If you are a foreigner working or living in Shanghai, it would be a good idea to buy some traditional Chinese souvenirs for your family and friends, no matter whether you are going back home for holiday or permanently. China is a paradise for souvenirs, there are so many things to choose from when you are thinking of buying something “typically Chinese”. In this article we are going to have a look at some typical Chinese souvenirs thet you may consider bringing home.

1. Qipao

Qipao presents itself as a stylish, charming, and often tight-fitting traditional Chinese dress. Qipao is usually made of silk and is emobroidered with different kinds of flowers, with thick laces trimmed at the collar, sleeves and edges. Qipao was initially designed for upper class women as its unique elegance demonstrates rather modesty than gaudiness. Nowadays some Chinese women still like to wear qipao on formal occasions.

2. Chinese Fan

Traditional Chinese fans are one of the typical souvenirs in China. Chinese fans were inevented in ancient time, just like qipao, owning a fan reflected a person’s social status. There are different types of fans available on the market, with folding fans being the most popular ones. Normally you can see calligraphy and paintings on a folding fan, that’s why folding fans are not only used to cool off, but also used in art performances.

3. Jade Chopsticks

Chinese people use chopsticks to eat. Therefore choosing chopsticks as a souvenir can also be practical. In China, ordinary chopsticks are usually made of wood, however, wooden chopsticks are not appropriate to be presented as a souvenir. Jade chopsticks happen to be different and beautiful because jade turns out be an ornamental green rock, it is often used to produce expensive accessaries in China.