What to Buy in China? - Best Things to Buy as Souvenirs

Top 10 Best Things to Buy in China

Written by Maren Hamilton | Updated August 21,2025

China isn’t just a country full of beautiful landscapes, great food, and rich culture – it’s also an amazing shopping destination! Whether you’re looking for a souvenir to always remind you of your unforgettable trip or just hoping to take advantage of the lower prices, China has it all… As long as you know what you’re looking for!

Not sure what to get the next time you’re there? No worries. Here’s a list of the top 10 best things to buy in China so you can be sure you don’t miss a thing.

What to Buy in China for Foodies

Tea

If you’re only going to buy one thing in China, let it be tea. Even if you think you’re not a fan, China will prove you wrong. With so many different flavours and styles of preparation, you’re bound to find something you like, and even if you somehow don’t, you’ll still fall in love with the meditative peace of Chinese tea ceremonies.

Not only is tea one of the best things to buy in China, it’s also one of the most accessible given how beloved it is across the country. True tea aficionados, however, will no doubt want to go to the source to get the best version of their preferred variety possible. For Longjing tea (also known as Dragon Well tea), go to Hangzhou; oolong tea is a speciality of Fujian province; and for pu’er tea, Yunnan is the place to be. >>See more famous Chinese teas.

Recommended China Tours including Tea Culture Experience:

Porcelain and Ceramics

Once you’ve gotten your tea, you’ll need something to prepare it with, and that’s where the next best thing to buy in China comes in: porcelain and ceramics! Of course, you’re not limited to teapots. There’s a reason why fine dishes are called China – the country has long since been famous for its pottery and ceramics, which makes them great buys for anyone looking for a Chinese souvenir that comes with a bit of prestige. Whether you’re looking for something more simple made of orange clay, a traditional blue and white porcelain, or something more unique and modern, there’s sure to be something that will catch your eye.

Local Snacks and Drinks

One of the most fun aspects of going to China is the food – not only does it taste good, it’s often a fun and novel experience, too. There are traditional delicacies like Peking duck and mooncakes for those who want a more culturally meaningful food experience, the infamously strong alcohol baijiu for those who want to have a good time, and of course tons of unique and “strange” snacks for those with a sense of adventure. If you’re looking for something fun to buy in China that you can share with your friends and family back home, it’s hard to go wrong with food.

What to Buy in China for Fashionistas

Hanfu/Traditional Clothing in China

Looking for something more unique to buy while you’re in China? Look no further than hanfu. While the term literally means “Han clothes”, it’s commonly used to refer to historical wear from a variety of time periods and ethnic groups. Many of the outfits are also relatively affordable, so they’re a perfect gift to buy for kids, too – you’ll love seeing them run around as little lords and ladies!

You can often find hanfu shops in more traditional areas, such as Shantang Street in Suzhou, Hefang Street in Hangzhou or Datang Ever Bright City in Xian. Many of them rent the clothes and do photoshoots for customers, but some are also sellers. If you can’t find the perfect piece in-person, though, don’t worry! Just ask a Chinese friend to help you look online, where you’ll find endless colour and style options.

Related reading: Traditional Chinese Clothing

Chinese Opera Masks

Chinese opera is an experience. Either you love the singing, or you absolutely can’t stand it. One thing everyone can agree on, though, is how eye-catching the masks are… So why not take one home? Each one represents a different character archetype, from the righteous red mask to the evil white mask, so it’s the perfect thing to buy during your trip to China if you want a conversation piece that will help you show off your Chinese cultural knowledge. Bonus points if you can learn how to perform biàn liǎn (变脸), the traditional art of mask quick changes in Sichuan opera!

Recommended Tours with Opera Experience:

Hand Fans and Paper Umbrellas

One of the worst things about loving fashion is having to compromise style for practicality, especially when the weather is bad… Which is why traditional hand fans and paper umbrellas make great purchases during your time in China! If you’re headed to China during the monsoon season, they can be a lifesaver, but they’re not just useful for the blazing heat and pouring rain. Thanks to their beautiful design and craftsmanship, they also make for wonderful decorations when they’re not being used. They also tend to be relatively inexpensive, so if

you’re looking for a cheaper souvenir to remind you of your amazing trip to China, it’s hard to find a better option.

What to Buy in China for Art Lovers

Silk and Embroidery

For artistic people looking for something a little luxurious to buy during their time inChina, look no further than silk. It might seem weird to put it under art lovers rather than for fashionistas, but China’s silk products aren’t just limited to clothes. Whether you want a tailor-made qipao, bedding, a painting, or anything else you can imagine, you’ll be able to find it in China – you can even buy bolts of cloth if you have your own project in mind!

Hangzhou and Suzhou are the best places to visit for silk, and while you’re there, you might as well admire the extraordinarily intricate embroidery work they’re known for as well. Who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect piece to take back with you!

Traditional Ink Artworks

There are few things that symbolise China better than their traditional ink paintings. Whether it’s the simple elegance of calligraphy or a more intricate and layered painting, there’s something for everyone. Given that ink artwork is one of the things China is most famous for, it’sa perfect souvenir to buy to commemorate your trip. Before you do, though, we’d recommend you learn more about Chinese calligraphy and painting so you can truly understand and appreciate the cultural artifact you’re taking home with you – though really, there’s no better way to learn than through a specially designed China tour!

Jade Carvings

If you’re looking for something a little more unique and special to buy in China, why not check out the country’s jade carvings? Jade has long since held a special place in Chinese culture, being associated with the soul, immortality, and heaven. You can find many different kinds of carved jade products in China: from simple jewelry pieces to huge jade statues, and from traditional Buddhas and dragons to more modern pieces. It’s a great souvenir for anyone who wants to bring back a symbol of Chinese culture home with them – just be sure to wrap it well!

What to Buy in China for Techies

Electronics

Nobody knows what a techie wants more than the techie themself. From the brand to the specifications, there are so many variables that go into buying the perfect gadget… But while we can’t help you know exactly what to buy a techie in China, we can tell you where to find it – Huaqiangbei, in Shenzhen. This area is famous for selling anything and everything electronics related, so whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it there. Just make sure to brush up on your haggling skills beforehand so you get the best price possible!

Related reading: Top Shopping Cities in China

Content Preview

What to Buy in China for Foodies