What to Buy When Traveling to China? Gift and Specialty Suggestions

With its diverse culture and long-standing traditions, China offers countless shopping options from handicrafts, fragrant tea to local delicacies. So what to buy when traveling to China as gifts or to keep as souvenirs? Let's explore the best suggestions with NVK Travel so you don't miss any unique items!

1. Chinese Tea - The Essence of Culture

Tea is a cultural symbol of China, and buying tea as a gift is a perfect choice to bring home traditional flavors.

What to buy when traveling to China? Buy tea

• Famous types of tea:
  • Longjing Tea (Hangzhou): Premium green tea with a light fragrance, priced around 200,000 - 1 million VND/100g depending on quality.
  • Pu-erh Tea (Yunnan): Unique fermented tea, good for health, priced from 300,000 - 2 million VND/100g.
  • Oolong Tea (Fujian): Rich flavor, priced around 250,000 - 1.5 million VND/100g.
• Where to buy:
  • Maliandao Tea Market (Beijing): A paradise for tea lovers with hundreds of shops.
  • Tea shops in Hangzhou or Suzhou: High quality, often with beautiful packaging for gifts.
• Shopping tips:
  • Taste the tea before buying to ensure quality.
  • Choose reputable stores or large supermarkets to avoid counterfeit products.
  • Buy vacuum-packed tea for easier storage and transport.

>>> See more: Do You Need a Visa to Travel to China?? - Comprehensive Answer

2. Handicrafts - Traditional Beauty

China is famous for exquisite handicraft products, showcasing skill and rich cultural significance.

• Product suggestions:
  • Silk from Suzhou: Soft silk fabric, silk scarves or Ao Dai, priced from 500,000 - 3 million VND depending on type.
  • Ceramics from Jingdezhen: Vases, bowls with delicate patterns, priced from 200,000 - 5 million VND.
  • Calligraphy or ink wash paintings: Suitable for formal gifts, priced from 300,000 - 2 million VND.
  • Peking Opera Masks (Beijing): Unique souvenir gifts, priced from 100,000 - 500,000 VND.
• Where to buy:
  • Silk Market (Beijing): A variety of silk products and handicrafts.
  • Old Town of Lijiang (Yunnan): Many stalls selling local handicrafts.
  • Chenghuang Miao Night Market (Shanghai): An ideal place to find reasonably priced souvenirs.
• Shopping tips:
  • Check the quality of products, especially silk or ceramics, to avoid low-quality items.
  • Bargain prices at markets, but maintain a polite attitude.
  • Carefully pack fragile items before bringing them home.

3. Culinary Specialties - Flavors of China

Bringing back a taste of China is a wonderful way to share your travel experience with family and friends.

• Specialty suggestions:
  • Peking Duck (packaged): Vacuum-packed product, priced around 200,000 - 500,000 VND/package.
  • Mooncakes: Various fillings like red bean, lotus seed, priced from 50,000 - 200,000 VND/piece.
  • Tanghulu (Candied Fruit): Traditional fruit candy, priced around 20,000 - 50,000 VND/skewer, or buy a large package priced 100,000 - 300,000 VND.
  • Sichuan Hot Pot Spices: Spicy seasoning packets, priced from 50,000 - 150,000 VND/package.
• Where to buy:
  • Large supermarkets like Carrefour, Walmart in Beijing, Shanghai.
  • Wangfujing Night Market (Beijing): A variety of packaged specialties.
  • Specialty shops in Guangzhou or Chengdu.
• Shopping tips:
  • Check expiration dates and packaging to ensure quality.
  • Choose vacuum-packed products for easier customs clearance.
  • Avoid buying fresh foods like fruits to prevent issues at customs.

4. Traditional clothing and accessories

Clothing and accessories that are rich in Chinese culture make meaningful souvenirs.

Chinese jade jewelry

• Product suggestions:
  • Qipao: Elegant traditional attire, priced from 500,000 - 2 million VND depending on the material.
  • Jade jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, or pendants, priced from 300,000 - 5 million VND.
  • Chinese conical hat (Douli): Unique accessory, priced from 100,000 - 300,000 VND.
• Where to buy:
  • Nanjing Road (Shanghai): Fashion and accessory shopping center.
  • Chenghuangmiao Market (Shanghai): Many stalls selling qipao and jewelry.
  • Suzhou Ancient Town: Tailor shops for custom qipao.
• Shopping tips:
  • Choose the right size or order a custom qipao for a perfect fit.
  • Check the quality of jade to avoid buying fake products.
  • Negotiate prices at markets, but prioritize reputable stores to ensure quality.

>>> See more: Travel Costs for Self-Guided Tours in China Budget-Friendly and Effective

5. Electronics and technology (if you love technology)

China is a global technology hub where you can find good deals on electronic products.

• Product suggestions:
  • Phone accessories: Cases, headphones, power banks from brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, priced from 100,000 - 1 million VND.
  • Small gadgets: Bluetooth speakers, affordable smartwatches, priced from 500,000 - 2 million VND.
• Where to buy:
  • Huaqiangbei Electronics Market (Shenzhen): A paradise for tech products.
  • Shopping malls in Beijing or Shanghai like Wangfujing, Xidan.
• Shopping tips:
  • Inspect products carefully to avoid counterfeit items.
  • Request a receipt and warranty if purchasing expensive devices.
  • Ensure products are compatible with voltage and technical standards in Vietnam.

Notes when shopping in China

• Price negotiation: At markets, prices are often higher than actual value, aim to negotiate down to about 50-70% of the original price.
• Quality check: Especially with silk, ceramics, or jade, inspect carefully to avoid fakes.
• Customs: Check regulations on the quantity of goods you can bring back to Vietnam, especially for food and electronics.
• Payment: Use WeChat Pay or Alipay for cashless transactions, or carry Renminbi (CNY) as many places do not accept international cards.
• Receipt: Request a receipt for returns if necessary, especially at large stores.
• Careful packaging: Ensure fragile items are well-wrapped to avoid damage during transport.

Be sure to check carefully to avoid counterfeit items

Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to explore and shop in China! Whether you want to bring back delicious Longjing tea, exquisite Suzhou silk, or unique specialties, we will help you have the most complete experience. Visit nvktravel.com for free consultation and to book a tour to travel in China with attractive offers.