What to bring from China

Hooray, no visa is required for China! Yes, for now, the rules are only for a year. But this is already a reason to grab tickets to Shanghai or Shenzhen and pack your bags. Just don't overstuff them – save space for all the things you can buy and bring back from China.

Tea

Let's start with the main thing. We love tea. And in China, they love tea. Bringing tea as a gift to relatives, friends, or colleagues is a move with 100% effectiveness. It will definitely be tried, it definitely won't gather dust on a shelf; in the worst case (if your friend turns out to be a coffee lover), it will be regifted to another tea enthusiast. Of whom there are many in our country.

And you don't necessarily have to meticulously choose the “right” Chinese tea for tea ceremonies. Let's be honest, few people will actually “ceremonialize” with it. So, take pressed Pu-erh if you want to convince everyone of the tea's true origin, choose white or red varieties for a “wow” effect, or traditional green teas – for the less discerning.

Porcelain

China and porcelain are inseparable. It was invented here, and it continues to be made here using ancient technologies. Of course, a painted vase will cost a pretty penny, but a small figurine or a bowl for the same tea is quite affordable. And the likelihood of a porcelain cup breaking on the way home is much lower. The main thing is to pack your luggage securely.

Silk

The local Chinese silkworm, that is, the mulberry silkworm, has been “producing” raw material for clothing, bedding, and other products for 8,000 years. Or even more. Unfortunately, the insect doesn't keep records, otherwise we would have checked with them. Natural silk does not electrify and does not cause allergies, but it absorbs moisture well (while remaining dry to the touch), prevents bacterial growth, and allows the body to breathe.

And all of this, of course, is important. But just look at how beautifully it shimmers, flows, and shines! Souvenirs from China that friends and family will love almost always include silk products. If you're preparing a gift for a special occasion, get a blanket or pillow with silk filling (large purchases are also advantageous with new Tax Free rules in China). If you just want to show a token of appreciation, a small scarf or handkerchief will do.

Chopsticks

They are delivered with every food order, but it's much nicer to have your own pair, especially one brought from China. Plus, it's more eco-friendly. There are versions made of porcelain, wood, metal, with decorations and patterns, in a variety of colors. We recommend complementing them with a small ceramic chopstick rest.

Noodles

You might ask: “Why bring back something from a trip that you can buy at home?”, and we'll answer: “Because it's authentic!” Because the noodles that reach our shelves are only a selected portion, adapted to the average European taste. Beef with sauerkraut, rice noodles with snails, spicy sesame oil, Shanghai-style noodles with soy and green onions, seafood – there's a huge variety of types and toppings. You won't have time to try them all during your vacation, so take a couple with you.

Hot Pot

Also known as “Chinese samovar.” It's a dish, a cooking method, and the actual appliance in which the food is prepared. The hot pot is placed in the center of the table, and everyone sitting around adds thinly sliced ingredients – mushrooms, tofu, meat, seafood, vegetables – to the broth. It turns into a “do-it-yourself” dinner.

Sweets

Unusual food is always a convenient way to bring something back from a trip without cluttering your own or someone else's home. China is full of all sorts of specialties, but many of them are also extremely spicy dishes. Therefore, sweets are optimal. Get mooncakes (yuebing), which are prepared for the Mid-Autumn Festival, matcha tea candies, “White Rabbit” milk toffees in rice paper, fortune cookies, and dried fruits of all kinds.

Pearls

Both beautiful and traditional. Pearl jewelry is a classic that will easily fit into any wardrobe. And China is the largest supplier of pearls in the world, so you'll find bracelets, earrings, rings with a pearlescent sheen, and necklaces here. Just choose carefully to avoid fakes. Natural pearls feel heavier, can be rough, and slightly uneven in appearance. To check, rub the pearls against each other: natural ones will produce a slight squeak and a bit of dust.

Fan

Flying to Hainan? Get ready for hot days. You'll be lying on the beach fanning yourself. And then you'll pack it in your suitcase and take it with you. A fan is a traditional Chinese accessory. They are made of paper, bamboo, silk; particularly expensive ones are also hand-painted. A beautiful fan can be hung on the wall as a decoration, but we vote for simpler options that should be used for their intended purpose.

Medicines

From Chinese medicine – ointments, plasters, herbal tinctures. This is a separate category of things you can bring from China as a gift. Ginseng root, tiger balm, reishi mushroom, goji berries – tourists often take all of these with them. Nasal inhalers, antiviral tea, and throat lozenges are also popular.