sheep skin wall hangings)

- Updated: 2007-12-28 3:28:00