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China

Handicraft shopping in China

  1. A

    Paramita

    If you can’t make it to Tibet, at least swing by Paramita for its inspiring collection of souvenirs, including yak-bone amulets (Y90), masks, jewellery, framed mandalas and other Buddhist treasures from the Himalayas. It’s a nonprofit organisation, founded to help Tibetans with minimal education find employment.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Amdo Café

    Profits from the lovely handmade Tibetan gifts (from Y6) sold here go back to the local craftswomen. There's also decent coffee (from Y8).

    reviewed

  3. C

    Brocade Country

    Exquisite collection of minority handicrafts from China's southwest, personally selected by the owner Liu Xiaolan, a Guìzhōu native.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Skylight

    Sneak into this incense-perfumed nook for its delicious haul of Tibetan handmade soap, silks, ethnic jewellery, devotional objects, antiques, furniture and ethnic swimwear.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Springhead

    A handicrafts shop with an intriguing collection of folk-art prints as well as diaries, paper cuts and communist-era enamel mugs.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Lhasa Villages Handicrafts

    A wander through the Tibetan old town leads to this excellent shop established to bolster local handicrafts in the face of rising Nepali and Chinese imports. Quality and prices are top end, and you can watch local craftspeople at work in the courtyard. The shop (formerly known as Dropenling) is a little tricky to find, but as you get nearer you'll see signs pointing the way. Ask about the two-hour walking tours of old-town craft workshops.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Av Ateliê

    This Portuguese-owned shop in the St Lazarus district sells handcrafted toys, bags and other pretty paraphernalia (MOP$60 to MOP$800). Cash only.

    reviewed