317 Best Places to Shop in China

Shangxiajiu, officially known as Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Road, is a massive warren of old buildings and shops and considered the user-friendly heart of Old Guangzhou, otherwise known as "Xiguan." The half-mile main street is a pedestrian mall lined with hundreds of shops and department stores. The buildings in Shangxiajiu are old, but the stores are the same ones as in "modern Guangzhou." Even though the overall decibel level hovers around deafening, the area isn't without its charms. Our favorite shops are the small storefronts offering dried-fruit samples, which are very addictive. There's also a wide variety of street stalls selling a large selection of delicious edibles.

Just east of the CBD, this sophisticated mall is a quiet, refined refuge—probably because the goods are too expensive for the masses; the luxury and mid-range brands include Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Agnès B, and Club Monaco. If you get peckish, there's an excellent dumpling eatery called Din Tai Fung.

The Venetian Macao’s Italy-theme megamall comes complete with cobblestone walkways, arched bridges, an artificial blue sky, and working canals manned by singing gondoliers (rides are MOP$208). Its 330-plus boutiques include all the big-name lifestyle brands and luxury labels in fashion, accessories, gifts, and sporting goods. You’ll also find more than 20 restaurants and a 1,000-seat international food court. Don’t be surprised to see wandering stilt walkers, violinists, and juggling jesters, especially around St. Mark’s Square, which hosts daily live performances. The mall also connects with the Shoppes at Four Seasons, Shoppes at Parisian, and Shoppes at The Londoner.

Malls, markets, and outlets are a part of tailor-made tours led by Shopping 4 U. Book through Concorde Travel (2524–5121www.concorde-travel.com). Daylong tours cost HK$710 per person (10-person minimum).

Everything Sin Sin does is dynamic, exciting, and unique. Her conceptual, minimalist clothing, jewelry, and accessories retain a Hong Kong character, while drawing from other influences—especially Indonesian. Garments are inspired by international fashion, and her silver jewelry features beautiful geometric designs that she calls "artsy yet wearable." The multitalented Sin Sin has a fine-art gallery across the street and also performs Cantonese opera in venues such as City Hall.

Works by diverse emerging and established artists from Indonesia, Thailand, mainland China, Hong Kong, and other Asian and European countries reveal the aesthetic tastes of lively Hong Kong designer and entrepreneur Sin Sin Man. There are also regular exhibitions and artist talks.

A lynchpin of the Causeway Bay shopping scene, Japanese brand Sogo's main branch has 16 floors of clothing, housewares, and personal-care items. The selection of street wear, makeup, and accessories is particularly strong, with a dazzling variety of Asian and international labels represented. A vast basement-level grocery store keeps the Japanese expat community happily fed.

This California-style, outdoor shopping complex has a rather enviable location alongside Chaoyang Park, a huge expanse of green space on the east side of the city. It's certainly something Solana's impressive lakeside strip of wine bars and terraces takes full advantage of. As for the shopping, it pulls in a decent list of names: H&M, Zara, Stradivarius, and Muji—as well as Demeter's always-interesting selection of scents—"wet dirt" fragrance anybody?

A good place to shop for souvenirs is Song Xian Qiao Antique City, the country's second-largest antiques market, with more than 500 separate stalls selling everything from Mao-era currency to fake Buddha statues to wonderful watercolor paintings. It's near Du Fu's Cottage and Wu Hou Temple. The market does not get into full swing until late morning. There are several noodle shops and teahouses surrounding the market and river.

Always counter offer with less than half the asking price and proceed from there.

Korean-English ex-lawyer Sonjia Norman crafts quietly luxurious, one-of-a-kind pieces and modified vintage clothing under the Sonjia label. Her clothes span occasions from yoga classes to dinner parties; plus, the boutique also offers an array of jewelry, scarves, and home accessories.

The respected auction house opened here in 1973 and has operated its own 15,000-square-foot gallery since 2012. Come for lectures, exhibitions, cultural events, and for the rare chance to gaze upon Sotheby's diamonds. If you’re feeling flush, consider attending an auction (dates for upcoming ones are posted on the website); paintings, ceramics, watches, and wine are only some of the items that go up on the block.

This trendy ceramics shop near the 798 Art District features the work of several talented Shanghainese designers who take traditional plates, vases, and vessels and give them a unique and delightful twist. Prices are surprisingly inexpensive.

Check out the Sporthouse chain for trendy sneakers and other casual footwear by brands like Nike, Puma, Adidas, Converse, and Birkenstock.

Local bad boy Henry Lau brings an edgy attitude to his fashion for men and women. Bold and often dark, with a touch of bling, his clothing and accessories lines are not for the fainthearted. 

Pick up fine examples of hand-embroidered silk as well as Suzhou double-sided embroidery at this showroom and workshop. Custom pieces can be ordered and shipped internationally.

Kashgar's famous Sunday Market consists of two bazaars with a distance of almost 10 km (6 miles) between them. The Yengi Bazaar on Aizilaiti Lu (Aizerete Road), about 1½ km (1 mile) northeast of the city center, is open every day, but on Sunday the surrounding streets overflow with vendors hawking everything from boiled sheep's heads to sunglasses. In the covered section you can bargain for decorative knives, embroidered fabrics, and all sorts of Uyghur-themed souvenirs. Behind the bazaar, rows of sleepy donkeys nod off in the bright sunlight, their carts lined up neatly beside them. For the best photos, however, you'll need to head over to the Livestock Market, a 20-minute taxi ride northwest of town. Every Sunday, farmers here tug recalcitrant sheep off their trucks, scarf-shrouded women preside over heaps of red eggs, and old Uyghur men squat over baskets of chickens, haggling over the virtues and vices of each hapless hen. In the market for a camel? You can buy one here. In the small shops surrounding the market you can get an Old World–style straight-razor shave from a Uyghur barber or grab a bowl of laghman noodles, knowing that it's flavored with meat that is very, very fresh.

One of Asia's largest malls, this 10-story behemoth has a mind-boggling array of international shops and food stops, as well as a cineplex. It can be overwhelming if you don't love to shop.

Sold here are beautifully embroidered handmade shoes and slippers for men and women, with quirky designs such as cabbages. You’ll also find funky round handled bags, gorgeous children’s shoes and more intricate accessories and trinkets.

Since 1956, the Suzhou Cultural Relics Store has been selling antiques, calligraphy, jades, and other items. Prepare to bargain on price.

Near the North Pagoda, the well-stocked Suzhou Silk Museum Shop is the main reason folks come to the Silk Musuem.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Tai Ping is highly regarded for its custom-made rugs and wall-to-wall carpets. It takes 2½ to 3 months to make specially ordered carpets; you can specify color, thickness, and even the direction of the weave. Tai Ping's occasional sales—where you can find a sampling of ready-made rugs marked down at least 20%—are well worth attending.

More popularly known as Toy Street, this lively market is a fun stroll for both kids and adult toy collectors. Vintage collectibles and modern playthings line the stalls from floor to ceiling, so prepare to dig around a bit for what you want. It's also a great spot to buy local produce like dried seafood and festive decorative items. 

A lively mix of clothing, footwear, household goods, and souvenir tea sets can be found at this bustling street market walking distance from the Tsingtao Beer Museum.

Housing more than 180 brands—both big names and new boutiques—TaiKoo Hui is one of the most sophisticated shopping experiences in Guangzhou. Look for bookstore Fang Suo, which is a great place to sit down with your laptop. The Food Garden on the third floor is also a relaxing place to grab a bite outdoors. There are a number of eateries on the mezzanine level, including the likes of Din Tai Fung, Jade Garden, and Kee Wah Bakery.

The default destination for all expats, this fashionable complex, split into two zones, gets the nod for its great range of stores at all price points, cool architecture, and fun people-watching. Taikoo Li South houses the biggest Adidas store in the world, as well as branches of Uniqlo, Steve Madden, I.T, and the busiest Apple store you'll ever see. The newer and more upscale Taikoo Li North has designer stores such as Alexander Wang and Emporio Armani. There's also a boutique cinema and some great restaurants and bars.

A regular in Hong Kong high society, Sir David Tang recently opened lifestyle boutique Tang Tang Tang Tang (meant to be sung like Beethoven’s Fifth). The entrepreneur is also behind classy China Club and iconic Shanghai Tang, so you know this spot is going to be good. Settled right under The Pawn’s heritage facade, TTTT is all about throwback colonial decor, with a creative western twist and a touch of whimsy. There are even daily tours of the ground floor (built in 1888 and originally home to the Lo family pawnshop) to show off the preserved staircase and architectural elements. As for the collection, it’s all very retro chic—even the rice maker has been classed up beyond recognition. TTTT is great for cheeky gifts, comfy pajamas, funky gadgets, and housewares that marry past and present with eye-catching results.

On the road between Lhasa and Gongga Airport is the Tanva Carpet Workshop. The artisans here use handspun Tibetan highland wool to make both traditional and contemporary carpets using natural dyes. Even if you're not buying, it's interesting to see the whole carpet-making process from start to finish. Tanva makes the carpets that are sold in Torana stores in Beijing and Shanghai. Call ahead to arrange a visit.

Unusual old and new objects from around the globe are sold at the Tào Gallery. Look for black-and-white photography and contemporary or rustic art, as well as furniture that conveys an eclectic Asian spirit. Find them near the steps below Man Mo Temple, just off of Hollywood Road.

Literally a thousand tea shops perfume the air of this prime tea-shopping district, west of the city center. Midway down this near-mile-long strip looms the Teajoy Market, the Silk Alley of teas. Unless you're an absolute fanatic, it's best to visit a handful of individual shops, crashing tea parties wherever you go. Vendors will invite you to sit down in heavy wooden chairs to nibble on pumpkin seeds and sample their large selections of black, white, oolong, jasmine, and chrysanthemum teas. Prices range from a few kuai for a decorative container of loose green tea to thousands of yuan for an elaborate gift set. Tea Street is also the place to stock up on clay and porcelain teapots and service sets. Green and flower teas are sold loose; black teas are sold pressed into disks and wrapped in natural-colored paper. Despite the huge selection of drinking vessels available, you'll find that most locals drink their tea from a recycled glass jar.

British collector Teresa Coleman specializes in finely woven and embroidered costumes and textiles from the imperial courts of the Qing and Ming dynasties (circa 1368–1912). Her upstairs showroom also displays a wide collection of Tibetan rugs, Himalayan Buddhist art, antique painted and carved fans, lacquered boxes, prints, and paintings. By appointment only.