Shopping

We invite you to rethink the “Made in China” label. China’s traditional strengths in crafts and materials have inspired a new breed of contemporary designer, both Chinese and foreign, to create high-quality products for modern lifestyles. From designer homeware to haute couture to hand crafted, traditional goods, the choice is yours. And because we never take commission, our guides’ only interest is in helping you find the items you seek.

For many years China was known only for low-quality souvenirs and cheap designer knockoffs. Of course these items are still available, but the world’s second largest consumer market has now fostered much more choice and many more purchasing options of significantly higher quality. Both foreign and local designers have incorporated traditional skills and materials in innovative new products from couture to furniture to homeware. Similarly, a new crop of Chinese designers are making waves on the catwalks of the US and Europe with repercussions in Chinese design spaces. It is Imperial Tours’ strict standard that our guides, China Hosts, local partners and drivers do no accept commissions on any products you purchase. This policy frees us to take you to places that offer high quality products and good value for money. Apart from traditional items sourced in China, such as silks, ceramics, pearls, lacquerware, ink-brush paintings, and more, our team can design bespoke shopping tours incorporating designer boutiques and galleries. We can even arrange a personal dress fitting at the home or studios of some of China’s top couture designers.