23 Best Souvenirs from China to Bring Home: A Complete Guide
China is a paradise for souvenir hunters, offering unique gifts that reflect its deep cultural heritage and craftsmanship. At Travel China With Me, we often help travelers choose the perfect keepsake to take home. Whether you’re looking for traditional tea, exquisite silk, or handmade crafts, we’ve curated a list of the best Souvenirs from China that are authentic, practical, and deeply meaningful.
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Why We’re Passionate About Souvenirs from China
For us, souvenirs aren’t just tokens—they’re connections. A mass-produced trinket fades fast, but a hand-rolled tea leaf or a carved jade pendant carries China’s soul. We’ve learned this through trial and error: our guide Mei once grabbed a cheap magnet in Shanghai, only to fall in love with a silk scarf in Suzhou that told a richer story. This guide answers your questions—What should I buy? Where do I get it? Why does it matter?—with travelers like you in mind.
Here’s our in-depth list, handpicked by the Travel China With Me team. Each entry dives deep into why we love it, where to find it, and how to bring it home—because you deserve more than a quick rundown.
Chinese Calligraphy Brushes
Chinese calligraphy is an ancient art form that embodies the cultural soul of China. The brushes used for calligraphy are not just tools but works of art, reflecting the fluidity and elegance of Chinese characters. Each brushstroke is infused with meaning and intention, embodying the complexity and richness of Chinese culture. As a souvenir, a calligraphy brush offers a tangible connection to China’s history and philosophy, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the written word in a traditional context.
Why We Love It: We love calligraphy brushes because they represent the essence of Chinese art and culture. They are a symbol of the country’s rich literary and philosophical heritage.
Where to Find It: You can find these brushes in traditional art supply stores or cultural centers, especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap the brushes carefully in paper or cloth to protect them during travel. Consider purchasing a protective case to ensure they remain intact.
Silk Products
Silk is one of China’s most iconic exports, with a history dating back over 5,000 years. It was a key commodity on the Silk Road, symbolizing wealth and status across cultures. Silk products, such as scarves and ties, combine art and technology, showcasing China’s luxurious legacy. As a souvenir, silk items are not only beautiful but also carry a profound historical and cultural significance, reflecting China’s role as a bridge between East and West.
Why We Love It: We love silk products because they embody China’s rich textile heritage and serve as a symbol of luxury and refinement.
Where to Find It: Famous cities for silk include Hangzhou and Suzhou. Visit local markets or silk factories to find authentic products.
How to Bring It Home: Fold or roll silk items to prevent creasing. Use a protective bag or box to keep them clean and undamaged.
Tea Sets
Chinese Tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, and traditional tea sets are both functional and artistic. They come in various styles, from delicate porcelain to intricately designed ceramics. Each tea set reflects the craftsmanship and aesthetics of Chinese artisans, making them a perfect souvenir for anyone interested in Chinese traditions. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of Chinese ceramics, a tea set is a thoughtful gift that embodies the spirit of Chinese hospitality.
Why We Love It: We love tea sets because they reflect the harmony and balance that are central to Chinese culture, combining functionality with artistic beauty.
Where to Find It: Tea sets are widely available in markets and ceramics shops across China.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap each piece of the tea set individually in bubble wrap or cloth to prevent breakage. Use a sturdy box for transport.
Dig deeper: The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Tea Sets: History, Types, and Buying Tips
Jade Jewelry
Jade holds a revered place in Chinese culture, symbolizing luxury, good fortune, and moral virtues like kindness and justice. Its cultural significance spans thousands of years, with jade being used in everything from jewelry to burial suits. As a souvenir, jade jewelry not only showcases its beauty but also represents the enduring values of Chinese society, making it a meaningful and valuable gift.
Why We Love It: We love jade jewelry because it embodies the cultural and spiritual values of China, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
Where to Find It: Popular places for jade include Beijing and Shanghai. Look for reputable jewelers to ensure authenticity.
How to Bring It Home: Store jade jewelry in a protective case or pouch to prevent scratching. Consider declaring it at customs if it’s valuable.
Dig deeper: Exploring Chinese Jade: A Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to China’s Sacred Stone
Chinese Knots
Chinese knots are intricate decorative items made from silk or other materials, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. They are often used as decorations or gifts and have been modernized into various forms like keychains and jewelry. These knots represent the harmony and balance that are central to Chinese philosophy, making them a unique souvenir that reflects Chinese cultural values.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese knots because they symbolize good luck and prosperity, reflecting the philosophical principles of Chinese culture.
Where to Find It: These knots are available at tourist attractions and local markets. They come in various sizes and designs.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap larger knots in cloth or paper to protect them. Smaller ones can be placed in a pouch or bag.
Paper Cuttings
Paper cuttings are delicate paper cutouts featuring traditional Chinese designs and symbols. They are a unique and meaningful souvenir that showcases Chinese craftsmanship and creativity. Each cutting is carefully crafted to reflect balance and harmony, embodying the aesthetic principles of Chinese art. As a gift, paper cuttings add a touch of elegance and cultural depth to any setting.
Why We Love It: We love paper cuttings because they reflect the creativity and craftsmanship of Chinese artisans, embodying the harmony and balance of Chinese aesthetics.
Where to Find It: Look for local artisans or cultural centers that specialize in traditional crafts.
How to Bring It Home: Place paper cuttings between sheets of cardboard or in a protective folder to prevent damage.
Mahjong Set
A Mahjong set is a popular Chinese game played with tiles, making for a unique and fun souvenir. It’s a great way to experience Chinese culture through play, as Mahjong is deeply ingrained in Chinese social life. The game requires strategy and skill, reflecting the intellectual and social aspects of Chinese culture. As a souvenir, a Mahjong set is a thoughtful gift that encourages interaction and cultural exchange.
Why We Love It: We love Mahjong sets because they offer a fun and educational way to engage with Chinese culture, reflecting the country’s rich social and intellectual traditions.
Where to Find It: Mahjong sets are widely available in markets and game stores across China.
How to Bring It Home: Pack the set in a sturdy box or bag to protect the tiles. Consider a travel case for convenience.
Chinese Opera Masks
Colorful masks used in traditional Chinese opera performances are a vibrant souvenir. They represent the rich theatrical heritage of China, with each mask symbolizing different characters and emotions. These masks are not only decorative but also tell stories about Chinese mythology and folklore, making them a fascinating souvenir for anyone interested in Chinese performing arts.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese opera masks because they reflect the rich theatrical heritage of China, telling stories about Chinese mythology and folklore.
Where to Find It: These masks can be found in cultural centers or shops specializing in traditional Chinese arts.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap masks carefully in cloth or paper to protect them. Use a sturdy box for transport.
Terracotta Warriors Replica
Miniature replicas of the famous Terracotta Army found in Xi’an are a must-have souvenir for history enthusiasts. They symbolize China’s ancient military prowess and the ingenuity of its artisans. Each replica is carefully crafted to reflect the detail and craftsmanship of the original warriors, making them a meaningful souvenir that connects you to China’s rich historical legacy.
Why We Love It: We love Terracotta Warriors replicas because they connect us to China’s rich historical legacy, reflecting the country’s ancient military prowess and artistic ingenuity.
Where to Find It: Xi’an is the best place to find these replicas, but they are also available in other major cities.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap the replica in bubble wrap or cloth to prevent breakage. Use a sturdy box for transport.
Chinese Snuff Bottles
Small bottles used to store powdered tobacco, Chinese snuff bottles are intricately designed and highly collectible. They showcase the craftsmanship of Chinese artisans, with each bottle featuring delicate paintings or carvings. As a souvenir, snuff bottles are a testament to China’s artistic heritage, reflecting the country’s ability to transform functional items into works of art.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese snuff bottles because they reflect the craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity of Chinese artisans, transforming functional items into works of art.
Where to Find It: Look for antique shops or markets that specialize in traditional Chinese collectibles.
How to Bring It Home: Store snuff bottles in a protective case or pouch to prevent scratching. Consider declaring them at customs if they are valuable.
Porcelain Vases
Porcelain vases are highly valued in China for their delicate and translucent appearance. They make for beautiful decorations and serve as reminders of China’s rich artistic heritage. Each vase is crafted with precision, reflecting the skill and craftsmanship of Chinese artisans. As a souvenir, a porcelain vase is a timeless gift that adds elegance and cultural depth to any setting.
Why We Love It: We love porcelain vases because they reflect the skill and craftsmanship of Chinese artisans, adding elegance and cultural depth to any setting.
Where to Find It: Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province is famous for porcelain. Visit local markets or ceramics shops.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap each vase individually in bubble wrap or cloth to prevent breakage. Use a sturdy box for transport.
Silk Scarves
Silk scarves are luxurious, versatile, and timeless. They come in various colors and patterns, often featuring traditional Chinese designs, making them a unique souvenir. Silk scarves not only reflect China’s textile heritage but also serve as a symbol of luxury and refinement, as they have been prized for centuries along the Silk Road.
Why We Love It: We love silk scarves because they embody China’s rich textile heritage and serve as a symbol of luxury and refinement.
Where to Find It: Famous cities for silk include Hangzhou and Suzhou. Visit local markets or silk factories.
How to Bring It Home: Fold or roll silk scarves to prevent creasing. Use a protective bag or box to keep them clean and undamaged.
Dragon Figurines
Intricately designed Chinese dragon figurines symbolize power and good luck in Chinese culture. They are a popular souvenir among travelers, reflecting the mythical and symbolic significance of dragons in Chinese folklore. Each figurine is carefully crafted to capture the essence of these majestic creatures, making them a meaningful souvenir that embodies Chinese cultural values.
Why We Love It: We love dragon figurines because they symbolize power and good luck, reflecting the mythical and symbolic significance of dragons in Chinese folklore.
Where to Find It: These figurines are available in markets and souvenir shops across China.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap figurines in cloth or paper to protect them. Use a sturdy box for transport.
Feng Shui Items
Feng shui items are objects related to the ancient Chinese practice of balancing energies. They are believed to bring harmony and balance to one’s life, reflecting the philosophical principles of Chinese culture. As a souvenir, feng shui items offer a unique way to connect with Chinese traditions and enhance your understanding of the country’s spiritual practices.
Why We Love It: We love feng shui items because they reflect the philosophical principles of Chinese culture, offering a way to balance and harmonize energies.
Where to Find It: Look for shops specializing in traditional Chinese spiritual practices.
How to Bring It Home: Store feng shui items in a protective bag or pouch to prevent damage.
Dig deeper: Feng Shui: A Traveler’s Guide to Harmony in China
Chinese Zodiac Figurines
Figurines representing the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are a fun and educational souvenir. Each animal has unique characteristics and stories, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Chinese astrology. These figurines are not only decorative but also serve as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time in Chinese culture, making them a thoughtful gift for anyone interested in Chinese traditions.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese zodiac figurines because they reflect the rich cultural heritage of Chinese astrology, offering a fun and educational way to engage with Chinese traditions.
Where to Find It: These figurines are widely available in markets and souvenir shops.
How to Bring It Home: Wrap figurines in cloth or paper to protect them. Use a sturdy box for transport.
Antique Artifacts
Ancient items such as pottery, sculptures, or paintings tell a story about China’s past. They are highly valued for their historical significance, offering a glimpse into the country’s artistic and cultural evolution. As a souvenir, antique artifacts are a rare and precious gift that connects you to China’s rich historical legacy.
Why We Love It: We love antique artifacts because they tell a story about China’s past, reflecting the country’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Where to Find It: Look for antique shops or markets that specialize in traditional Chinese collectibles.
How to Bring It Home: Store artifacts in a protective case or pouch to prevent scratching. Consider declaring them at customs if they are valuable.
Traditional Clothing
Garments like qipao or hanfu embody Chinese aesthetics and traditions. They are a great way to experience Chinese culture firsthand, reflecting the country’s rich textile heritage and cultural values. Each garment is carefully crafted to capture the essence of Chinese style, making them a unique souvenir that allows you to connect with China’s cultural identity.
Why We Love It: We love traditional clothing because it embodies Chinese aesthetics and traditions, offering a tangible connection to China’s cultural identity.
Where to Find It: Visit traditional clothing stores or markets in cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
How to Bring It Home: Fold or hang clothing to prevent creasing. Use a protective bag or box to keep them clean and undamaged.
Chinese Embroidery
Intricate embroidery work featuring traditional Chinese designs and motifs is a unique souvenir. It showcases the skill and craftsmanship of Chinese artisans, reflecting the country’s rich textile heritage. Each piece of embroidery is carefully crafted to reflect balance and harmony, embodying the aesthetic principles of Chinese art. As a gift, Chinese embroidery adds a touch of elegance and cultural depth to any setting.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese embroidery because it reflects the skill and craftsmanship of Chinese artisans, adding elegance and cultural depth to any setting.
Where to Find It: Look for local artisans or cultural centers that specialize in traditional crafts.
How to Bring It Home: Place embroidery between sheets of cardboard or in a protective folder to prevent damage.
Dig deeper: A Deep Dive into Chinese Embroidery: A Craft That Tells Stories
Hand Fans
Beautifully designed fans made from materials like silk or paper are a popular accessory in China. They are both functional and decorative, reflecting the country’s ability to transform everyday items into works of art. Each fan is carefully crafted to capture the essence of Chinese design, making them a thoughtful souvenir that embodies Chinese cultural values.
Why We Love It: We love hand fans because they reflect China’s ability to transform functional items into decorative pieces, embodying the country’s artistic ingenuity.
Where to Find It: Famous cities for fans include Hangzhou and Suzhou. Visit local markets or traditional shops.
How to Bring It Home: Store fans in a protective bag or pouch to prevent damage.
Dig deeper: Chinese Fans: History, Types, and Cultural Significance
Traditional Musical Instruments
Traditional Chinese Instruments such as the guzheng or erhu represent China’s rich musical heritage. They are a unique souvenir for music enthusiasts, reflecting the country’s deep cultural roots in music. Each instrument is carefully crafted to reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetics of Chinese artisans, making them a meaningful gift that connects you to China’s musical traditions.
Why We Love It: We love traditional musical instruments because they reflect China’s rich musical heritage, offering a tangible connection to the country’s cultural roots.
Where to Find It: Look for music stores or cultural centers that specialize in traditional Chinese instruments.
How to Bring It Home: Store instruments in a protective case to prevent damage. Consider declaring them at customs if they are valuable.
Chinese Paper Umbrellas
Colorful and intricately designed umbrellas made from paper are a popular item in traditional Chinese performances. They add a touch of elegance to any setting, reflecting the country’s ability to transform functional items into decorative pieces. Each umbrella is carefully crafted to capture the essence of Chinese design, making them a unique souvenir that embodies Chinese cultural values.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese paper umbrellas because they reflect China’s ability to transform functional items into decorative pieces, embodying the country’s artistic ingenuity.
Where to Find It: These umbrellas are available in markets and souvenir shops across China.
How to Bring It Home: Store umbrellas in a protective bag or pouch to prevent damage.
Chinese Chess Set
A traditional board game played with pieces representing different characters from Chinese history, a Chinese chess set is a fun and educational souvenir. It reflects the intellectual and strategic aspects of Chinese culture, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone interested in Chinese traditions. Each piece is carefully crafted to reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetics of Chinese artisans, connecting you to China’s rich cultural heritage.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese chess sets because they reflect the intellectual and strategic aspects of Chinese culture, offering a fun and educational way to engage with Chinese traditions.
Where to Find It: Chess sets are widely available in markets and game stores across China.
How to Bring It Home: Pack the set in a sturdy box or bag to protect the pieces. Consider a travel case for convenience.
Chinese Lanterns
Colorful Chinese lanterns used in festivals and celebrations are now available in modern designs and styles. They symbolize joy and prosperity, reflecting the vibrant cultural life of China. Each lantern is carefully crafted to capture the essence of Chinese celebrations, making them a unique souvenir that embodies the spirit of Chinese festivities.
Why We Love It: We love Chinese lanterns because they symbolize joy and prosperity, reflecting the vibrant cultural life of China.
Where to Find It: These lanterns are available in markets and souvenir shops, especially during festivals.
How to Bring It Home: Store lanterns in a protective bag or pouch to prevent damage.
Conclusion: Bringing a Piece of China Home
Whether it’s a tin of tea, a silk scarf, or a beautifully crafted porcelain vase, the souvenirs you choose to bring home from China carry more than just aesthetic value. Each item tells a story, a narrative of the craftsmanship, culture, and traditions of this incredible country.
Personal Thought: Looking back at the souvenirs we collected over the years, they are not just physical objects. They are pieces of China’s rich history, stories of the artisans we met, and a way to bring a slice of China into our everyday life. We encourage you to approach souvenir shopping not just as a transaction, but as an opportunity to engage with the culture and history of the places you visit. Each item you bring home is a doorway to a deeper understanding of China.
By choosing thoughtfully, you’ll ensure that your gifts and souvenirs not only remind you of your travels but also allow you to share China’s rich cultural heritage with others.
