Travel China - Antiques and Tips of Buying Antiques

China antiques are very famous, giving that China has such a long history. Antique stores run by the government are the most reliable but you can forget bargains for genuine antiques. The Chinese are very knowledgeable about their cultural heritage and its value.

Do not buy any antiques that date before 1795 as they cannot be legally exported.

Make sure that the antiques you bought carry a red wax seal indicating that it is authentic and is able to be exported from China.

Keep all purchase receipts, especially that of Chinese medicine herbs, antiques, gold and silver articles, jade ware and etc. You may be asked to produce these by customs when leaving China.

Do not buy those articles made form rare wild animals. All the contraband articles will be confiscate without compensation.

In China, shops are open every day of the week. Normally the business time runs between 8.30 am and 8 pm. in summer and 9 am to 7 pm in winter.

Always verify the date of antiques before you purchase them. Antiques dated before 1795 can not legally be exported.

Make sure that the antiques you buy carry a wax seal indicating that
they are authentic and can be exported from China.

Keep all purchase receipts, especially those of Chinese medicinal
herbs, antiques, gold and silver articles, jade ware and etc. You will be
asked to produce them by customs when leaving China.

Articles made from rare wild animals are contraband and will be
confiscated by customs without compensation.