China is full of exotic things which make wonderful souvenirs and gifts for relatives and friends. The following is a small sample of the vast range of goods available:

Silk - Chinese silk is world famous for its quality, colour and variety. Particularly good are products from Hangzhou, Sichuan, Suzhou and Dandong. 
Tea – The hundreds of varieties of Chinese tea can be classified into five categories - green tea, black tea, scented tea, brick tea and oolong tea.

Any of the top ten would make a perfect gift for your tea loving friend

1. Longjing produced near West Lake, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
2. Biluochun from Wu County in Jiangsu
3. Huangshan Maofeng from Mt. Huangshan in Anhui
4. Junshan Silver Needle from Qingluo Island on Dongting Lake
5. Qimen Black Tea from Qimen County in Anhui
6. Liuan Guapian from Liuan County in Anhui
7. Xinyang Maojian from Xinyang in Henan
8. Duyun Maojian from Duyun Mountain in Guizhou
9. Wuyi Rock Tea from Wuyi Mountain in Fujian
10. Tieguanyin from Anxi County in Fujian

Wines and Spirits - Regarded as sacred in ancient China, alcoholic drinks were used only in sacrifices. Now, wines and spirits are gaining popularity as accompaniments to Chinese food.

Here are some international award winners:

1. Yanghe Daqu and Shuanggou Daqu from Jiangsu
2. Gujing Tribute Liquor from Anhui
3. Maotai and Dong Liquor from Guizhou
4. Wuliangye, Jiannanchun and Luzhou Laojiao from Sichuan
5. Fenjiu Liquor from Shanxi  

Antiques – If antiques are your passion then you have come to the right place. Most cities and country towns contain antique and curio shops. Be careful when buying expensive items that official red seal of the shop is clearly marked on the item and the sale documents are in order. Chinese law doesn’t permit the export of antiques dated earlier than 1795.

Chinese Medicinal Materials - Traditional Chinese Medicine which is an integral part of Chinese life and culture has many followers in Western countries. The use of traditional herbs and potions lies at the core of Chinese medicine. A wide range of illnesses and disorders have been effectively treated by these medicines, based on animal and plant materials. Tonics based on herbs are also popular. 
To protect endangered animals, the use of materials from rare animals, such as musk, antler, leopard and tiger bone, rhinoceros horn and elephant skin, has been restricted and such medicines cannot be exported from China. Tourists can export Chinese herbs with a total value of less than 300 RMB (per person).

Arts and Crafts – Always popular, arts and crafts products make ideal gifts and souvenirs. Examples of Chinese Arts and Crafts include bronze ware, cloisonné, folk toys, jade, kites, lacquer wares, paper-cutting, porcelain, pottery, seal, prints and scrolls, silk, embroidery and printed and dyed fabrics. Highly recommended are Cloisonné made in Beijing, porcelain from Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, embroidery from Suzhou, Hunan, Guangdong and Sichhuan. Also Tang tri-colour pottery horses and camels, and batik from Guizhou and Yunnan. 

The "four treasures of study" consisting of writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper - are important in Chinese culture and you may want a set for yourself or to give as a unique gift to your friends. Something for the friend who has everything perhaps. 
Points to beware of – Verify the date of antiques and remember the rules (see antiques section). Keep all purchase receipts, particularly those of Chinese medicinal herbs, antiques, gold and silver articles, jade ware etc as you will be asked to produce them by customs when leaving China. Anything made from rare wild animals are contraband!  They will be confiscated by customs without compensation!

Tipping or Not?

Although it is not officially recognised, attitudes are changing and tips are now frequently offered and accepted by many people working in the service industries.
Most restaurants and hotels do not expect tips. Sometimes, small gifts of a useful nature are preferred but do not be offended when initially the gift or tip is firmly rejected - it is part of the polite ritual. Consumer taxes on goods are included in the price tags but big hotels and expensive restaurants may include a service charge of 10% or more.