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20 Best Chinese souvenirs: What to buy in China
Discover the 20 best Chinese souvenirs, from tea sets and silk to wooden crafts. Find perfect gifts to remember your trip to China, plus what to declare when you fly home to Australia.
China, rich in ancient traditions and modernity, offers a wide selection of authentic Chinese souvenirs. Whether you’re after a Chinese painting by local artists, textiles, or delicious moon cakes, there are countless things to buy in China to remember your trip. From the local markets of Shanghai to historical sites, knowing what to buy in China and finding interesting gifts is a fun adventure and one of the best things to do in China!
If you’re flying home to Australia, it’s worth knowing which of them can come through the airport with you, so we’ve covered that at the end. Below, we’ve created a list of the 20 best China souvenirs that make perfect gifts for friends, family, or yourself.
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1. Chinese tea and tea sets
Tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and daily life. A delicate little bag of green tea like Longjing, or rich Pu-erh, a high-quality tea set made from porcelain or Yixing pottery, makes fantastic Chinese souvenirs. When you plan a trip to China, you’ll want to nab one of these sets, and can find the sets and tea set accessories in markets across China. Traditional tea sets make an ideal gift from China for any tea enthusiast.
2. Chinese silk
China is renowned for its luxurious silk, making it an elegant and timeless gift from China. Silk products are among the most coveted Chinese souvenirs, from silk scarves, silk dresses, sleepwear, and other decorative pieces. Suzhou and Hangzhou are ideal places to buy silk products crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. These cities offer some of the most thoughtful and authentic things to buy in China, especially for those seeking local artisans, fine craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.
3. Porcelain and ceramics
Known as “fine china,” Chinese porcelain and hand-painted ceramics are part of traditional culture and celebrated globally. These traditional Chinese souvenirs have diverse styles, from tea cups and bowls to vases, all showcasing Chinese craftsmanship. Jingdezhen is the “Porcelain Capital,” but you can also find beautiful pieces in antique markets in Shanghai, offering unique things to buy in China.
4. Chinese calligraphy and paintings
Chinese calligraphy and traditional paintings embody Chinese art. Scrolls with Chinese characters, hand-painted fans, or a set of the “Four Treasures of the Study” (brush, ink stick, paper, ink slab) make for thoughtful Chinese souvenirs crafted by local artisans. These are among the best gifts from China for those who appreciate cultural heritage.
5. Jade and jade jewellery
Green jade is part of China’s rich history and holds huge cultural significance, symbolising purity and good fortune. From intricately carved pendants to statues, or a jade ring, jade items are highly prized Chinese souvenirs. While high-quality jade can be expensive, smaller pieces are wonderful things to buy in China as meaningful gifts or keepsakes.
6. Chinese knots (zhongguo jie)
Chinese knots are intricate decorative items made from a single piece of thread, symbolising good luck. These pieces come in many forms and display China’s traditional craftsmanship. As special gifts from China, they’re found in souvenir shops and traditional markets, perfect for adding Chinese charm to any household.
7. Paper cuttings (jianzhi)
Paper cutting is a traditional folk art form where delicate designs are cut from paper by hand. These intricate pieces often depict animals, flowers, or folklore scenes with different characters. Lightweight and easy to pack, they make excellent Chinese souvenirs and thoughtful things from China to share.
8. Chopsticks
Chopsticks are not just utensils in China; they are also a symbol of good luck when gifted. You’ll find a vast range made from various materials like wooden chopsticks, often in elegant gift sets. These practical and culturally significant Chinese souvenirs are easily available nation-wide.
9. Chinese opera masks
Brightly coloured masks used in traditional Chinese opera performances are striking souvenirs. Each mask represents a specific character. These artistic Chinese souvenirs are perfect for display and offer a glimpse into China’s rich theatrical heritage.
10. Terracotta army replicas
Miniature replicas of the famous Terracotta Army found in Xi’an are a must-have gift or souvenir for any history enthusiast. These detailed figurines allow you to bring a piece of China’s ancient military power home. They are popular things to buy in China, especially if you visit Xi’an.
11. Traditional Chinese clothing
A Qipao (Cheongsam) is a classic and traditional Chinese dress. While custom-made can be an investment, ready-made versions or similar silk robes are available. These wearable Chinese souvenirs offer a unique fashion statement and a lasting memory after your trip.
12. Local snacks and candies
China boasts a diverse variety of unique food, like snacks and candies, that make delicious and shareable souvenirs or gifts. From “White Rabbit” candy to spicy duck neck, exploring local supermarkets is a goldmine for edible gifts from China. Just keep the flight home in mind: chocolate, confectionery and tea are all on Australia’s declared list, so tick the food box on your incoming passenger card.
13. Mao Zedong memorabilia
For those interested in modern Chinese history, Mao Zedong memorabilia, such as little red books, badges, and posters, can be easily found. While often produced for tourists, these items offer a distinct glimpse into a significant period of China’s past and are popular Chinese souvenirs.
14. Chinese seals
A traditional Chinese seal, or chop, is a personalised stamp crafted just for you or a loved one. You can often have one carved with your name in Chinese characters, for a truly personal Chinese souvenir. These are both artistic and functional things to buy in China.
15. Cloisonné
Cloisonné is a traditional Chinese craft involving intricate enamelware with embedded wire designs. Vases, bowls, and jewellery crafted with this technique are great examples of Chinese artistry and beauty. These detailed pieces are gorgeous Chinese souvenirs, though they can be fragile to transport.
16. Mahjong sets
Mahjong is a popular tile-based game deeply ingrained in Chinese social life. A Mahjong set makes for a fun and engaging souvenir, allowing you to experience a piece of Chinese culture through play. Various sizes and designs are available almost everywhere in China.
17. Chinese fans (sensu and uchiwa)
Folding fans (sensu) and non-folding fans (uchiwa) are practical and creative Chinese souvenirs. They are usually decorated with beautiful paintings, and are perfect for staying cool or as a decorative accent. These traditional gifts from China are lightweight, so you can purchase a few styles for yourself or family and friends.
18. Bamboo and wood carvings
China has a rich tradition of intricate bamboo and wood carvings, from small figurines to elaborate art pieces. These handcrafted items showcase incredible detail and craftsmanship, making them excellent Chinese souvenirs that reflect ancient artistic traditions.
19. Chinese traditional medicine products
China offers a range of traditional Chinese medicine products if you’re interested in health, from herbal teas to acupressure tools. It’s advisable to purchase these from reputable pharmacies.These souvenirs or gifts give a glimpse into traditional Chinese health and healing.
20. Chinese musical instruments
Small, portable Chinese musical instruments like bamboo flutes (dizi) or small erhus make fun and creative souvenirs. They offer a melodic reminder of your travels and a chance to explore a different aspect of Chinese culture.
Where to shop for Chinese souvenirs, especially in Shanghai
Finding the best souvenirs in China is a fun experience. Here are some top spots, with a focus on Shanghai souvenirs and areas like Suzhou and surrounding spots:
- Shanghai’s Yuyuan bazaar (Yu Garden market): This traditional market is a fantastic place to find various Chinese souvenirs, from tea sets and silk to calligraphy and traditional crafts. It’s one of the best places to go shopping in China.
- Shanghai Dongtai Road antique market (or similar areas): While sometimes unpredictable, this market can offer varying antique-style items, porcelain, and other traditional gifts from China.
- Shanghai Nanjing Road: While mainly known for modern shopping, Nanjing Road has department stores that carry high-quality Chinese souvenirs, including silk and tea. Another great aspect of Nanjing Road is the upscale Shanghai food options for when you need a break from shopping.
- Silk markets (e.g., in Suzhou and Hangzhou): For the best selection and quality of silk products, a day trip to Suzhou or Hangzhou (easily accessible from Shanghai) is highly recommended for shopping in China.
- Local supermarkets: Local supermarkets are an affordable option for edible Chinese souvenirs like snacks and candies.
- Art and craft stores: Throughout major cities, you’ll find specialised stores focusing on calligraphy, paintings, or specific handicrafts, offering more curated things to buy in China.
- Museum gift shops: Museum shops usually have high-quality and authentic Chinese souvenirs, including replicas and educational items.
Bringing your Chinese souvenirs home to Australia
Half the fun is getting it all back. Two separate sets of rules decide what makes it through Australian arrivals. The duty free concession is about what your shopping is worth, and biosecurity is about what it’s made of. A quick check before you buy:
- Your duty free limit: if you’re 18 or over you can bring in AU$900 worth of general goods duty free, and $450 if you’re under 18. Gifts, souvenirs, jewellery and watches all count as general goods, so a jade piece or a silk order adds up faster than you’d think. Families flying home together can pool their limits, so two adults and two children have a combined allowance of $2,700. Go over and duty and tax apply to all your general goods, not just the amount above the line, so hang on to your receipts.
- Food and tea: you must declare certain food, plant material and animal products, and the department’s list includes chocolate and confectionery, tea and herbal teas, and red dates, which covers most of the edible souvenirs in this guide.
- Wood and bamboo: the strictest rule on this list. All wooden, bamboo and similar articles must be declared on arrival, whether or not you believe you’ve met the conditions, and they need to be clean and free of bark, insects, soil and other contaminants.
- Traditional medicine: vitamins, supplements and therapeutics for human use have to be declared. Separately, some traditional medicines are regulated under CITES, and those are enforced here under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Australian Government lists bear bile, tiger bone and ginseng as examples. If you can’t confirm what’s in it, don’t buy it.
- When you’re not sure: declare it. If you’d rather not, there are bins in the terminal where you can dispose of food, plant material and animal products voluntarily before you reach the clearance point.
Holafly eSIMs: Make shopping for Chinese souvenirs stress-free
Mastering the shopping districts of China and getting the perfect Chinese souvenirs is easier when you have a stable connection and can freely use your phone in China. A Holafly eSIM for China offers unlimited data, so you can explore the best shops and compare prices without having to hunt down a China SIM card provider.
If you’re staying longer in China, then the monthly subscription service of Holafly Plans is a great option. Choose between three data plans with a fixed monthly fee and enjoy the following benefits:
- No hidden fees: Enjoy transparent pricing with no unexpected charges.
- Three flexible plans: Choose from unlimited data, 25 GB, or 10 GB to match your needs.
- Global coverage: You can use one eSIM worldwide!
- High-speed, uninterrupted connection: Stay online anywhere, without network disruptions.
- Total flexibility: Switch plans or cancel anytime, with no long-term commitments.
- Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data in 70+ destinations, at no additional cost.
Stay connected to ensure seamless connectivity so you can shop for all the things you want to buy in China and Shanghai with an eSIM for China or a Holafly Plans subscription.
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