Friendship Stores

In China,friendship stores are appointed to provide services to foreign visitors. This kind of stores is always run by the state with a variety of goods available including silk, jewelry made from gold, silver, pearl and jade, embroidered tablecloths and blouses, paintings, four treasures of the study, porcelain, pottery and handicrafts.

All goods are marked with prices and quality is guaranteed. Bargaining is acceptable.Travellers cheque can be changed there.Prices may be slightly higher than at other Chinese stores but the goods are of higher quality and some items are unavailable elsewhere.

Department Stores

Most of them are run by the state with others by individual or joint venture. They mainly cover all kind of articles of everyday use. Bargaining is seldom acceptable.Look for sales.

Markets

Markets are an ideal place to purchase some cheap and piddling articles. The price is flexible and you could practise your bargaining skill there.

Factories

If you prefer to buy some artwork at a lower price, you could go directly to the factories.Every arts and crafts factory has a showroom where visitors can buy what is made there.

Beside, most of the luxury hotels have their own shopping mall where various souvenirs and daily articles offered.