Where to go ？
The main shopping district in Guilin is along Zhongshan Rd ( Dr. Sun Yetsan Rd ). Silk shirts, jackets, and ties are widely available. Other popular items to look for in Guilin include bamboo carvings, scrolls and paintings, embroidered tablecloths, carved seals (you can have your name engraved on them in Chinese characters), and beautifully carved tea sets. You'll find high quality arts and crafts and antiques, such as landscape paintings, sandalwood fans, antique ceramics and china, and jade rings and bracelets, at the Guilin Antique Store ( 2 Shanhu North Rd ).
Most of the major scenic spots, hills and cave parks have stalls where you can pick up souvenirs such as teas, chopsticks, fans, wood carvings, and T-shirts.
What To Buy ？
Paper Umbrellas
Guilin has a history of 400 years of making paper umbrellas, which fall into two varieties, oil and colorful umbrellas. Paper umbrellas made in Guilin are made in the traditional style and are very elegant with beautiful designs and various styles. The paper umbrella may serve as a good gift.
Painted fans
Painted fans are delightfully delicate and colorful. The fans are available in various sizes but all are made with either silk or paper with bamboo as the fan support.
The manufacturing process for a painted fan includes dyeing, mounting and painting with lacquer before it is ready for retail. Local painters in Yangshuo particularly enjoy depicting birds, flowers, insects and traditional Chinese girls. These fans are widely available in Yangshuo and Guilin and in many of the boutiques in the village and also at the weekend markets. They range in size from small to large and make very good wall decorations.
Pottery and Porcelain
Guilin pottery and porcelain are made from local clay. The range of products is huge, so whatever your taste, you will find something to satisfy you desire.
Landscape Paintings
Paintings reproduce the natural beauty of Guilin and many artists are fascinated with the Li River. Many famous painters including Xu Beihong, Huang Binhong, Li Ketan and Bai Xueshi have used Guilin 's unique scenery as inspiration for their masterpieces. Be sure to take something to remind you of your Guilin experience.
Tips for Shoppers
Each evening from 7.30 until midnight the main street of Guilin ( Zhongshan Rd ) is closed and it becomes a bustling night market. You will be able to shop till you drop' at the hundreds of stall that sell everything from tea to electronic goods. Be sure to bargain, it's half the fun and the merchants expect it!
|