Shopping Overview

In Hainan, the most common and popular handicrafts and souvenirs are made from local materials. Superb craftsmanship combined with unusual raw materials makes all these products unique. There are numerous categories of handicraft available on the island- most of which are either sea or mountain products. Coconuts, sea shells, crystal and pearl are all common materials used, and Hainan teems with numerous tropical fruits too. As the commercial center of Hainan, Haikou has commodities for sale from all over the island. The traditional folk markets around the back streets are the best places to pick up a bargain. Local products such as coffee, pepper and coconut candies are widely available and make interesting souvenirs. The fruit and fish markets are other good places to purchase a bit of the action! Take a wander and sample the atmosphere and the weird and wonderful array of goods for sale. Durian, is a particularly pungent, though tasty fruit- eat it if you dare! Most of all, Hainan is famous as a source of shells. Some lovely pieces and decorations are made using sea products. Sea water pearls are especially well known and widely available throughout the island. The best ones though, are in Sanya, although as this is the most popular tourist spot prices here can be higher than elsewhere. If you shop around away from the main tourist thoroughfares, you may pick up a bargain. North of Sanya is a great area to pick up some fine crystal from one of the stalls and shops around the crystal mine here. In Tongzha and the Highlands, the most interesting purchases are the local handicrafts of the Li and Miao people including silver jewelry, embroidery and other textiles.

Back