30 Best Chinese Souvenirs Indian Tourists Will Want to Bring Home

China is a vast country, where ancient traditions blend with futuristic skylines, and every corner holds a piece of history or artistry waiting to be discovered.

And for every Indian traveller, a trip to China is incomplete without bringing home souvenirs that tell stories, not just objects, but living reminders of culture, craftsmanship, and charm.

Imagine unwrapping a silk scarf from Suzhou during an Indian winter wedding, or serving tea to guests in a porcelain set bought in Beijing, it’s like carrying China’s soul across borders.

From quirky pandas to spiritual feng shui charms, from delicate paper cuttings to regal jade, here’s your ultimate guide to the 30 best Chinese souvenirs every Indian traveller should consider, complete with price ranges in rupees and insider tips on where to shop.

Shopping in China? 30 Best Souvenirs Every Indian Traveller Should Bring Back

1. Chinese Tea Sets

Why buy?
For a chai-obsessed nation like India, tea isn’t just a beverage, it’s an emotion. A porcelain tea set from China turns that daily ritual into a ceremony of elegance. With intricate blue-and-white patterns inspired by dynasties past, these sets become conversation starters at family gatherings.

• Price: ₹1,500 – ₹8,000

• Where to buy: Panjiayuan Antique Market (Beijing), Shanghai Old Street.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Choose classic blue-and-white designs that pair beautifully with Indian mithai platters during Diwali or Rakhi celebrations. They make serving masala chai feel royal.

2. Authentic Chinese Tea

Why buy?
China’s tea culture is as old as its Great Wall. From earthy Pu-erh to floral jasmine and soothing oolong, these teas aren’t just drinks, they’re experiences. For families in India fond of brewing kadha or herbal infusions, Chinese teas offer a new flavor dimension along with health benefits.

• Price: ₹800 – ₹5,000 per box

• Where to buy: Hangzhou tea plantations, Chengdu tea houses.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Pu-erh tea makes an exotic conversation piece in India. Gift it to your health-conscious relatives, and you’ll be remembered as the trendsetter.

3. Calligraphy Brushes

Why buy?
These are more than writing instruments, they’re works of art. Traditionally made with bamboo handles, animal hair tips, and carved embellishments, calligraphy brushes symbolize scholarship and culture in China. Even if you don’t plan to write Mandarin characters, they make stunning collectibles.

• Price: ₹600 – ₹3,000

• Where to buy: Liulichang Cultural Street, Beijing.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Display them on your study desk, or gift one to an art-loving cousin. They’re light to pack yet carry a story of craftsmanship centuries old.

4. Chinese Fans (Handheld)

Why buy?
Delicate, foldable, and often painted with serene landscapes or calligraphy, Chinese fans are the perfect mix of utility and beauty. In India, where summers can be scorching, they’re both practical and stylish.

• Price: ₹300 – ₹1,200

• Where to buy: Suzhou street shops, Shanghai Old Town.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Opt for hand-painted silk fans, they make charming wedding gifts or even unique décor for an Indian bride’s trousseau.

5. Jade Jewelry

Why buy?
In China, jade isn’t just a stone; it’s a symbol of harmony, purity, and protection. Much like how Indians treasure emeralds or rubies, jade is believed to carry good fortune. Whether in the form of bangles, pendants, or earrings, jade makes for an elegant and meaningful gift.

• Price: ₹2,000 – ₹20,000 (depending on quality)

• Where to buy: Jade Market (Beijing), Jade Buddha Temple (Shanghai).

• Tip for Indian traveller: Bargain smartly, jade comes in various grades. Choose certified pieces if you’re splurging for family heirlooms.

6. Chinese Lanterns

Why buy?
These red or gold glowing orbs aren’t just decorative, they carry centuries of symbolism, believed to bring prosperity and joy. Imagine lighting them in your Indian home during Diwali or weddings, they instantly add a magical Chinese twist to the celebration.

• Price: ₹400 – ₹2,000

• Where to buy: Xi’an night markets.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Foldable paper lanterns pack easily into luggage and can be reused for festivals year after year.

7. Chopsticks

Why buy?
A quirky yet practical souvenir, chopsticks symbolize sharing meals and togetherness. Lacquered, wooden, or even metal sets often come in decorative boxes that make them gift-ready. For Indian foodies who love experimenting with noodles or sushi at home, they’re a must-buy.

• Price: ₹250 – ₹1,000 per set

• Where to buy: Shanghai Old Town.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Go for engraved sets with dragon or phoenix motifs, they’ll impress friends during your next Chinese dinner night.

8. Chinese Knots

Why buy?
These intricate red designs woven from a single thread represent good luck, prosperity, and eternal love. In many ways, they resemble sacred threads tied at Indian temples, making them a symbol Indians can easily relate to.

• Price: ₹150 – ₹800

• Where to buy: Guangzhou street markets.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Hang them in your car, at your office desk, or gift them during housewarmings, they carry universal good vibes.

9. Silk Scarves

Why buy?
China’s silk has enchanted the world for centuries, and a silk scarf is the most wearable piece of history you can bring back. Soft, lightweight, and luxurious, they’re perfect for sprucing up Indian wedding outfits or even as a chic accessory for office wear.

• Price: ₹1,200 – ₹6,000

• Where to buy: Suzhou Silk Factory outlets.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Choose scarves with floral or dragon motifs, they blend well with both sarees and western dresses, giving them versatile appeal.

10. Chinese Porcelain

Why buy?
Often inspired by Ming dynasty artistry, Chinese porcelain is timeless and sophisticated. Known for its delicate craftsmanship and iconic blue-and-white patterns, porcelain items range from tea cups to decorative vases. A perfect keepsake for Indian homes that love showcasing heritage décor.

• Price: ₹3,000 – ₹15,000

• Where to buy: Jingdezhen (the porcelain capital).

• Tip for Indian traveller: Buy smaller pieces like teacups or trinket dishes, they’re easier to carry back and still carry the legacy of China’s porcelain mastery.

11. Panda Merchandise

Why buy?
Pandas are China’s cuddly ambassadors to the world. From soft plush toys to quirky mugs, stationery, and T-shirts, panda-themed gifts bring joy to children and adults alike. For Indian families traveling with kids, panda souvenirs are guaranteed to earn smiles when brought back home.

Price: ₹300 – ₹2,500

Where to buy: Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre, souvenir stalls near panda parks.

Tip for Indian traveller: Go for limited-edition panda collectibles, they make unique gifts compared to regular plush toys.

12. Qipao & Cheongsam Dresses

Why buy?
Elegant, slim-fitting, and rooted in Chinese fashion heritage, the Qipao (for women) and Changshan (for men) are timeless. Their intricate embroidery and figure-flattering silhouettes make them perfect for Indian weddings or cultural events where fusion fashion is celebrated.

• Price: ₹2,500 – ₹10,000

• Where to buy: Tailoring shops in Shanghai, silk boutiques in Suzhou.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Opt for tailor-made dresses, they’ll be stitched to fit and can double as stunning outfits for Indian wedding receptions.

13. Cloisonné Enamelware

Why buy?
This centuries-old craft combines metal, fire, and enamel into colorful bowls, vases, and jewelry boxes. Each piece reflects Chinese artistry and patience, making it an ideal collectible for Indian homes that value intricate décor.

• Price: ₹1,800 – ₹12,000

• Where to buy: Cloisonné workshops in Beijing, Panjiayuan Antique Market.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Choose smaller items like jewelry boxes, they’re easier to pack yet carry the same craftsmanship as larger pieces.

14. Chinese Paper Cuttings

Why buy?
Delicate, intricate, and symbolic, paper cuttings are a traditional folk art often used to decorate doors and windows during festivals. Lightweight and affordable, they’re perfect souvenirs for Indian travellers looking for gifts that blend artistry with practicality.

• Price: ₹300 – ₹1,000

• Where to buy: Xi’an cultural markets, Beijing handicraft stores.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Frame them back in India, they make budget-friendly yet artistic wall décor for living rooms or studies.

15. Dragon Statues

Why buy?
The dragon in Chinese culture represents strength, power, and prosperity. For Indian households that follow vastu or feng shui, a dragon statue is not just décor but also a charm for positive energy. They come in jade, bronze, wood, or resin, fitting every budget.

• Price: ₹500 – ₹5,000

• Where to buy: Panjiayuan Antique Market (Beijing), Shanghai art shops.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Smaller dragon figurines make perfect gifts for business partners, symbolizing success and authority.

16. Bamboo Flutes

Why buy?
Known as Dizi, bamboo flutes are soulful instruments deeply tied to Chinese folk music. They’re lightweight, affordable, and make thoughtful gifts for Indian friends who love music. Even as décor, they carry rustic charm.

• Price: ₹700 – ₹2,500

• Where to buy: Chengdu music shops, traditional markets near Sichuan Opera houses.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Pick flutes with carved dragons or phoenix designs, they add aesthetic appeal even if you don’t plan to play them.

17. Chinese Opera Masks

Why buy?
These masks, painted in bold red, blue, and black, symbolize various characters in Chinese opera. More than souvenirs, they’re works of art that double as striking wall décor. For Indian homes that already celebrate colorful traditions, these masks fit right in.

• Price: ₹400 – ₹2,000

• Where to buy: Beijing opera houses, cultural souvenir stalls.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Buy a set of three masks, they look stunning when displayed together on a wall.

18. Lucky Cats (Maneki Neko)

Why buy?
Though originally Japanese, the paw-waving Lucky Cat has found a beloved place in Chinese shops and markets. Believed to bring prosperity, it’s the perfect addition to Indian shops, boutiques, or even home entrances where positivity is welcome.

• Price: ₹300 – ₹1,500

• Where to buy: Guangzhou wholesale markets, local street shops.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Choose solar-powered ones, they wave endlessly without batteries and will fascinate guests in your Indian living room.

19. Kung Fu Outfits

Why buy?
Channel your inner Bruce Lee with Kung Fu suits, often made of satin with dragon embroidery. These outfits are not just costumes but cultural symbols tied to martial arts. Indian travellers can wear them for themed parties, performances, or as quirky lounge wear.

• Price: ₹2,000 – ₹6,000

• Where to buy: Shaolin Temple shops, Beijing martial arts stores.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Kids’ Kung Fu outfits make fantastic souvenirs, they’ll love dressing up as little martial arts stars.

20. Mahjong Sets

Why buy?
Often called “China’s chess,” Mahjong is a strategic tile-based game popular across Asia. For Indian families who enjoy cards or carrom nights, a Mahjong set introduces an exciting new tradition. Sets come in wooden, bamboo, or travel-friendly plastic versions.

• Price: ₹1,800 – ₹7,000

• Where to buy: Shanghai Old Town, Beijing markets.

• Tip for Indian traveller: Choose travel-size Mahjong sets, they’re easier to carry and still let you bring the joy of this traditional game to your next Indian family gathering.

21. Chinese Embroidery Art

Why buy?
With threads as fine as silk and patterns that shimmer like Indian zari work, Chinese embroidery is a masterpiece of patience and precision. Suzhou embroidery, in particular, is world-renowned, often featuring lifelike birds, flowers, and landscapes stitched onto silk. It’s the kind of keepsake that turns into a family heirloom.

• Price: ₹2,500 – ₹10,000

• Where to buy: Suzhou embroidery studios, boutiques, and cultural streets.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Always ask for a certificate of authenticity, as machine-made knockoffs are common. Genuine Suzhou embroidery is extremely detailed, look at the back of the fabric for clean finishing.

22. Traditional Chinese Medicine Packs

Why buy?
For Indian travellers who already swear by Ayurveda, Chinese traditional medicine feels both familiar and fascinating. You’ll find herbal teas, aromatic balms, and natural remedies that have been passed down for centuries. From cooling teas to soothe summer heat to tiger balms that work wonders on sore muscles, it’s like bringing home a wellness kit with an Eastern twist.

• Price: ₹500 – ₹3,000

• Where to buy: Beijing’s Tong Ren Tang, China’s most famous apothecary.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Double-check ingredients and avoid restricted animal-based medicines when flying back to India, as customs may not allow them. Herbal teas and balms are safest.

23. Red Envelopes (Hongbao)

Why buy?
The iconic red envelopes of China, used to gift money during festivals, weddings, or birthdays, strike a chord with Indian travellers who love gifting during occasions like Raksha Bandhan or Diwali. They symbolize prosperity and luck, making them a thoughtful and culturally blended souvenir.

• Price: ₹100 – ₹500 per pack

• Where to buy: Markets during Chinese New Year, stationery stores, or cultural shops.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Pick designs with auspicious Chinese characters and golden pattern, these make your festive gifting back home even more special.

24. Zodiac Souvenirs

Why buy?
Match your birth year with the Chinese zodiac, be it dragon, tiger, or rabbit and bring home charms, pendants, or keychains. It’s playful, personalized, and makes for a conversation starter with friends back in India. Perfect for those who enjoy astrology with a cultural twist.

• Price: ₹200 – ₹1,000

• Where to buy: Souvenir stalls in Xi’an, or temple markets in major cities.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Check your Chinese zodiac before shopping, local vendors love explaining compatibility, which can make shopping a fun cultural experience.

25. Terracotta Warrior Replicas

Why buy?
No trip to China is complete without seeing the legendary Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Luckily, you don’t have to leave it all behind, you can carry pocket-sized replicas of these ancient warriors, each with unique detailing. For history buffs, it’s like bringing a slice of China’s imperial past into your living room.

• Price: ₹800 – ₹5,000

• Where to buy: Xi’an’s archaeological site gift shops and nearby stalls.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Opt for smaller figurines, they are easier to carry and won’t raise eyebrows at customs compared to heavier or antique-style pieces.

26. Chinese Kites

Why buy?
Colorful, creative, and deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, these kites are not just toys but works of art. For Indian travellers, they are an instant hit because they add flair to kite-flying festivals like Uttarayan in Gujarat. Imagine the skies dotted with dragons, phoenixes, or butterflies!

• Price: ₹300 – ₹1,500

• Where to buy: Weifang Kite Market, the kite capital of China.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Ask sellers for foldable or collapsible designs, these travel better in luggage and won’t get damaged in transit.

27. Feng Shui Items

Why buy?
From wind chimes that tinkle softly to laughing Buddhas that promise good fortune, Feng Shui items are all about positive energy. Many Indian travellers pick them up as thoughtful gifts, or simply to bring harmony into their homes, something that blends beautifully with Indian traditions of Vaastu.

• Price: ₹500 – ₹4,000

• Where to buy: Guangzhou wholesale markets and specialty Feng Shui stores.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Choose compact items like crystals, pendants, or small Buddhas, they’re easier to pack than large wind chimes or fountains.

28. Paper Lanterns

Why buy?
Glowing softly in shades of red, gold, and pastel, paper lanterns have the power to transform any setting. Whether for an Indian wedding, a Diwali gathering, or a terrace party, they bring magic to celebrations. Foldable and light, they’re also easy to pack, making them perfect souvenirs for Indian travellers.

• Price: ₹200 – ₹1,200

• Where to buy: Chengdu and Xi’an night markets, or festive bazaars.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Carry lanterns flat-packed in your suitcase to avoid tears. Opt for LED-lit lanterns instead of candle-lit ones for safety at home.

29. Tea Pets

Why buy?
Imagine having a tiny clay figurine that “drinks” tea with you. These whimsical tea pets, often shaped like animals or mythical creatures, are beloved companions during tea ceremonies. Pour warm tea over them, and they slowly change color over time. Indian tea lovers will find them both adorable and symbolic.

• Price: ₹400 – ₹2,000

• Where to buy: Chengdu tea houses and specialty pottery shops.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Ask about the clay type, Yixing clay is the most valued. These make for great gifts for Indian friends who adore tea rituals.

30. Street Snacks (Packaged)

Why buy?
From spicy Sichuan peanuts and crunchy rice crackers to soft mooncakes, China’s packaged snacks are edible souvenirs that pack a punch. For Indian travellers who love gifting food, these snacks are perfect to share back home, bite-sized memories of China tucked neatly into your suitcase.

• Price: ₹200 – ₹1,000

• Where to buy: Local supermarkets, airport duty-free shops, and convenience stores.

• Tip for Indian travellers: Always check expiry dates and choose vacuum-packed items, these last longer and are safer to carry across borders.

City-Wise Shopping Guide for Indian Travellers

Not sure where to start? Here’s a city-by-city shopping map every Indian traveller can use as their treasure hunt checklist:

Beijing

• What to buy: Cloisonné enamelware, jade jewelry, calligraphy brushes, opera masks.

• Where to shop: Panjiayuan Antique Market, Liulichang Cultural Street.

• Why it’s special for Indian travellers: Beijing’s markets offer souvenirs that carry imperial elegance, perfect for gifting elders.

Shanghai

• What to buy: Silk scarves, qipao dresses, mahjong sets, chopsticks.

• Where to shop: Nanjing Road, Shanghai Old Town.

• Why it’s special: Shanghai is China’s style capital, perfect for an Indian traveller seeking modern souvenirs with a touch of tradition.

Xi’an

• What to buy: Terracotta warrior replicas, paper cuttings, red lanterns, zodiac charms.

• Where to shop: Cultural Street, museum shops.

• Why it’s special: Xi’an souvenirs connect you to China’s deep history, ideal for Indian travellers who love heritage.

Chengdu

• What to buy: Panda toys, bamboo flutes, tea pets, Sichuan snacks.

• Where to shop: Panda Centre gift shops, Wide and Narrow Alleys.

• Why it’s special: Chengdu is all about cuteness and spice, souvenirs every Indian traveller can enjoy with family.

Suzhou

• What to buy: Silk scarves, embroidery, folding fans.

• Where to shop: Silk Factory outlets, embroidery studios.

• Why it’s special: Suzhou’s silk rivals India’s Banarasi weave, an Indian traveller can instantly relate to its richness.

Guangzhou

• What to buy: Feng Shui items, lucky cats, Chinese knots, wholesale trinkets.

• Where to shop: Beijing Road Shopping District, wholesale markets.

• Why it’s special: Guangzhou’s bulk shopping options make it a dream for Indian travellers who love gifting.

For an Indian traveller, souvenirs from China are not just items, they’re bridges of culture. A lantern glowing in Delhi, a panda toy in Mumbai, or a jade pendant gifted in Kolkata, each carries a memory, a smile, and a connection across borders.

So, the next time you explore China, let your shopping be an adventure in itself. Choose wisely, pack carefully, and bring home not just souvenirs, but stories that live on.