1. What are the must-visit markets and shopping areas in Zhangjiajie?
1. Zhangjiajie Night Market
2. Tianzi Plaza
3. Wulingyuan Street Market
4. Laojuntang Farmers’ Market
5. Baofeng Road Commercial Street
6. Huanglong Cave Art and Craft Market
7. Suoxiyu Tujia Ethnic Folklore Shopping Village
8. Zhangjiajie Antique City
9. Maimang Bird & Flower Market
10. Yangjiajie Village Cultural Plaza
2. Are there any unique local products or handicrafts that can be found in the markets?
Yes, there are several unique local products and handicrafts that can be found in the markets in Abu Dhabi. Some of these include:
1. Dates: Dates are a staple food in Emirati cuisine and are widely available in the markets. The varieties of dates sold include fresh, dried, and stuffed with nuts.
2. Oud Perfume: Oud is a popular fragrance made from agarwood, which is native to the Middle East. It is available in different forms such as oils, incense, and perfumes.
3. Camel Milk Products: Camel milk is considered a delicacy in Abu Dhabi and can be found in the form of chocolate, ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products.
4. Hand-woven Carpets: Traditional hand-woven carpets known as “sadu” can often be found for sale at local markets. They come in various designs and colors and are made using natural fibers.
5. Local Spices: The markets offer a wide variety of locally sourced spices such as saffron, sumac, za’atar, and cardamom that add flavor to traditional dishes.
6. Pottery: Hand-crafted pottery is another popular item sold in Abu Dhabi markets. These colorful ceramics make for unique souvenirs or decorative pieces for the home.
7. Traditional Garments: You can find intricately designed traditional garments like thobes (long white robes) and abayas (black cloak worn by women) at local markets.
8.Atar (Perfume Oil): Atar is a concentrated perfume oil that comes in various fragrances such as rose, jasmine, oud, musk, and sandalwood.
9.Unique Jewelry: Local jewelers offer unique pieces of jewelry incorporating elements of Emirati culture such as camel bone or pearls from the Arabian Gulf.
10.Handmade Souvenirs: Many local artisans sell handcrafted souvenirs such as traditional baskets, wooden toys, and miniature dhows (traditional boats) at the markets.
3. Where is the best place to buy souvenirs in Zhangjiajie?
The best place to buy souvenirs in Zhangjiajie is the Zhangjiajie Central Plaza. It is a large shopping mall that offers a variety of traditional handicrafts, local specialties, and souvenir items such as miniature Tujia wooden houses, colorful batik fabrics, tea sets, and other unique gifts. The prices here are reasonable and visitors can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of shopping in a bustling Chinese market. Other popular places for souvenirs include the Ten-Mile Art Gallery and Yellow Stone Village, both located within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
4. Are prices negotiable in the markets and if so, what is the general bargaining etiquette?
It is common for prices to be negotiable in markets, especially in more traditional or touristy areas. Timing and approach are key when bargaining in markets. It is considered appropriate to start with a counteroffer that is about 20-30% lower than the initial offer. The vendor may then give another price, and the bargaining process can continue until both parties agree on a price. It is important to be friendly and polite during negotiations and to not get overly aggressive or angry if the vendor rejects an offer. If a price cannot be agreed upon, it is acceptable to walk away from the transaction.
5. Is it advisable to have cash on hand when shopping or are credit cards widely accepted?
It is advisable to have some cash on hand when shopping, as not all merchants accept credit cards. However, most major retailers and chain stores do accept credit cards, so it is always a good idea to have one or two with you as well. It is also important to make sure your credit card works internationally if you are traveling to a foreign country.
6. Is haggling a common practice or are there fixed prices for items sold in the markets?
Haggling is a common practice in markets in many countries, including most countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, it may not be as common or accepted in markets in Western countries or more developed economies. In markets where haggling is a common practice, there are usually no fixed prices for items and the final price is typically negotiated between the seller and the buyer.
7. Where can one find authentic Chinese teas in Zhangjiajie?
Authentic Chinese teas can be found at tea shops and markets in Zhangjiajie, such as Huanglong Cave Tea Market, Tianmen Road Tea Market, and Phoenix Ancient City Tea Street. Many hotels and restaurants also serve high-quality Chinese teas. It is recommended to purchase teas from reputable shops and brands to ensure authenticity.
8. Are there any flea markets or night markets worth checking out for bargain deals?
Some recommendations for flea markets and night markets with good bargains include:– Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok: This huge market offers a wide range of items at bargain prices, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, home decor, and more.
– Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai: This bustling market is known for its great deals on locally made products such as traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
– Pattaya Weekend Market in Pattaya: Also known as Thepprasit Market, this market is popular for its low prices on clothing, accessories, home goods, electronic gadgets and more.
– Phuket Weekend Market (also known as Naka Market) in Phuket Town: This lively market is a great place to find cheap clothes, accessories, souvenirs and even street food.
– Otres Market in Sihanoukville (Cambodia): A hipster night market with a beachy vibe featuring food stalls, live music performances and a variety of local vendors selling handmade products at reasonable prices.
– Ben Thanh Night Market in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam): A large and busy outdoor night market offering a range of goods including clothing, accessories, electronics and various souvenirs at bargain prices.
9. What are some recommended local snacks or street food that can be found at the markets?
Some recommended local snacks and street food that can be found at markets in Hong Kong include:1. Egg waffles (also known as “gai daan jai”): These crispy and light waffles are shaped like small eggs and can be found at almost every market in Hong Kong.
2. Fish balls (also known as “yu dan”): These fish paste balls are skewered on bamboo sticks and served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
3. Curry fish balls: Similar to regular fish balls, but cooked in a curry sauce for a stronger flavor.
4. Siu mai and har gow: Steamed dumplings filled with different types of meat or seafood, these are staple dim sum items that can be found at many markets.
5. Stinky tofu: This fermented tofu dish is an acquired taste, but it’s popular street food among locals.
6. Beef offal: Various parts of the cow’s internal organs are braised or grilled and served on skewers, making for a popular late-night snack.
7. Roast duck, goose, or pork: Some markets may have stalls selling freshly roasted meats such as duck, goose, or pork that you can purchase by weight.
8. Lok-lok (also known as “steamboat” or “hot pot” street food): This involves skewering various raw ingredients such as vegetables, meats, seafood onto sticks and cooking them in boiling broth before dipping them into various sauces for added flavor.
9. Pineapple buns with butter: A favorite local breakfast item made with fluffy bread rolls topped with a crunchy pineapple-flavored crust served alongside a slab of butter.
10. Bubble tea: A sweet tea-based beverage with chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom that can be found at most markets in Hong Kong.
10. How far in advance do vendors open their stalls and what time do they usually close?
The timing for vendors opening and closing their stalls can vary depending on the location and type of market. Some vendors may set up hours before the market opens to customers, while others may wait until closer to the start time. Generally, vendors will close their stalls at the end of the designated market hours, which can also vary depending on the market. It’s best to check with individual markets or vendors for more specific information.
11. Are there any special events or festivals that impact shopping in Zhangjiajie?
Yes, there are several special events and festivals that impact shopping in Zhangjiajie.
1. Spring Festival Shopping: The annual Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China. During this time, people often buy new clothes, decorations and gifts to celebrate the festival.
2. International Forest Tourism Festival: This festival is held every year in September or October in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The festival features many outdoor activities, cultural performances and local products for sale.
3. Golden Week Holiday: During the first week of October, China has a week-long national holiday known as Golden Week. This is a popular time for domestic tourists to visit Zhangjiajie and shop for souvenirs.
4. Traditional Festivals: Zhangjiajie is home to many ethnic minority groups including Tujia, Miao and Bai people who all have their own traditional festivals. During these festivals, local handicrafts and traditional merchandise can be found at markets and shops.
5. Zhangjiajie Shopping Festival: This annual event takes place from June to August and offers discounts on various goods such as tea, silk, handicrafts, herbs and more.
6. Annual Fruit Picking Season: From April to July, visitors can pick their own fruits such as strawberries, cherries and peaches at local farms and orchards.
7. Lantern Festival: This colorful traditional festival takes place towards the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, usually in February or early March. It features beautiful lantern displays and street vendors selling festive items such as lanterns and snacks.
8. Winter Shopping: During the colder months of December to February, shoppers can find unique winter specialties such as dried fruit or preserved meats among other traditional products.
Overall, these events offer great opportunities for visitors to experience local culture while shopping for unique items in Zhangjiajie.
12. What is considered an appropriate souvenir to bring back from Zhangjiajie?
An appropriate souvenir to bring back from Zhangjiajie could be a traditional handicraft or artwork, such as hand-painted pottery or wooden carvings depicting local landscapes and culture. Other options could include locally-made tea, spices, or snacks.
13. Which market has the best selection of traditional Chinese clothing and accessories?
The best market for traditional Chinese clothing and accessories would be the Liulichang Culture Street Market in Beijing, China. This market is known for its wide variety of traditional Chinese textiles, garments, and accessories, such as silk robes, embroidered jackets, hanfu (traditional dress), and jewelry. It also has a long history of selling antique and vintage items that showcase traditional Chinese craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
14. How much should one budget for a typical day of shopping at the markets in Zhangjiajie?
It really depends on what you are planning to buy and the quality of the items. A budget of around 200-300 yuan (approximately $30-45 USD) should be sufficient for a typical day of shopping at the markets in Zhangjiajie. This should cover some souvenirs, snacks, and possibly a few clothing items or local handicrafts. However, if you are looking to purchase more expensive or high-end items, you may need to budget more accordingly. It’s always a good idea to negotiate and bargain for prices at the market to get the best deals.
15. Are there any popular mall or department stores in addition to local markets?
Yes, there are popular mall and department stores in the Philippines, such as SM Supermalls, Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls, and Landmark. These malls typically have a mix of local and international brands, as well as dining and entertainment options. In addition to malls, there are also popular department stores like Rustan’s, Marks & Spencer, and H&M that can be found in major cities.
16. Is it recommended to take transportation such as taxis to go between different market areas, or are they within walking distance from each other?
It depends on your location and the specific market areas you want to visit. Some markets may be within walking distance from each other, while others are spread out and may require transportation such as taxis. It is best to research the locations of the markets you want to visit beforehand to determine the most efficient mode of transportation between them.
17. Can I find international brand name products in Zhangjiajie’s malls or shopping centers?
Yes, many international brand name products can be found in Zhangjiajie’s malls and shopping centers. Some of the popular ones include H&M, Zara, Adidas, Nike, and Sephora. However, the selection may not be as extensive as in larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Additionally, prices for these products may be higher due to import taxes and shipping costs.
18. What types of payment methods are commonly accepted at traditional markets versus modern malls?
At traditional markets, cash is the most commonly accepted form of payment. Some vendors may also accept alternative forms of payment such as mobile money or credit/debit cards, but this varies depending on the market and the individual vendor.
In modern malls, a wider variety of payment methods are accepted. These may include credit/debit cards from various banks, contactless payments, mobile wallets, gift cards, and sometimes cash. Additionally, many modern malls also have their own loyalty/rewards programs that customers can use to make purchases.
19.Payment methods such as using mobile apps has become increasingly popular globally, is this also true for shops and vendors around Zhangjiajie?
Yes, the use of mobile payment methods has become increasingly popular among shops and vendors around Zhangjiajie. In recent years, China has experienced a rapid growth in mobile payment usage, with many people opting to use apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay for their daily transactions. This trend has also extended to smaller businesses and vendors in tourist areas like Zhangjiajie. Many shops and vendors now have QR codes displayed at their counters, allowing customers to pay using their mobile phones. This is a convenient and efficient method of payment that is widely accepted in the region.
20. Is it considered rude to take photos of items while browsing in the markets, or are vendors open to people taking photos as long as they ask permission first?
It is generally considered polite to ask for permission before taking photos of items while browsing in markets. It shows respect for the vendors and their products. Some vendors may not allow photos to be taken, so it is always best to ask first.