Shopping in China: Guangzhou and Shanghai Guide for Visitors

China is the world's workshop, and for many visitors from the Gulf, shopping is a big part of the trip. Guangzhou is the place for markets and wholesale prices; Shanghai is the place for brands, design and luxury.

Guangzhou: markets and wholesale

Guangzhou has been a trading city for over 2,000 years, and it still feels like one.

• Clothing markets: huge wholesale buildings around Shisanhang and Baima sell clothes at factory prices. Many sell by the bag or the dozen, but some sell single pieces.
• Tea: the Fangcun tea market is one of the largest in China, with hundreds of shops. Tasting is part of the fun.
• Jade and antiques: the Liwan area has jade markets and antique streets. Buy for beauty, not as an investment.
• Beijing Road pedestrian street: shops, brands and food, with a glass-covered view of the ancient road below.
• The Canton Fair: China's biggest trade fair, held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, for business buyers.

See our Guangzhou city page for the rest of the city.

Shanghai: brands, design and luxury

• Nanjing Road: the classic shopping street, from department stores to flagship shops, ending at the Bund.
• Lujiazui and West Nanjing Road: the luxury malls, with international brands.
• Xintiandi and Tianzifang: restored lane houses with boutiques, design shops and cafés.
• Silk and pearls: buy from reputable stores, and ask your guide to help you check quality.

See our Shanghai city page.

What to buy

• Tea: Pu'er, oolong, jasmine and Longjing green tea, with beautiful tea sets.
• Silk: scarves, pyjamas and bedding.
• Pearls and jade: with a certificate from a trusted shop.
• Electronics and accessories: chargers, gadgets and phone accessories at good prices.
• Fashion: Chinese designer brands are increasingly stylish and well-made.

How to pay

China is almost cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your Visa or Mastercard before you travel. Big malls also take cards. Read paying in China.

Bargaining

• In markets, bargaining is normal. Start at around half the asking price and smile.
• In malls and brand stores, prices are fixed.
• Your guide can help with translation, but the final decision is always yours.

Tax refunds for visitors

Visitors can claim back VAT at the airport on purchases from participating stores marked "Tax Free", above a minimum spend in one store on one day. Keep your receipts and refund forms, and leave time at the airport to have your goods checked.

Getting it home

• Check your airline's baggage allowance before a big shopping day.
• Many shops can arrange shipping, and we can recommend reliable couriers.
• If you plan to buy for business, tell us early: we can arrange a sourcing day with an interpreter.

How we help

Tell us what you want to buy and we'll plan the right markets, malls and timing, with a guide who knows how to bargain. Message us on WhatsApp for a free plan within 24 hours.

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