Hangzhou
One of a number of slick, modern shopping malls to pop up close to the West Lake. Find the usual high-street and international brands here. There are a…
Must-see shopping in China
Shenyang
Near the Main Train Station is Taiyuan Jie, one of Shenyang’s major shopping streets, with department stores and an extensive underground shopping street …
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
Head upstairs for English-language books, including a good selection of Hong Kong–related titles, at this reassuringly cluttered bookstore. Also sells…
Ürümqi
Almost directly opposite the China Southern Airlines Hotel, this small shop rents camping gear such as tents (per day ¥15), sleeping bags (per day ¥10)…
Jiangxi
This multistorey shopping centre, specialising entirely in porcelain, isn't as pleasant a place to shop for ceramics as the Sculpture Factory, but it sure…
Qinghai
This Tibetan traditional handmade clothing shop sells a lovely range of tops, shirts and full-length Tibetan coats. Prices range from ¥200 for a shirt to …
Hongqiao International Pearl City
Shanghai
Popular with expats, the 2nd floor of this market has a selection of freshwater and saltwater pearls that is worth a browse. There’s a relaxed atmosphere…
Macau
In a gritty working-class neighbourhood, this shop/gallery/exhibition space showcases Macau designers. Look out for handmade ceramics, leather bags,…
Inner Mongolia
Opposite Dà Zhào monastery, this Qing-era-look street is packed with stalls selling Mongolian tat, jade and Buddhist and Mao memorabilia.
Hong Kong
Britain’s Harvey Nichols has brought its diverse, profuse and on-the-pulse range of couture and smart street fashions to Hong Kong, occupying four floors…
Guangzhou
More for oolong aficionados than casual browsers, this is a wholesale area spanning block after block of tea shops, along with entire malls selling leaves…
Kunming
Good spot for novels and a selection of travel writing in English and other languages, as well as books on Yunnan itself and a small selection of maps of…
Beijing
One of a handful of hip stores along Wudaoying Hutong specialising in Chinese vintage homewares, together with secondhand apparel and handbags, sourced…
Hong Kong
Buy a handset, unlock your phone or buy a SIM. Nearby, there are a couple of more general electronics stores selling everything from memory cards to…
Dunhuang
This particularly elegant and top-end shop in the Shazhou Night Market area sells tea, dates and ceramics as well as other local produce. Good for gift…
Temple of the Eight Immortals Antique Market
Xi'an
A small antique market sells its wares by the Temple of the Eight Immortals on Sunday and Wednesday mornings.
Hong Kong
Wu Lai-fan’s very wearable dresses are a clever mix of vintage-style fabric and 1980s silhouettes. The shop also carries some of her own designs.
Beijing
Taiwanese bicycle brand Giant stocks a decent range of bikes starting at around ¥1000, as well as accessories like helmets, locks and baby seats.
Hong Kong
Another flash shopping mall, part of the Landmark group, with a slightly more eclectic collection of shops than you'll find in the main Landmark.
Aberdeen & South Hong Kong Island
This showroom of the cute and eclectic Homeless store stocks smaller objects like chic organiser trays, funky desk lamps, and Miffy Bunny dolls.
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
This fab little shop sells climbing and hiking gear and pretty much everything you need to tackle Hong Kong’s hills and country parks.
Kowloon
Prices at this computer mall are cheap but language can be a barrier, and you’ll see more finished products than computer components.
Kashgar
Ahmed and his son run this Old Town carpet shop, offering a good selection of antique and new carpets from across Central Asia.
Hong Kong
This basement shop has a vast selection of English-language books and magazines, covering everything from business to cooking.
Kowloon
A locally run bookshop strong on Hong Kong–related titles. Go upstairs for a bargain selection of used or shop-worn books.
Nanjing
There's a big collection of hardback and paperback novels on the 2nd floor, where there's also a small and very quiet cafe.
Guangzhou
You'll find hundreds of bargain-basement microelectronics retailers in shops and malls straddling this part of Tianhe Lu.
Macau
A bicycle shop where you can get your wheels repaired, buy parts and even a brand new bike should you need one.
Gansu
You can hardly miss this simply colossal mall which has everything you might need, as well as fast food.
Aberdeen & South Hong Kong Island
No big bargains or big stings, just reasonably priced casual clothes (including big sizes and children's wear), bric-a-brac, souvenirs and formulaic art,…
Henan
This crowded warren of clothes and food stalls in the block northeast of February 7 Sq is not a bad place to stock up on socks, undies and T-shirts,…
Shigatse
In this grimy, open-air market in Shigatse's old town you can pick up low-grade Tibetan crafts and souvenirs, such as prayer wheels, rosaries and…
Wuhan
This restored strip of concession-era architecture is one of Wuhan's prominent outdoor dining and shopping areas. There are a few Chinese restaurants here…
Hong Kong
The rabbit warren of tiny shops in this '80s-style shopping arcade caters to the needs of the Filipino domestic helpers working in Hong Kong, who, on…
Hong Kong
The staff who run this business can help find almost anything you're looking for... Tang figurines, tricoloured ancient pottery, porcelain from the Ming…
Lanzhou
The gods probably would not approve, but this former house of Taoist worship has been turned into one of Lanzhou’s most atmospheric shopping venues…
Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central
Established in 1958, this state-run relic stocks a dog-eared selection of English-language fiction on the ground floor, past the display of works by…
Beijing
Philatelists might get a kick from rummaging through this stock of Chinese postage stamps (邮票; yóupiào). Ask the boss if you want to view any from the…
