Shopping

You will have fun shopping in China today. There is an incredible choice of boutique shops, department stores, and hotel shopping arcades to browse through. Or you can try bargain hunting at one of the new "free markets" that are springing up all over the country. You're sure to be dazzled by the unique array of aesthetic and practical gifts available in China. You will find everything from high quality silks and porcelains to antique screens and traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Throughout China shops offer unique ceramics, paintings, stone rubbings, embroideries, carpets, furniture, jade carvings, custom-carved signature chops, antiques, books, and much more. Shop personnel will often pack and arrange for shipping bulky purchases back home. Prices are usually clearly marked in stores and shops, and some staff in major tourist areas can speak little English. Don't miss browsing through one of the state run Friendship Stores; they are still some of the best places to find an excellent selection of quality merchandise, plus you'll find a complete supermarket of Chinese delicacies to bring to friends back home.

[ A look at what fun things you can bring home from China ]

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  A shop full of traditional Chinese paper cuttings
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  A local artisan decorates a traditional Chinese paper fan
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  Pearls are a wonderful bargain in China and once you start, it's difficult to stop buying
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  Silk slippers in various colors, styles and sizes
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  A small framed set of Beijing Opera masks for the wall
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  Chopsticks with endless designs, even lavendar gingham!