Where to buy:
Large Department Stores and Shopping Malls
Large department stores and modern shopping malls are commonly seen in China's major cities. Most of them are located in the bustling commercial areas in city hearts. A wide variety of goods are sold including silk, jade, pearl paintings, art crafts, pottery and much more. Prices are usually fixed and a little higher than at the free local markets but the goods are often better quality than the local markets. Language may be a problem but with a little ingenuity, you can usually manage to communicate through a variety of gestures.
Local Markets
China's local markets are a quite interesting place to purchase inexpensive things. The markets usually have many small stalls selling a great variety of items. The motto should be Antiques Stores The state-run antique stores are reliable places to purchase. Bargaining is usually not acceptable when in a genuine antique shop.
1. Ensure that the antiques carry a wax seal indicating that it is authentic and is able to be exported from China.
2. Antiques are items over 120 years old.
3. Items dated before 1795 cannot be legally exported.
4. Item manufactured before 1949 are classified as being culturally significant and require an official receipt. 5. Keep the purchase receipts, certificates, official documents as these documents will be required by customs when leaving China.
- Updated: 2007-12-28 3:30:00
