Livin’ in The Chonx

Flower markets aren’t just for Mother’s day and anniversaries. These are also excellent places to find potted plants to spruce up the iron bars outside your window, or even fake decorative plants for those who often forget to water. In all cases, prices are typically higher near the front of the market and are more reasonable towards the back and along the side streets. Flowers typically range from .5-2 RMB/stem, but wrapping it up in sparkly paper and ribbons makes the price soar much higher. Here are a few of the markets around town… Continue reading »

Hong Ya Dong 洪崖洞

Check out the 3rd floor of Hong Ya Dong to find some of the most reasonably priced souvenirs around. Pick up some of the painted Huangjue leaves (the city tree), a deck of Communist propaganda cards, decorative snuff bottles, fine porcelain, or minority style clothing. It’s all available here.

Bus Tip: 小什字 Walk about 50 meters towards the river, if you see Starbuck’s you are there, just look for the escalators down Continue reading »

Ci Qi Kou 瓷器口

This is the best place to get traditional Chinese art like scrolls, Chinese watercolor paintings, and calligraphy (some are also available at Hong Ya Dong). The further away from the touristy area you get the more authentic the artwork—in the main tourist area they are mostly copies and prints. Just look for the artisan workshops along the back neighborhood alleys.

Bus Tip: 瓷器口