When it comes to shopping for souvenirs, China is a perfect destination for tourists to open their wallets and bring home amazing gifts. There are plenty of cultural items, designer goods, and even cheap bargains. So here is our brief list of the best things to buy when you’re on a vacation to China. We will take you through the most popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, or Hangzhou to get a look into what these cities have to offer.
Chinese Souvenirs in Beijing
Beijing is not only the capital of China but also one of the most popular stops for cruise travelers visiting the country. During China shore excursions, visitors often have time to explore local markets, traditional streets, and cultural shops where authentic souvenirs can be found. From handmade figurines to imperial-style decorations, shopping in Beijing is a great way to experience Chinese culture beyond sightseeing.
If your cruise stops in Beijing (Tianjin port), you can easily combine sightseeing with shopping during guided tours. Many travelers choose day tours that include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and local markets where these traditional souvenirs are sold.
Beijing Dough Figurines Souvenir
Beijing has a quite unique traditional souvenir called dough figurines. They are mini statues made of glutinous rice flour and wheat, shaped into the figures of traditional characters. Not only a gift for children on special occasions, but it is also a product of high artistic value. Beijing dough figurines were first made about a thousand years ago, but only until the 16th century do they receive widespread attention. You can find them easily if you travel to China during the time of the Spring Festival.
Tuye – Lord Rabbit Figurines of Beijing
There is a local legend that in the past, Beijing was saved from a plague thanks to the help of Lord Rabbit – the maker of medicine that was sent from the moon. After that, the locals started making clay rabbit figurines in every Mid-Autumn Festival to express their gratitude. Lord Rabbit figurine is a very common souvenir in Beijing but not that easy to find elsewhere. They are the perfect gifts for friends and family members after an amazing China tour package because they represent happiness and luck.
Beijing Palace Lanterns
Lanterns have been popular items in China since the distant past. There are many types of lanterns with different purposes, and the Beijing palace lantern is one of the most significant. Appeared first in the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, they were special lanterns used only in the imperial palace. Beijing palace lanterns later became more popular and people started using them in their own houses. The lanterns have an overall shape of a hexagonal prism, with six sides made of painted silk or glass panes. They are also adorned with pretty little decorations. Because Beijing palace lanterns are high-quality handmade souvenirs, they can be quite costly, with prices vary from $60 to $700. They are also quite big compared to other types of souvenirs so it can be difficult to bring them home. However, they are certainly one of the most unique gifts in China and will bring you luck and ward off evil spirits, according to traditional belief.
Beijing Shore Excursions
- Duration: 2 Days
- Start/ End: Tianjin Port/ Tianjin Port
- Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Tour Category: Beijing Shore Excursions
Beijing Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Start/ End: Tianjin port/ Tianjin Port
- Highlights: Great Wall at Gubeikou & Jinshanling
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Tour Category: Beijing Shore Excursions
Beijing Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 - 9 hours
- Start/ End: Tianjin port/ Tianjin port
- Highlights: Tanzhe Temple, Marco Polo Bridge, Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Tour Category: Beijing Shore Excursions
Beijing Shore Excursions
- Duration: 3 Days
- Start/ End: Tianjin port/ Tianjin port
- Highlights: Summer Palace, Garden of Virtue and Harmony, Tian’an men Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Temple of Heaven
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Tour Category: Beijing Shore Excursions
Best Things to Buy in Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the best cities in China for modern shopping mixed with traditional souvenirs. Travelers visiting Shanghai during Shanghai shore excursions can explore both luxury shopping streets and local markets. Pearl jewelry, silk products, and traditional snacks are among the most popular items that visitors bring home after their trip.
Most cruise passengers arriving at Shanghai port have limited time, so guided tours that include shopping stops are highly recommended. These tours usually combine famous attractions such as The Bund, Yu Garden, and local shopping streets, making it easy to find meaningful gifts from China.
Shanghai Sweets And Confectioneries
Candy making is quite popular in Shanghai with ranges of pretty sweet shops that fill the streets. There you can find many types of delicious confectionery like quality chocolate, handmade truffles, and almond cookies as you travel through the city. Also, make sure not to miss the chance to get the White Rabbit candy. It is a famous type of candy that is made from butter, milk, and sugar with the outer layer made of edible rice paper. This gift is perfect to give to friends that have a sweet tooth. Shanghai sweets and confectioneries are easy to bring back home as they fit well in your suitcase. The best place to get them is in Xiaochengguang Snacks Shop, Danchang Candy Shop, and Harbin Food Factory.
Jewelries and Decorations Made of Pearls
Shanghai’s most iconic symbol that is often featured in Shanghai tours – the Pearl Tower, is an example of how popular this product is in the city. Shanghai is famous for being the best place to shop for beautiful pearls with a plethora of options, all at a reasonable price. The best souvenir that you can choose for yourself or your loved one is a shiny pearl necklace and a matching pair of earrings. It is a very meaningful gift in Chinese culture, a symbol of perfection, enlightenment, beauty, and purity. When used as a wedding gift, it will bring the couple with a wish of a happy marriage. To shop for the best pearl jewelry, check out Hongqiao International Pearl City, APAC Yinyang Market or Amylin’s Pearls – Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 hours
- Start/ End: Shanghai cruise terminal/ Shanghai cruise terminal
- Highlights: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou Museum, Suzhou Silk Museum
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Tour Category: Shanghai Shore Excursions
Shanghai Shore Excursions
- Duration: 2 Days
- Highlights: Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, The Great Mosque, Shaanxi Grand Opera House, Terra-cotta Warriors
- Start/ End: Shanghai Port/ Shanghai Port
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Tour Category: Shanghai Shore Excursions
Best of China Souvenir in Xi’an
Xi’an is one of the most important historical cities in China and a highlight for many travelers on China excursions. Because the Terracotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world, replicas and historical crafts are among the most popular souvenirs here.
During Xi’an shore excursions or nearby cruise ports, visitors often stop at local workshops where traditional pottery and Terracotta replicas are made. Buying souvenirs directly from these places not only ensures authenticity but also supports local artisans who preserve ancient Chinese craftsmanship.
Replicas Souvenirs of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Most travelers who visit Xi’an would most likely to take a tour to the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site to witness the thousands-year-old Terracotta Army. As they are not available to bring home as souvenirs, there are many replicas for you to purchase. The mini models of the Terracotta Army are made exactly to the real figures in the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site and are one of the most popular souvenirs here. This gift is a perfect representative of Chinese culture and art value.
Gifts Made of Tang Dynasty Tri-colored Pottery
One of the most famous products of the Tang Dynasty, tri-colored pottery has always been a lively symbol of a prosperous period in China’s history. With sophisticated techniques since the ancient past, the potters were able to create beautiful figures with bright colors of yellow, green and blue. Xi’an is the hometown of the Tang Dynasty Pottery and the best place to get them. Other than the pottery figures of traditional characters or animals, you can also find household items and utensils, such as bowls, plates, kettles, bottles, etc.
Chinese Souvenirs in Chengdu
Chengdu is famous not only for giant pandas but also for its relaxed lifestyle and unique local culture. Travelers visiting Sichuan during China shore excursions often look for panda-themed souvenirs as a reminder of their visit to the famous Chengdu Panda Base.
Besides panda gifts, visitors can also find traditional Sichuan handicrafts, tea products, and local artwork in Chengdu markets. Guided tours usually include cultural stops where travelers have time to shop for these memorable souvenirs while learning more about the region.
Giant Panda Souvenirs
Everybody loves Chinese giant pandas! And lucky for tourists, there are plenty of giant panda souvenirs for you to bring home after a trip to Chengdu. You can choose from small gifts like key chains, postcards or T-shirts to a big stuffed toy, all the shape of the cute and chubby pandas. They are one of the most popular souvenirs in Chengdu and the most recommended gifts for children. You simply cannot go wrong with giant panda souvenirs.
Best things to Buy in Hangzhou
Hangzhou is well known for its beautiful scenery, tea plantations, and traditional Chinese culture. Many travelers visiting Hangzhou during China tours and shore excursions choose to buy tea as the most meaningful souvenir. Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of the most famous green teas in China and is highly appreciated by visitors.
Shopping for tea in Hangzhou is also a cultural experience. Visitors can walk through tea villages, visit tea museums, and taste different varieties before choosing the perfect gift to bring home. Because tea is easy to pack and transport, it is one of the best souvenirs for cruise travelers.
Chinese Tea
Tea is a requisite souvenir not only for travelers visiting Hangzhou but also for tourists all over China. However, Hangzhou is one of the best destinations to shop for this aromatic ingredient as they have the famous Longjin and Dragonwell. Chrysanthemum flower tea is also a great souvenir option. These types of tea are sold most in Hefang street and at the China National Tea Museum at Longjing Road. Vacuum packed tea is perfect for preserving the tea’s quality and putting in luggage.
Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs During China Shore Excursions
Shopping for souvenirs is one of the most enjoyable parts of traveling in China. Whether you visit Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, or Hangzhou, each destination offers unique products that reflect Chinese history, culture, and traditions. Many travelers prefer joining guided China shore excursions to make sure they visit the best local markets and authentic souvenir shops.
If your cruise itinerary includes China, choosing the right excursion will help you experience the culture, visit famous attractions, and find the perfect souvenirs to bring home.