China Shopping Guide 2026: Best Markets, What to Buy & Bargaining Tips

"Everything in China is cheap" — that's the myth. The reality is more complicated.

I've watched travellers overpay by 500% for a "jade" bracelet that was actually plastic. I've also seen someone walk out of a tea market with a ¥500 purchase that would cost ¥5,000 back home. The difference is knowledge.

This guide is everything I've learned from 15 years of shopping in China — what to buy, where to buy it, and how to avoid getting ripped off.

What China Is Actually Good For

Chinese manufacturing is world-class, but not everything is worth buying. Here's what is:

Best Markets in China

Beijing

Shanghai

Other Cities

What NOT to Buy

"Antique" ceramics. Unless you're an expert, assume everything is a reproduction. Real antiques require export permits anyway.

"Jade" from street vendors. 99% is glass or resin. If you want real jade, go to a reputable jewellery shop and ask for a certificate.

Watches and handbags from markets. They're fakes. Good fakes, but illegal to export and Customs will confiscate them. Not worth the risk.

Calligraphy scrolls from tourist sites. They're printed, not hand-painted. Buy from an artist's studio if you want the real thing.

Bargaining 101

Bargaining is expected in markets but NOT in department stores, restaurants, or official shops. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Express interest. Pick up the item, look interested. Ask "多少钱?" (How much?).

Step 2: Don't react to the first price. The vendor will quote 3-5x the real price. If you gasp, they know you're a tourist.

Step 3: Counter at 20-30% of asking. Say "太贵了" (tài guì le — too expensive) and offer your price.

Step 4: The dance. They'll counter at 50-70%. You counter at 30-40%. Meet somewhere in the 40-50% range of their original ask. This is the fair price.

Step 5: Walk away (the secret weapon). If they won't meet your price, thank them and walk. 80% of the time they'll call you back with "OK, OK! Come back!" — at your price.

Key phrases:

— 太贵了 (tài guì le) — Too expensive

— 便宜一点 (pián yì yī diǎn) — A little cheaper

— 算了吧 (suàn le ba) — Forget it (use when walking away)

— 最低多少钱? (zuì dī duō shao qián?) — What's the lowest price?

Tax Refund for Tourists

China offers a VAT refund (增值税退税) for tourists spending over ¥500 in a single store. You get back 9-11% of the purchase price.

How to get it:

1. Shop at stores displaying "Tax Free Shopping" signs

2. Ask for a tax refund invoice (退税发票) with your passport

3. At the airport, go to Customs before check-in with your goods and invoice

4. Get the Customs stamp

5. Claim your refund at the designated counter (usually after security)

Which airports: Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun, and most international airports.

Electronics Shopping

If you're buying electronics in China, only buy from official stores:

Avoid: The electronics section of the Silk Market. Everything there is a fake or grey market import.

SIM-locked phones: Chinese phones are often locked to Chinese carriers. If you buy a phone for use outside China, check it's the "international version" (国际版).

What to Bring Home

If I had to recommend just three things to buy in China:

1. Good tea from a proper tea market — Longjing, Tieguanyin, or pu-erh

2. A silk scarf or robe from Hangzhou or Suzhou

3. Custom-tailored clothing from Shanghai — get measured once and have a suit or dress made in 48 hours for ¥500-2000

Planning a China trip and want shopping recommendations? I can tell you exactly what to buy in each city and where the best markets are. Tell me about your trip and I'll include shopping tips in your itinerary.

Related: Chinese Tea Culture Guide | Chinese Tea Shop | Must-Try Chinese Dishes | China Travel Checklist