What to Buy in China in 2025?

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“What to buy in China?” is a question that many travelers often wonder about. With the wide variety of souvenirs available, choosing a meaningful gift suitable for family or friends can sometimes be challenging. If you don’t know where to start, join iVISA to explore the following suggestions, which will help you easily select gifts that are both unique and culturally significant.

Why Buy Specialty Gifts When Traveling in China?

Purchasing specialty gifts while traveling in China not only allows you to bring home memories but also shows care for the recipients. Traditional products such as Longjing tea, Suzhou silk, or Jingdezhen ceramics are often 30 – 50% cheaper than in Vietnam, while maintaining high quality.

Beyond economic value, specialty gifts also carry cultural and health significance. Longjing tea, with over 5,000 years of history, symbolizes Chinese tea culture. It can be enjoyed while benefiting health, as it contains natural antioxidants. Jingdezhen ceramics showcase traditional craftsmanship, making a gift both elegant and sophisticated.

These gifts suit a variety of recipients and occasions. You might choose tea or silk for parents or bosses, or select fine ceramics and crafts for close friends. Therefore, buying specialty gifts becomes an essential part of exploring China, offering both sentimental value and memorable experiences.

So, what should you buy in China? Let’s explore the top recommended gifts suggested by iVISA!

Top Gifts to Buy When Traveling in China

“What to buy in China?” is a common question for many Vietnamese travelers visiting a country of over 1.4 billion people. China is not only known for its long-standing culture but also for producing countless specialties and products loved worldwide. Choosing gifts that are meaningful and culturally rich can often be challenging.

Gifts for Family

“What to buy in China for parents, spouses, or relatives?” is a question that many travelers face. Gifts for family members are not just souvenirs; they also express care, affection, and connection. When choosing, prioritize products that carry cultural value and health benefits. Each gift tells its own story, conveying your heartfelt sentiments to loved ones.

Gift	Famous Region	Approximate Price (CNY)
Longjing Tea	Hangzhou	120 – 260
Suzhou Silk	Suzhou	80 – 300
Fujian Fruit Preserves	Fujian	15 – 40
Sichuan Spices	Sichuan	20 – 100
“Fu Lu Shou” Calligraphy	Beijing, Shanghai	30 – 150
Domestic Chinese Cosmetics	Beijing, Shanghai	10 – 200

Gifts for Colleagues

If you are traveling to China, what gifts can you bring back for colleagues? How can you choose something that is thoughtful yet maintains professional etiquette? iVISA suggests several ideal gifts that are compact, meaningful, and easy to carry.

Gift	Famous Region	Approximate Price (CNY)
Jingdezhen Ceramics	Jingdezhen	100 – 800
Packaged Chicken Feet	Beijing, Shanghai	30 – 150
Carved Chopsticks Set	Suzhou, Beijing	5 – 50
Lucky Knot	Beijing, Suzhou	5 – 20

Gifts for Friends

When traveling in China, you may want to send thoughtful gifts to close friends at home. Consider practical items such as snacks or small electronic devices. These gifts are easy to bring back and show care and attention to your friends.

Gift	Famous Region	Approximate Price (CNY)
Spicy Sichuan Snacks	Sichuan	10 – 50
“Fu Lu Shou” Calligraphy	Sichuan	25 – 60
Paper Fan	Hangzhou	15 – 50
Small Electronics	Shenzhen	50 – 500

Read more: What to Wear When Traveling to China

Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in China

If you are wondering “What to buy in China and where to start?”, choosing the right shopping locations will determine the value and experience of your gifts. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2023, tourism combined with shopping accounted for about 34% of China’s total shopping value. This shows that when visiting China, you will enter a vast, diverse, and rich shopping market, perfect for finding meaningful and high-quality souvenirs.

Shopping in Northern China

Beijing is not only a thousand-year-old historical center but also a shopping paradise for those asking, “What to buy in China?” The China Tourism Academy reported that over 72% of Vietnamese tourists visiting Beijing purchase souvenirs from famous markets and commercial streets. Wangfujing is an ideal stop to hunt for exquisite gifts, from ceramics and calligraphy to Feng Shui products. These gifts carry artistic value and are perfect for parents, bosses, or close relatives.

Shopping tips in Beijing include carefully inspecting products. For ceramics, tap lightly to hear a clear sound and observe the glaze. For calligraphy, check each stroke and paper quality to ensure authenticity. Paying via WeChat Pay or scanning QR codes on Taobao helps verify origin and store reliability. These tips are also useful for self-guided China trips or business visits with a Chinese business visa, making your journey convenient and enjoyable.

Shopping in Southern China

Exploring southern China reveals a diverse range of souvenirs, blending modernity with traditional values. Shanghai, particularly Nanjing Road, attracts many visitors with high-quality silk, domestic cosmetics, and creative fashion products. More than 60% of Vietnamese tourists visit Nanjing Road to buy silk and cosmetics, especially in summer when stores offer up to 30% discounts.

For edible gifts, Sichuan markets provide signature spicy snacks, while Fujian is famous for preserved fruits. When buying, prioritize sealed packaging with clear expiration dates and choose reputable stores to avoid counterfeit items. These gifts not only reflect Chinese culinary culture but are also convenient for self-guided trips.

Shopping for Electronics

If your recipient is a tech enthusiast, Shenzhen must be on your list. Known as China’s “technology hub,” the city offers electronics from laptops and tablets to accessories and smartphones at prices 20 – 40% cheaper than in Vietnam, with quality assured.

Young students preparing to study in China will find Shenzhen’s electronics markets very attractive. It’s an opportunity to equip study tools at reasonable costs, with easy warranty services. You can also buy tech gifts for friends or colleagues, combining modernity and practicality without spending too much.

Tips to Avoid Scams and Bring Items Back to Vietnam

When traveling in China, especially to traditional markets or popular shopping streets, being unprepared may lead to buying counterfeit goods or overpaying. According to Travel China Guide, international tourists can spend 20 – 30% more if they don’t know how to check products.

Tips to Avoid Scams

Negotiate 30 – 50% off listed prices and always request a receipt. When buying Longjing tea, Suzhou silk, or Jingdezhen ceramics, inspect materials, craftsmanship, and colors carefully.

For electronics, especially in Shenzhen, test all functions, check origins, and request official warranty receipts. These steps ensure the quality of products you bring back to Vietnam.

Regulations for Bringing Items to Vietnam

Following customs regulations prevents trouble and ensures the safety of your luggage. According to Vietnam Customs, each passenger may carry a maximum of 5kg of food products. Fresh meat, seafood, or other perishable foods are prohibited.

For snacks, preserves, or spices, choose sealed products with clear expiration dates and buy from reputable stores. Keep invoices and warranty cards for electronics to prove origin if checked by customs. Compliance saves time, costs, and ensures gifts or devices arrive safely in Vietnam.

Read more: China Q2 Visa

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping in China

How to buy gifts without exceeding the budget?

Set a budget in advance and check average prices on apps like Taobao or WeChat. Bargain 30 – 50% off listed prices at markets to buy quality gifts while saving money.

How to communicate and shop if you don’t know Chinese?

Use translation apps like Google Translate or scan QR codes for product information in English. Digital payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay also display product details, making shopping easy without fluency in Chinese.

Are electronics bought in China under warranty?

Yes. Reputable stores provide official warranty cards. Always check items thoroughly before leaving the store.

The above guide from iVISA answers the question, “What to buy in China?” With these suggestions, you can easily select meaningful gifts while saving costs. If you are planning a trip to China, contact iVISA for full support visa China from A – Z and enjoy a perfect journey today!

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