Friendship Stores all over China are safe way of shopping in
China. These friendship stores are either run by the state or run
in joint venture. Though you may find difference in price tags in
friendship stores and local markets but the difference is not much.
However, friendship stores are quite safe when it comes to quality
of products. You need to be cautious when shopping in public
markets as top of the line products are either exported or sold in
Hong Kong. So it is a good idea to check an item thoroughly before
making the final deal. Especially when you are shopping at a store
attached to factories.
There are various items that you can shop for in China but
remember, for many of them, you might need to pay customs duty when
returning home. Some of the items worth shopping are stone and jade
carvings, carpets, wood-block prints, porcelain, silk, glass items,
tea, embroidered linens and Mao buttons.
Hong Kong is an exciting shopping destination in China. You can
buy any consumer item in Hong Kong. But prioritising your shopping
needs would help, as there is no dearth of what you can buy in Hong
Kong. The best way to do this is to compare the cost of the product
in your home country when on sale and it's cost in China with the
customs duty you have to pay. It would help you in deciding if an
item is worth buying. Some of the items that you can buy on your
tour of Hong Kong include electronic items, glasses, contact
lenses, silks, perfume, jewellery, watches, ceramics and antiques.
Bargain is a must, when shopping in small shops or if products do
not have a price tag.
Wanfujing and Xuishui Silk Market are two popular shopping areas
in the capital of China. In Wanfunjing you can shop for bone China,
medicinal plants and herbs, and jewellery. Xuishui Silk Market is
ideal of silk clothing, leather belts and wallets. In Tibet, Lama
key rings, copper inkwells, tiny clay Buddha and prayer wheels are
some good buys.
Shopping Checklist
- Go through Hong Kong Tourist Association
recommended retail price list of various goods to get an idea of
costs in Hong Kong.
- Ask for receipts/cash memo, when purchasing an
item. You may be asked to show these when returning home.
- Avoid buying antiques that are dated before 1795,
as they cannot be legally exported.
- Antiques you buy must carry an official red wax
seal, which indicates it's authentic.
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