A tourist trip to Asia raises a legitimate question among vacationers about what to bring from China. For some, a small souvenir is enough, while others want to get a thing that will be associated exclusively with the Middle Kingdom.
The specifics of shopping in China
A traveler during a trip may encounter the following nuances:
- payment for purchases for souvenirs from China occurs in local currency - yuan;
- many tourists prefer to travel with dollars and carry out exchange operations in the country - this is more profitable;
- when withdrawing currency from an ATM, the latter asks for a six-digit code, but it also issues cash when the original is entered.
Shopping is done in markets or in large shopping centers. Large chains start at 9.30 am and finish at 8.30 pm. Private shops sell up to 22 hours.
What to bring from China for yourself
What do tourists bring from China? Most prefer to dwell on coins, jewelry and jewelry, crafts made from semi-precious stones. Alcoholic drinks with snakes are taken as a memorable souvenir.
Alcohol
Chinese souvenirs are not only cute trinkets, but also spirits.
Russians prefer to bring rice vodka and wine, alcohol with snakes and scorpions from the Middle Kingdom.
Fan
There are a variety of options for fans, from small to wall-mounted. Sandalwood varieties have the finest aroma that arises from their use.
You May Also Like
Umbrella
Umbrellas in the country are used to protect from rain and sun. In the second case, these are products made of fabric and bamboo, painted with traditional ornament.
Jade products
Sacred qualities are attributed to the stone. Jade crafts are presented:
- decorations;
- souvenir figurines;
- utensils;
- caskets.
Note! A jade gift from China will take its rightful place in the collection of products from different countries.
Paintings
They belong to exclusive souvenirs, as they are made on silk. The buyer can choose a classic painting or an original Chinese masterpiece made on both fabric and canvas.
Cosmetics and perfumery
Cosmetic accessories are known for their natural composition and healing effect. Tourists prefer to take:
- serums and tonics;
- creams and cleansers;
- anti-cellulite formulations;
- soap, shampoos and masks.
Most of the fairer sex prefer the moisturizing or rejuvenating series.
You May Also Like
Coins
Coins with hieroglyphs belong to feng shui attributes. Combined with a red thread designed to fulfill desires, they have become a symbol of attracting material resources.
National clothes
The costumes can be purchased at the market or shop. The total cost of national things depends on the material of execution: made from inexpensive fabrics will cost 380-400 yuan, silk - 760-800. *
Sticks
Food accessories vary in variety and are sold individually or as a set:
- one pair at a time;
- in sets of 10;
- educational, with a connection to each other.
Special oriental bowls can be purchased to complement the chopsticks.
Sweets
Refers to universal gifts, they include spices, fruits and spices. The most popular and delicious sweets are:
- corn cookies;
- sesame sweets;
- tangerine cakes;
- gingerbread;
- dried fruit;
- fruit jelly.
Note! The cost for packaging products starts from 300 Russian rubles.
Spices
What else can you bring from China? Various spices and herbs that are sold everywhere in chain stores and markets. Their list is long and presented:
- star anise;
- cloves;
- turmeric;
- licorice;
- caraway seeds;
- dill;
- fennel;
- Japanese pepper.
A universal spice is a prepackaged condiment mix. Local cinnamon, which is used in sweet pastries, also has a special taste.
What medicines to bring from China for yourself
What do they bring from China? Experienced travelers prefer traditional medicines and traditional medicines.
Traditional medicines
Travelers buy large quantities of tiger balm, red oil, crayons for the common cold and ginkgo biloba tablets. Medicines are purchased from specialized pharmacies. They are distinguished by the absence of artificial / synthetic additives.
Traditional medicines
The Chinese prefer to be treated:
- preparations made from pearl powder;
- snake venom creams and ointments;
- with medicines based on shark oil.
Important! Before using unfamiliar products, you need to consult a doctor and make sure there are no allergies.
What can be brought from China as a gift
What else do tourists bring from China? Lovers of exotic things buy figurines, porcelain products. They do not pass by sets for tea ceremonies, silk goods and modern gadgets.
Figurines
Jade and porcelain figurines depicting frogs, local gods and dragons are in great demand.
Porcelain
Porcelain products are presented:
- tea pairs;
- figurines;
- sets.
Note! More expensive options are hand-painted and gilded.
Tea and tea set
As a presentation, you can purchase not only loose tea, but also a set for holding a home tea ceremony. Collectible paraphernalia will cost 1.5 thousand rubles and more.
Silk
As a gift, the following can be bought:
- dress or shirt;
- nightgown or pajamas;
- tablecloth;
- neckerchief;
- bedding set.
Note!Silk products will become an expensive present for family and friends.
Electronics and gadgets
Experts recommend buying goods from local but well-known companies. Those who want to save money may be faced with fake or poor quality things.
Jewelry and bijouterie
What else is being brought from China? Tourists often buy here:
- original jewelry made of silver, gold, decorated with precious stones;
- lump pearls and products from it.
Those who still continue to wonder what can be brought from Beijing should pay attention to the fact that in many coastal cities there is pearl fishing and, accordingly, they are rich in products made from this natural material.
Peculiarities of shopping in some Chinese cities
In each area you can find something special or just stock up on the right things.
Beijing
In the city, you can buy memorabilia in the markets: pearl, silk.
There is also a fur center "Yabalou", where customers are offered both cheap goods and high-quality natural fur coats.
Shanghai
Markets are especially popular among guests:
- antique and souvenir "Yuyuan";
- tea and clothing;
- jewelry;
- pearl and silk.
Note!In these bazaars, you can find both low-quality items and goods with good quality.
Hong Kong
Popular points of sale include:
- a ladies' market where things are sold for both women, children and men;
- a night bazaar located on Temple Street - here they buy equipment, electronics and men's goods;
- flea market - antiques lovers will be delighted with it, etc.
Important! Local merchants are fluent in English and Russian.With the right approach, the initial price tag for the item you like can be reduced by 25%.
Guangzhou
Jewelry lovers (on Hualin Jadeware Street) and those looking to update their wardrobe will find something for themselves here in the Heavenly, White and Golden Horse Markets. At the last point, penny things are sold, so when buying them you need to carefully inspect them.
Macau
The Red Market is a favorite place for connoisseurs of sweets. In addition to traditional sweet products, you can buy exotic fruits here.
Near the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, at a flea market, they take antiques and vintage accessories.
The place "Rua De Tercena" is famous for catering establishments, where favorite national dishes are served: starch cakes, lotus rice and rice cakes.
Hainan
The main trade points of the island are Sanya and Haikou. You can find all kinds of goods in local markets, including seafood.
Their prices are much lower than in the rest of the country.
What to bring a child from China
The baby products sold in the country are very different from the low-grade export options. In stores you can buy toys, construction sets and clothes for babies of different ages. Large retail outlets are responsible for the quality of the products offered.
Nice surprise - kites. In China, they are distinguished by their bright colors, which attracts the attention of children and gives them a lot of joyful minutes while playing.
What to bring from China for a girl
Valuable jewelry will be a real gift for young people:
- Pearl. Differs in a variety of colors. You can find products with white, black, lilac, pink or bronze shades. Experienced travelers recommend shopping in Hainan - there is a large selection of jewelry and fakes on rare occasions.
- Nephritis. Bracelets, earrings, pendants and talismans are made from it. A "magic" stone with a lot of positive qualities will be an interesting surprise for a loved one.
- Silver. All knickknacks are made of high metal, 925 sterling... Their good quality allows them not to look like a hoarder in the eyes of a girl.
Note! Bamboo hats are suitable for those who love traveling in hot weather. Their distinctive feature is lightness and good protection from direct sunlight.
What is brought from China as a gift most often
If the list of ideas is exhausted, and you need to bring a souvenir, then you should take a closer look on the Internet to the standard purchases of experienced tourists. Penny knick-knacks will not cause serious financial spending and will appeal to relatives and colleagues. Seasoned travelers prefer:
- souvenir figurines for the home;
- paraphernalia for the car;
- panda hats;
- key chains;
- pens with Chinese characters;
- local style circles;
- various office supplies;
- calendars.
Do not forget that it is customary to bargain in shops and markets. Buying small items in tourist areas will increase the initial cost several times. Inexperienced guests often overpay for penny items in 5-10 times, and the acquired paraphernalia is not of high quality.
What and in what quantity can be exported from China
Customs legislation is quite loyal to all people visiting the country. The list of things that can be taken out after shopping in China without restrictions includes:
- bijouterie - everything that does not belong to the section of jewelry;
- local tea (packaged or loose);
- wardrobe items;
- food products (only in a whole package) and spices, sweets, fruits;
- traditional medicine (herbs, creams, ointments, tonics, balms, etc.);
- souvenir packaged products;
- silk products (things, napkins, bedding);
Important! Problems with customs can get citizens trying to withdraw the local currency from the country.
How much is allowed? If a traveler has more than 6 thousand yuan on hand, then he will not pass customs control. He will be offered to walk to the bank and exchange money for any other currency.
What can not be taken out
In order not to spend some time in a local prison, before traveling, you need to familiarize yourself with the list of things that are prohibited for export from the country. What items fall into the category of contraband? This is primarily:
- all items included in the country's historical or cultural heritage (the prohibited register includes antiques, originals of paintings by famous artists);
- piercing-cutting or sharp accessories - anything that can be used in disputes during flights or in an airport building;
- poisons, psychotropic and narcotic substances - they can be included in the composition of individual traditional medicine (the traveler must keep all purchase receipts);
- pornography - photo and video materials;
- any explosives - salutes, petards, fireworks are equated to them;
- separate parts of the weapon or it itself entirely;
- fruit and vegetable crops purchased in areas declared as a site of outbreak of infectious diseases;
- any animals (with the exception of bees, worms and leeches);
- natural honey;
- substances that cause the destruction of the ozone layer;
- expensive jewelry - the customs officer will definitely ask for a purchase receipt.
Important! The most serious crime is trying to take the panda out of the country. The offender, regardless of citizenship, is liable to the death penalty.
Chinese souvenir and household products are a good and memorable gift to friends and relatives in Russia. When shopping in China, you need to make sure that all things are of proper quality and do not forget that in places of mass tourist visits, their cost is increased several times.
* Prices are valid for February 2020.
