There are a lot of local specialties to buy in Wuxi. The fat, smiling clay figurine of Dafo (Buddha) is a symbol of wealth and happiness and certainly an auspicious gift to buy for friends. Pearls are another good purchase. Necklaces made of Taihu Lake pearls are very popular and locally produced pearl powder is said to be good for the skin and heart. Yixing teapots are also beautifully made and well worth looking for. They are to be found in shops and markets all over town; don’t forget to bargain hard!