The interesting thing about shopping in Guangzhou is browsing the weird and wonderful collection of animals, food and medicines in Qingping Market. The rugged and rough side to this city is open for everyone to see here, just make sure you hold your nose if you visit in the summer!

Note: We strongly recommend tourists have a second thought concerning going to the Market as SARS, as it was said, broke out from virus in animals sold there in 2003.

If this is all a bit too authentic for you, there are some great little boutiques to be found on Shamian Island and Beijing Rd. Guangdong is famous for its exquisite Embroidery which can also be found at some of the good night markets on Xinhu Rd or Jiaoyue Rd.

Guangzhou also has some reasonable department stores including the South Mansion Department Store that gets most of its stock direct from Hong Kong