How to bargain in China
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
Bargaining is expected at markets, small shops, and street stalls in China, but not at malls, supermarkets, or restaurants. Start by offering 30-50% of the asking price and work toward a middle ground. Stay friendly, be willing to walk away, and never bargain if you don't intend to buy. Learning a few Chinese phrases will get you better prices and earn you respect.
Busy market stalls in China with colorful goods
Deep Dive
Where Bargaining is Expected
Yes, bargain here:
- Silk Market (Beijing) and similar tourist markets
- Yaxiu Market (Beijing), Pearl Market (Beijing)
- Fake market / "copy market" in any city
- Street stalls and vendors
- Small independent shops in tourist areas
- Tailors and custom clothing shops
- Jade, pearl, and jewelry markets
- Souvenir shops in tourist areas
- Tuk-tuk / motorized rickshaw rides (negotiate before getting in)
- Some electronics shops in markets (Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen, etc.)
No, don't bargain here:
- Department stores and malls
- Supermarkets and convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
- Restaurants and cafes
- Chain stores (H&M, Uniqlo, Watsons)
- Official ticket booths (attractions, trains)
- Hotels with posted rates
- Anywhere with a barcode scanner and a register
How to Bargain: Step by Step
Step 1: Ask the price
The vendor will give you an inflated "foreigner price." Don't react -- just say "duo shao qian?" (how much?).
Step 2: Counter-offer at 30-50% of asking price
If they say 200 RMB, offer 60-80 RMB. This feels aggressive but it's normal. The vendor expects this dance.
Step 3: The back-and-forth
The vendor will act shocked, maybe show you a calculator with a slightly lower price. Counter again, slightly higher than your first offer. Go back and forth 3-5 times.
Step 4: Walk away
If you can't agree on a price, start walking away slowly. This is the most powerful bargaining tool. Many vendors will call you back with a lower price.
Step 5: Agree or walk
If the price feels fair to you, take it. If not, walk away. There's always another shop.
Key Bargaining Phrases
| English | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | 多少钱？ | Duo shao qian? |
| Too expensive! | 太贵了！ | Tai gui le! |
| Cheaper, please | 便宜一点 | Pianyi yi dian |
| Give me a good price | 给我个好价 | Gei wo ge hao jia |
| Last price? | 最后的价？ | Zui hou de jia? |
| That's my final offer | 就这个价 | Jiu zhe ge jia |
| I don't want it | 不要了 | Bu yao le |
| How about X yuan? | X块行不行？ | X kuai xing bu xing? |
| Beautiful / Nice | 好看 | Hao kan |
Pro tip: Use the calculator on your phone to show numbers. Point and type -- no language barrier.
Price Ranges to Expect
These are rough starting prices (what vendors first ask) and reasonable final prices for common tourist items:
| Item | Asking Price | Fair Price |
|---|----|---|
| T-shirt (tourist) | 100-150 RMB | 25-50 RMB |
| Silk scarf | 200-500 RMB | 50-150 RMB |
| "North Face" jacket | 800-1500 RMB | 150-300 RMB |
| Chopstick set | 50-100 RMB | 15-30 RMB |
| Tea set | 200-500 RMB | 60-150 RMB |
| Painting/calligraphy | 300-800 RMB | 50-200 RMB |
| Jade bracelet | 500-2000 RMB | 100-400 RMB |
| Fake designer bag | 500-2000 RMB | 100-300 RMB |
| Fan (hand fan) | 50-100 RMB | 10-25 RMB |
| Mao T-shirt | 80-120 RMB | 20-40 RMB |
Note: These prices are for tourist markets. Genuine silk, real jade, and authentic artwork cost much more -- know what you're buying.
Scams to Watch Out For
The tea ceremony scam: A friendly student or group invites you to a "traditional tea ceremony." You're then presented with a bill for 500-2000 RMB. Politely decline invitations from strangers to "practice English" or "show you around."
The art student scam: "Art students" invite you to see their "exhibition." You're pressured to buy mediocre paintings at inflated prices. Just say no and walk away.
The wrong change scam: You pay with a 100 RMB note, the vendor claims it's a fake and swaps it for a real fake, then demands a different bill. Always check your change and be aware of which bill you handed over.
The "free" tea/tour scam: Someone offers you a free sample, then demands payment. Nothing is truly free in tourist areas.
The taxi meter scam: Unlicensed taxis at airports and train stations may not use meters or take long routes. Always use the official taxi line or DiDi.
The "it's real jade/silk" claim: At tourist markets, assume everything is fake or low quality unless you're an expert. Bargain accordingly.
Market Etiquette
- Don't touch unless you're interested: Touching something signals you want to buy, and the vendor will pressure you.
- Start bargaining only if you want to buy: Don't waste the vendor's time if you have no intention to purchase.
- Be friendly and smile: Bargaining should be fun, not aggressive. Laughing and joking gets you better prices.
- Don't compare prices loudly in front of vendors: It's rude. Just walk to the next stall quietly.
- Bring small bills: Vendors may claim they don't have change for 100 RMB to round up the price.
- Shop around first: Walk through the entire market before buying. You'll see the same items at different prices.
- Morning prices: Some vendors believe the first sale of the day brings good luck (kai zhang). Shopping early might get you better prices.
- Group buying: If you're traveling with friends, buying multiple items from the same vendor gives you leverage for a better deal.
When Not to Bargain
- At fixed-price stores and restaurants
- When the price is already very low (5 RMB for a bottle of water -- don't haggle over pennies)
- When you're buying from elderly street vendors selling fruit or snacks for a few yuan -- these people are making a living, not running a scam
- At pharmacies and medical facilities