How to Shop in China

Chinese cities are alive with shops and markets selling an awe-inspiring array of trinkets and souvenirs. You will find the market flooded with cheap imitations but shop carefully as many objects are still made by age-old techniques and it is not too difficult to find authentic items.

Probably the most authentic souvenirs you will find are those produced by China's ethnic minorities, particularly their embroidery. Department stores are now everywhere in Chinese cities and they will provide (but its still no guarantee) certificates of authenticity for items such as jewelry and semi-precious stones. Large hotels also carry souvenir stores but these tend to stock over-priced, up-market items such as Jade and silk.

Opening Times

Although shop opening times can vary place to place they usually open from 8.30am until 8pm whilst in the winter the opening times are generally 9am to 7pm. You will most likely find that larger shopping centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong stay open until 9pm.

Markets and local food shops selling fresh produce tend to start early in the morning and don't close until late in the evening.

During public holidays some shops remain closed, the important holidays being ; Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), National Day (October 1^st) and New Year's Day (January 1^st).

How To Pay

The currency in China is the Yuan also known as the renminbi or people's money (RMB). One Yuan is divided into 10jiao or mao, these are then further divided into 10 fen.

It is unlikely that you will be able to use debit cards and credit cards will only be accepted in the larger tourist hotels and in state-run shops.

In the larger cities you will find a few ATMs that will accept foreign credit and debit cards.

It is best to carry traveler's checks and a supply of currency such as US dollars, euros or pounds sterling as they are the easiest to convert. The Bank of China has exchange desks and these can also be found at airports, larger hotels and in certain stores.

Bargaining

Although bargaining is common practice in street markets, night bazaars and souvenir stands it is also worth a try in the smarter, more expensive hotels, modern shops, department stores and government emporia and friendship stores.

It is common practice for stallholders to charge visitors thrice the 'real' price and sometimes their starting price may be up to ten times the cost. Be sure to compare prices and be conscious of what others are paying especially the locals.

Department Stores and Boutiques

In most cities there has been a fast growing crop of department stores, shopping plazas and fashion boutiques, this is especially true of Beijing and Shanghai. Because of this trend there are now fewer street bazaars and night markets, which are popular across China for their range of inexpensive goods, in these areas.

Today, as in most developed countries, there is a high emphasis on high-end items such as designer fashion, perfumes and watches.

Government Shops

These are referred to as Friendship Stores and are special shops for visitors. Friendship Stores are a legacy from the days of Chairman Mao. Originally these stores sold luxuries and quality Chinese crafts to diplomats and intrepid tourists but not to the Chinese. Today, there are only a few outlets left and these sell local products such as tea, silk, jade, calligraphy and Miao embroidery. Sometimes you will be able to find English magazines and literature in these stores.

Markets

If you wish to really experience China's diversity and its many ethnic cultures you need to visit the bustling local markets, especially those in rural areas. Locally these are known as ganji (going to the market) or gangai (going to the street) and they are held on specific days of the week.

Traditionally people from the surrounding countryside come to market to buy or sell their farm produce but nowadays it is not unusual to see stalls selling a range of household items from toothbrushes to woks and cooking pans.

When buying from a market be prepared to bargain hard.

Antiques

Antique buying in China is as risky business unless you happen to be an expert. You will find flourishing antique markets in most cities but most of the items on sale will be fake. But non the less so long as you don't mistake them for the real thing it is fun to browse and bargain for cheap replicas.

If you do find some 'real' antiques you need to be aware that it is illegal to export anything dating from 1795 and earlier. When exporting antiques (of a later date..) make sure that they are carrying a red wax seal which permits them to be exported and keep the receipts as they may be required at customs.

Source - China - Eyewitness Travel Guide