Shopping

There are abundant shopping options in Guangxi. Many travellers find that the easiest places to shop are the large department stores as the quality is usually good, they have fixed prices, and they will replace any defective items. Shopping in markets can be cheaper, but requires bargaining skills. Check prices in the big stores before setting out. Few vendors speak any English, so a calculator can come in handy.

Some indigenous communities have cottage industries and make a variety of attractive handcrafted items. There are also government tourist centres selling a range of handicrafts, and many silk shops will make clothes to order. The provincial capital, Nanning, offers several shops and specialist markets.

Brocade: Zhuang brocade is distinguishable by its intricate designs and dense local style that stems from the Tang and Song Dynasties and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, when they were traditionally used as a dowry item. Zhuang brocade is woven with a manual loom using cotton yarn of five different coloured threads to make intricate patterns of plants and mythical animals, such as a phoenix, and geometric patterns. The pieces are noted for their durability, and have a variety of uses such as blankets, bedspreads, aprons, belts, baby carriers and handbags.

Silk Balls: Brightly coloured silk balls are embroidered with colourful flowers and birds and dangling ribbons, making them inexpensive and easy-to-carry souvenirs. Designs are created by hand sewing twelve petals of silk symbolising the 12 months of the year, which in turn is believed the give the owner eternal happiness. Traditionally, the balls were used for entertainment and sports, but were later developed to symbolise a gift of love. Legend has it that Liu Sanjie, a renowned folk singer, tossed a silk ball to his girlfriend as a sign of his love, thus the balls are also known as Liu Sanjie Silk Balls.

Guilin Chili Sauce: This special sauce comes from a recipe that is over 300 years old. The main ingredients are lobster sauce, chilli, garlic, lobster sauce salt and Sanhua wine, and the end result is considered one of Gulin’s three treasures, which can be used as a condiment or dressing.

Bronze Drums: Guangxi’s bronze drums are shaped like a large kettle, and were once used in rituals or ceremonies, and today are mainstays in traditional song and dance performances. The drums have a resonating sound and have become a favourite souvenir symbolising a visit to Guangxi.

Guilin Three-flower Wine: Guilin Three-flower Wine has a history over 300 years and is prepared by a steaming process performed three times to create three layers of bubbles that resemble flowers.

Preserved Bean Curd: Another of Guilin’s three treasures is its ancient recipe for bean curd, with the Flower Bridge brand lasting for hundreds of years. The main ingredient in preserved bean curd is fresh rice bean. There are three kinds of preserved bean curd, each with a different flavour.