Where to shop in China

China is huge, and if you are visiting, you might want to buy something for yourself, as well as something for those back home.

So where are good places to shop?

Let's start by mentioning some bad places to shop:

at the airport (expensive)

on a tour where the guide takes you into every second shop

from street hawkers who pester you

So how about better places:

local markets

handicraft shops, particularly in ethnic minority areas

in art studios and places where you can see the products made.

So what makes good gifts to buy from China?

Chopsticks, silk, ethnic stuff, Tibetan stuff, Mao posters

And how much should you pay?

Some places will have marked prices, other places you have to bargain. Work out how much you want to pay for the item, first, then start bargaining.