Shenzhen, a prosperous metropolis, is one of the first Chinese cities to open its doors to the outside world. Although there are not too many special souvenirs for expats to take home, there are other ways. Apart from department stores and shopping centers, where high-quality brands can be found, concentrated markets for low-priced trendy clothes are also an ideal destination. These markets, which are not so attractive, mainly sell unwanted foreign-branded items which are manufactured in China and originally intended for export.

Luohu District

Luohu Commercial City

There's no one in Shenzhen who doesn't know about Luohu Commercial City. This five-story shopping complex just outside Shenzhen Railway Station sells a wide range of items, including watches, bags, clothes, shoes and electrical products. Shoppers are expected to bargain because the first price mentioned will be two to four times the true value of the goods. The mall is popular with expats since there are dozens of tailors.

Sungang and Guomao areas

Apart from Luohu Commercial City, there are two well-known clothes wholesale and retail markets in the Sungang area, Wang Hong and Taoyuan. These two, set up in unused factories with shabby decoration, sell clothes, bags and shoes originally made for export. Haiyan , which is in the Guomao business area, mainly engages in wholesaling but some vendors accept retail shoppers.

Futian District

Huaqiangbei

Behind the Moi Department Store, Jiahua has more than 300 shops, which have a children's wear street, women’s street and men's wear street. Apart from items originally intended for export, there are also items created by local designers. Fumin, which is behind Women's World, not only sells clothes but also provides massages, haircuts, manicure and pedicure.

Bagualing

There is a clothes market in two streets opposite the Bagualing Police Station. Between Bagua Road 2 and Bagua Road 3, there is also a book wholesale market.

Nanshan District

Tairong Clothes City

It's on Dongbin Road and near the Nanyou Building but most shops there only engage in wholesale.

Shopping tips

1. Some shops don't provide fitting rooms.

2. Some shops accept only wholesalers.

3. Cash is highly recommended because most places dont accept cards.

4. It is important to bargain hard in those markets but if you don't want to buy something, don't bargain.

5. It's better to take a Chinese speaker with you when shopping there, otherwise you will get lost. Some sales staff may bargain with shoppers in English but can not give directions in English.

(By Cao Zhen)