Best China Souvenirs to Buy During Your Trip

I’m Alex, a backpacker who travels across China planning my own routes and exploring off-the-beaten-path spots. This article is for travelers heading to China who are wondering what souvenirs are actually worth buying.

I’ve put together the ultimate list of China souvenirs—from traditional classics to regional specialties—that are budget-friendly, easy to carry, and meaningful. No Chinese skills needed, no expensive shopping required. Just good stuff that people will actually enjoy.

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Classic China Souvenirs

These are the types of souvenirs you’ll see all over China—and they’re popular for a reason. Whether you’re picking up gifts for friends, family, coworkers, or just yourself, these are safe choices that deliver value, meaning, and practicality.

🍵 Tea

Tea is one of the most traditional and meaningful gifts in China. It’s perfect for older relatives or anyone who enjoys calm moments. Packaged in travel-friendly boxes, it’s also an elegant gift.

• Price range: ¥30–¥300 per box (depending on brand and quality)
• Where to buy: Supermarkets, tea shops, shops in tourist areas

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🎐 Folding fans

More than just a tool to stay cool, folding fans are iconic items in Chinese culture. They’re beautifully made, easy to pack, and bring an artistic flair to any space.

• Price range: ¥10–¥100
• Where to buy: Souvenir shops, craft stores

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🥢 Chopsticks

Chopsticks represent Chinese dining culture and are often gifted in sets that symbolize harmony and good fortune. They’re light, easy to carry, and always useful.

• Price range: ¥10–¥50 per set
• Where to buy: Craft shops, supermarkets, kitchenware stores

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🧴 Medicated oils / floral water

These traditional Chinese essentials are used to relieve itching, cool down, and stay refreshed. They’re cheap, compact, and make for interesting gifts with real practical use.

• Price range: ¥5–¥30
• Where to buy: Pharmacies, convenience stores

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🍟 Lays cucumber-flavored chips

Lays in China makes some wild flavors—and cucumber is one of the most uniquely Chinese. It’s a surprising taste that’s oddly refreshing, and makes a great quirky gift.

• Price range: ¥5–¥10 per bag
• Where to buy: Supermarkets, convenience stores

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💆Massage combs

A seemingly ordinary comb, but locals use it to stimulate acupressure points on the scalp. It helps relieve stress and feels amazing after a long day of travel or screen time.

• Price range: ¥10–¥50
• Where to buy: Beauty shops, malls, convenience stores

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🎁 Fridge magnets

One of the most common travel souvenirs, fridge magnets are small, fun, and personalized to each city. Collect a few to remember your stops across China.

• Price range: ¥5–¥20
• Where to buy: Gift shops at tourist attractions, souvenir stores

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🧣 Silk scarves

Light, beautiful, and elegant, Chinese silk scarves are popular among all age groups. They make an easy-to-pack and tasteful gift, especially for women.

• Price range: ¥30–¥300
• Where to buy: Silk stores, shopping streets, department stores

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🔌 Budget electronics

Electronics in China are shockingly affordable. Data cables and hair dryers are top picks. Also, DJI drones are made in China—if you’re into drones, you can get the real thing here.

• Price range: ¥50–¥500
• Where to buy: Electronics shops, malls, official brand stores

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👕 Clothes

China’s budget fashion is hard to beat. In some places, you can grab three decent-quality shirts for ¥20. The designs are surprisingly trendy and the deals are real.

• Price range: ¥50–¥300
• Where to buy: Shopping streets, malls, clothing markets

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Regional China Souvenirs

Each city in China has its own unique flavor and memory, and some souvenirs perfectly capture that “personality in a bag.” The following are items I’ve personally bought or seen most often during my trips—they’re almost always a good pick.

🏙 Shanghai

White Rabbit Candy

Shanghai’s most iconic “national candy” with a rich milky flavor and smooth texture—kind of like a creamier version of hard milk candy. The red, white, and blue retro packaging makes it a hit with the younger crowd, and it’s even inspired crossover products like lip balm and perfume.

• Price range: ¥10–¥30 per bag
• Where to buy: Supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty shops, White Rabbit flagship store (Nanjing East Road)

Butterfly Pastry

A flaky, melt-in-your-mouth Chinese pastry shaped like butterfly wings. It’s a staple from Shanghai’s old-school bakeries. The texture is more layered than western puff pastry, not too sweet, and pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

• Price range: ¥20–¥50 per box
• Where to buy: Traditional pastry shops like Xinghualou, Lao Dachang

Shanghai Lady Snow Cream

This face cream feels like a time capsule. A cult favorite for decades among Chinese moms, it comes in a tin with a vintage scent. Great for skincare or as a collectible for retro lovers.

• Price range: ¥10–¥30
• Where to buy: Cosmetic stores, pharmacies, old brand counters

Disney Figurines

Shanghai Disneyland is one of Asia’s most popular theme parks, and its souvenir figurines are well-designed, widely loved, and even come in China-exclusive editions. They’re not just for kids—adults love them too.

• Price range: ¥50–¥200
• Where to buy: Shanghai Disneyland and Disney stores (like the Nanjing West Road flagship)

Yu Garden Cultural Gifts

Inspired by Jiangnan architecture and vintage Shanghai vibes, these include stationery, bags, and keychains. Many designs are drawn from the carved windows, bridges, and pavilions in Yu Garden—giving them a true “Shanghai feel.”

• Price range: ¥20–¥100
• Where to buy: Yu Garden Mall gift shops, cultural boutiques

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🏯 Beijing

Daoxiangcun Pastries

A traditional Beijing pastry brand offering a wide range of local snacks like glutinous rolls, hawthorn cakes, and jujube pastries. The packaging has a nostalgic touch and it’s great for sharing the “old Beijing flavor” with family.

• Price range: ¥30–¥80 per box
• Where to buy: Daoxiangcun official stores, local specialty supermarkets

Tongrentang Health Products

One of the most famous traditional Chinese medicine brands. Ideal for older recipients or anyone into wellness. While it’s not cheap, the quality is top-notch and well-packaged for gifting. Recommended items: ginseng, bird’s nest, Angong Niuhuang pills.

• Price range: ¥100–¥500+ (depending on item)
• Where to buy: Tongrentang stores, shopping districts like Wangfujing

Beijing Roast Duck

After tasting roast duck at Quanjude or Bianyifang, many travelers want to bring one home. Vacuum-packed versions make it possible. While it won’t beat the fresh version, it definitely delivers on presentation.

• Price range: ¥80–¥150 per box
• Where to buy: Quanjude, Bianyifang stores, airport shops

Universal Studios Figurines

The Beijing Universal Studios lineup is just as exciting as Disney’s. Kung Fu Panda, Minions, and Transformers are especially popular—plus you’ll find China-exclusive editions.

• Price range: ¥60–¥200
• Where to buy: Universal Studios Beijing and official gift shops

Forbidden City Cultural Gifts

These museum-themed items—like lipsticks, bookmarks, and magnets—feature royal elements from the Forbidden City. Stylish and modern, they’re great for both personal use and gifts.

• Price range: ¥30–¥150
• Where to buy: Palace Museum gift shop, Qianmen creative district, Wangfujing cultural stores

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🌆 Shenzhen

Roast Pigeon

A local favorite in Shenzhen’s barbecue culture. While best enjoyed fresh, some brands offer vacuum-packed roast pigeon gift boxes—perfect for taking home as a “daring food souvenir.”

• Price range: ¥50–¥120 per box
• Where to buy: Cantonese restaurants with takeaway counters, major supermarkets (like ParknShop, Rainbow)

Budget Electronics

Known as the “world’s factory,” Shenzhen offers endless electronics. Three charging cables for ¥10? Totally real. Hair dryers? Cheap and stylish. Quality is solid, and prices are so low, it’s hard not to grab a few extras.

• Price range: ¥20–¥200 (depending on product)
• Where to buy: Electronics stores, Huaqiangbei electronics market, major malls

DJI Drones

DJI’s global HQ is in Shenzhen, and this is the best place to buy genuine drones straight from the source. If you’re into photography or tech, this is a must-have—premium gear made in China, with world-class quality.

• Price range: From ¥2000 (depends on model)
• Where to buy: DJI flagship stores (Nanshan, Futian), drone experience centers

Clothing

Shenzhen is one of China’s fashion hubs. Markets like Nanyou and Dongmen offer crazy cheap deals—sometimes three shirts for ¥20—and the quality can rival international fast fashion brands.

• Price range: ¥20–¥100 per piece
• Where to buy: Nanyou Garment Market, Dongmen shopping street, COCO Park

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🕌 Guangzhou

Guangzhou Restaurant Mooncakes

The top choice for Mid-Autumn Festival gifts. Flavors include lotus seed with egg yolk, five-kernel, and custard lava. Elegant packaging and authentic taste make these a hit year-round.

• Price range: ¥50–¥200 per box
• Where to buy: Guangzhou Restaurant stores, airports, train stations, major shopping malls

Huangshanghuang Sausages

A Cantonese classic—sweet and savory sausages with rich, oily flavor. Huangshanghuang is a century-old brand, and their vacuum-sealed packs are perfect for gifting. Steam them and your kitchen will smell amazing.

• Price range: ¥40–¥100 per pack
• Where to buy: Huangshanghuang stores, chain supermarkets, local specialty shops

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Souvenir Shopping Tips and Things to Know

Buying China souvenirs isn’t difficult—but choosing ones that are practical, easy to carry, and risk-free takes a bit of skill. Here are some tips I’ve picked up over years of traveling that can help you avoid wasting money and come home with the good stuff.

What makes a souvenir easy to take home?

• Lightweight and compact: Scarves, small tea boxes, folding fans, and fridge magnets are perfect because they take up little space.
• Vacuum-sealed packaging: For food, pick vacuum-packed or dry goods to avoid issues with leakage or smell.
• Non-breakable: Ceramics are beautiful, but they break easily. Unless well-packed or planned for checked luggage, it’s best to skip them.

About carry-ons and checked baggage

• Liquids (like medicated oils or floral water): If over 100ml, they must go in checked luggage. Under 100ml is okay for carry-on, but it must be in a clear plastic bag.
• Food items (like sausages or roast duck): Usually allowed out of China, but many countries restrict meat imports. Always check your destination country’s rules in advance.
• Metal or knife-shaped souvenirs: These can’t be taken in carry-on—check them instead.

About pricing and budget

• Budget picks (¥10–¥50): Fridge magnets, medicated oils, cucumber-flavored chips, imitation silk scarves, low-cost electronics
• Mid-range picks (¥50–¥150): Real silk scarves, cultural figurines, tea gift boxes, clothing, traditional pastries
• Premium picks (¥150+): Herbal health products from Tongrentang, DJI drones, high-end ceramics, cloisonné crafts

Where to shop with confidence

• Supermarkets / chain convenience stores: Best for snacks, medicated oils, and small items. Clear pricing, no scams.
• Souvenir shops in scenic areas / official cultural stores: Great for fridge magnets, panda merch, museum figurines—quality is reliable.
• Department stores / brand outlets: For electronics, clothing, or silk scarves with a higher budget, go to official retailers or malls.

Avoid impulse shopping at street stalls outside major attractions—prices vary wildly and quality can be hit or miss.

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FAQ