What to Buy

Souvenirs like key chains, pins and T-shirts, etc., are universally available at any tourist sight. But for a bit more special Chinese items, you'll have to search at markets. Here we give you a list of recommended items to buy. Enjoy and bring an empty suitcase!

Brocade (織錦 zhijin)

A type of silk. Colorful and more durable than types of silk, its intricate patterns adorn many household items, such as pillows, curtains and tablecloths.

Batik (蠟染 Laran)

Wax drawn on cloth and then dyed in indigo. After removing the wax a unique pattern emerges against the dark color.

Carpet (地毯/掛毯 Ditan/Guatan)

Wall carpets and floor carpets alike, of all sizes, adorned with beautiful Chinese designs.

Carved Lacquerware (漆器 Qiqi)

Layered lacquer ornament (such as plate or vase) which is intricately carved by hand.

Ceramic (陶瓷 Taoci)

Chopsticks (筷子 Kuaizi)

Cloisonné (景泰藍(lán) Jingtailan)

First appearing in the 13th century, it is a local enamel handicraft made with roughcast brass and copper wire inlay.

Silk (絲綢 Sichou)

Fine, smooth and exquisite, China has been famous for silk products for hundreds of years.

Jade Carving (玉雕 Yudiao)

Following a truly ancient trade, these hand-carved objects are both valuable and collectable.

Sandalwood Fan (檀香扇 Tanxiangshan)

Chinese Writing Brush (毛筆 Maobi)

Chinese Calligraphy and Painting (書畫 Shuhua)

Originals are very expensive, but you can find cheap, quality reproductions.

Ink Stone (硯 Yan)

Add water and grind the ink stick here to prepare your ink.

Pearl (珍珠 Zhenzhu)

Ink Stick (墨 Mo)

Made from soot, and used in combination with an ink stone to make liquid ink for Chinese paintings and calligraphies.

Chop/Seal (印章 Yinzhang)

An unmistakable Chinese souvenir. Be sure to get the traditional red ink paste with it.

Dough Figurine (面人 Mianren)

A typical Beijing handicraft made of wheat flour and glutinous rice flour.

Kite (風(fēng)箏 Fengzheng)

Tea (茶 Cha)

Painted Snuff Bottle (鼻煙壺 Biyanhu)

Mostly made of glass, these little delicate bottles are painted from the inside.

Embroidery (刺繡 Cixiu)

Silky, colorful and delicate, the art of embroidery has several regional styles.

Quotations from Chairman Mao (毛主席語(yǔ)錄)

Alias "The Little Red Book" with quotes from Mao on such diverse topics as War and Peace, the Mass Line, Women, Education, and Servitude. It can be bought at Pearl Market.

Qipao Dress (旗袍)