Shopping in China

Where to buy cheap and reasonable quality stuff in China through the internet?  Check out the following online shopping websites recommended by Rong.

Taobao
Everyone in China knows Taobao and it sells everything.
"Chinese eBay" Set up in 2003, Taobao is the biggest online shopping platform in China, accounting for over 80% of domestic online business. Most shop owners are individuals, however, more and more big-brands are opening their official shops on Taobao Mall (Tmall).
The nasty part is everything is in Chinese and most of the owners can't chat with you in other language than Chinese. Maybe this could be a motivation for some of you to learn Chinese .Or you can view online shopping taobao english-Agreetao.

How to use taobao?
1. Set up an account.  An email address would be required.
2. Search items. Type in things you want to buy in the searching bar either in characters or pinyin (yes, you can use pinyin as well!!!).
You can set some search requirements as well, such as arrange the items bases on price or popularity, choose the places where the shop is located ( this affects the delivery time)
3. Purchase. You don't have to bargain over Taobao. Once you see something you want, just click the "buy" button.Then you need to fill in your address and contacts.
4. Pay. The payment part is the most complicated: you need to have a Chinese bank account and make sure it has the online payment service. Then you need to set up an Alipay account (like "paypal", but completely FREE!!! So much better). The fascinating part is almost all the online shopping websites can be paid through Alipay afterwards.

If u want to buy books...
1. Dangdang  is "Chinese version of Amazon" .You can find almost every book published within 30 years in Mainland China on Dangdang and with a discount. The best part is no delivery fee is charged once your purchase is over 29 RMB(4.75USD) and also you can choose to pay when goods are delivered.

2. Kongfuzi
As the biggest second-hand Chinese book online platform, it's the best place for you to find an ancient or limited-edition book. Most of the bookstores are owned by private owners, therefore sometimes the delivery fee can be a bit expensive.

3. Taobao
You can find a lot of Ebooks (especially English ones or acedemic ones ) on Taobao for about 5 RMB (82cents) per one. I don't think they have the digital copyrights, but it is so cheap that it's hard not to be tempted. And sometime it's the only fast way you can get a book for your thesis.

online shopping taobao english

Online Shopping in China: Beginner’s Guide

Most expats are comfortable with online shopping back home because they know how to spot the deals while avoiding the fakes and scammers. But in China it is not as easy with language and cultural barriers. As a result many don’t even try to dive into the world of online shopping in China, but really you are missing a lot. It’s time to get your feet wet, and we can help.

Taobao: The Holy Grail of Online Shopping

Taobao (www.taobao.com) is probably the most well known of all the Chinese online shopping options and a fantastic starting point for would be online shoppers. It is well worth a browse just to see the massives cope of online shopping available in China. Taobao is the daddy of online shopping platforms in China and the equivalent to www.ebay.com throughout the rest of the world. Taobao’s platform differs from Ebay in two distinct ways: Firstly, it focuses on being a collection of stores with customizable spaces. In turn, this creates the second difference, that being the shopping system in Taobao relies less upon auctions, it allows for more instantaneous communication and bargaining with vendors via ‘WangWang’, Taobao’s instant messaging platform.

Getting Started on Taobao

The most convenient way to make payments for online shopping in China is with an Ali pay account www.alipay.com. Although, it should be mentioned that certain online shopping service providers, such as a great many Taobao stores, give shoppers a ‘cash on delivery’ option when making a purchase. This is also a good way to safeguard against receiving goods being delivered that do not match their description.

It is also worth noting that you can purchase Bian Li Tongtop up cards from vendors that sell telephone cards, should you not want to go to the trouble of opening a bank account. This method is also a good option when a cash on delivery option is not available.  

Getting the Goods – Shopping Online in China

 I arrived on the online shopping scene rather late in the game, and I honestly had no idea what I was getting into. It was only once I’d heard my Chinese co-workers talking about their purchases around the watercooler, checking out clothing online, and receiving deliveries from the post man at their desk at work, that I decided I might like to try for myself. Online shopping has taken China by storm, and the most popular site is Taobao, which is like a Chinese version of eBay, although Amazon (in conjunction with the Chinese company Joyo) has a share of the market too. Taobao is to China what ebay was to America about 5 years ago, taking the country by storm, turning everyone and their dog into home-grown entrepreneurs, and providing a vast array of goods to people who would otherwise have no access to them.


And who is in more need of hard to find goods than expats in China? Expats frequently complain about China’s lack of English language books, good coffee, cheese, large sized clothing, and Western brand “stuff,” from toys to baby formula to laundry detergent. And delightfully, all of these are available to be purchased online, from your home, and will be delivered straight to your door, practically anywhere in the country. Putting it plainly, sites like Taobao are an expat’s lifesaver. But there’s just one catch –Taobao, and other China-based sites, are all in Chinese, no option for English.

Maybe you need taobao english site? For expats starved for a taste of home, online shopping can be a life saver, and once you get started, you won’t be able to stop. Luckily online shopping is often more affordable than trips to fancy expat grocery stores, or import bookshops. The clothing you buy online is cheaper than what you’d buy in a shop because the overhead is less. Online shopping is an affordable, convenient, even fun way to get your fix of the goods that you miss in your day to day life.

Why Buy a Balance Scooter?

When I look back at my own childhood it felt like I was out riding a bike from a very early age. So when I tried to teach my own children at about age 4 I was quite deflated when it just didn't happen for them.

Even with stabilisers on they seemed to tip up on every corner (and going over on stabilisers is far worse than without if you've ever seen it!).  Some kids just don't have the balance at that age. But in fact, when I spoke to my parents about it, turns out I didn't actually start riding a bike until I was 7!

Many parents, myself included, all seem to want their kids to be much more able at an early age these days. Perhaps it's a little bit of 'keeping up with the Jones' kid's next door' who were crawling first, walking first and scootering down to the shops by age 2!

Talking with other parents, one tip I did pick up which seems to make a lot of sense (and I wish I'd known about earlier) is to help them balance first, then add pedals later.  And it's that idea which led to the creation and subsequent surge in demand for balance bikes.

From the basic cheap plastic ride on's, to themed character ones, to real quality models crafted well enough to be handed down through the family, balance bikes are a fabulous way to get your kids starting to understand seated balancing whilst on wheels BEFORE having to think about (or have their ankles shredded by!) pedals.

In fact, with my second child I actually ditched the stabilisers half way in and went right back to basics with a borrowed balance bike.  I was amazed at how quickly my son's confidence grew as he wobbled down the slight incline outside our house (and actually had a smile on his face, rather than the look of sheer panic!)

These beautiful balance bikes are of the utmost quality and are actually 3 bikes in one, which is great as we admit that they are not cheap!  However, if you have more than one child or plan to sell on after use, all Wishbone products are made with superb craftsmanship that will last and last.  Part of their desire is that the bikes start life as a trike so can be used from a really early age.  The three wheeler bike can then simply adjusted to a 2 wheel balance scooter and again converted to make a higher ride position for older children.

I only wish I had this product in the warehouse when my kids were younger!  They both mastered it in the end... but I'm sure I have a few more grey hairs as a result!!! 

Ethnic Fashion for Kids

With the festive season on the run, ethnic fashion for kids in India seem to be on the role recently. Parents just love the idea of introducing ethnicity to the child’s wardrobes. It helps infuse the feeling of a true Indian in the youngest generation. They allow their attire speak of culture and tradition and make fashion meet style and convention in this aspect.

What is seems to be debatable in this aspect is how to choose children's ethnic clothing. Many parents show concern on the comfort factor. But whatever it might be, kid in ghagras, salwars, kurti, pajamas and saree also rate the highest on the cuteness level.

Ethnic Wear Market for Kids

Fashion evolves with time and condition. Modern cuts, distinct styles and innovative patterns rule the online kid’s ethnic market today. Fashion designers have been continuously inventing and reinventing their designs to suit the demands of the ever-changing tastes of new mommies for their little prince and princesses in the market.

Ethnic Indian wear for kids will hence never go out of style. And in a country like India, where celebrations and festivals hit almost every month this section of attire has been blessed with the immortal boon.

Ethnic Daily Wear for Kids

If you are considering ethnic daily wear for your baby girl, kurtis along with leggings will be the best option for you. They come with immense comfort and ease, are lightweight and can be worn in any weather condition. As for your little master you may consider kurta pajamas on high quality fabric. For rainy seasons you may go for synthetic materials such as chiffon and georgette as it dries pretty fast and keeps your child’s skin harmless.

Traditional Festive Ethnic Daily Wear for Kids

India is a land of color and dynamism. This sentiment is also seen reflected on the attire fashion industry for kids. The market is full of colors galore wedding and festive occasion dresses for your baby boys and girls. Vibrant colors like fuchsia pink, turquoise blue, sunflower yellow, bottle green etc. seal the show. In the baby girl market Anarkali dresses, salwar kameez, ghagra cholis etc. attract eye candy activity for your kid. They are heavily embroidered dresses that make your kid a princess at the blink of an eye.

The boys section witnesses the blend of traditional and modern designs. Of the favorites include dhoti kurta, kurta pajama, Indo western Sherwani and others. These add to the true essence and flavors of India to help explore its deep rooted culture.

Indian Ethnic Party Wear for Kids

The Indian fashion industry also deals in ethnic party wear for kids. Designers effortlessly work to make your toddler look neither too under-dressed nor over-dressed. They make use of different fabric for different season. For example, georgette, chiffon, cotton and satin dresses for summers and velvets for winters.

For little girls designers come up with anarkali dresses, salwar kameez, ghagra cholis, lehenga cholis, sarees etc. keeping pace with the changing taste in fashion. For baby boys collection includes kurta pajama, Indo western sherwani, kurta chooridar dupatta, kurta chudidaar pajama and jacket etc.

Ethnic wear is very versatile. This addition adds class and innocence and helps your kids carry themselves on all occasions & festivities in style.

Things You Should Know About Chinese Shopping

I like shopping. And something happens when I go to China. Something in the air — either the around-the-clock manufacturing or the settling dust of a run-away economy – turns me into a rabid consumer.

Cute eyeglass frames for $15 USD each. Wooden buttons shaped like elephants. Ceramic buttons painted like porcelain. Tibetan prayer bowls. Cellphone covers for every day of the week.

Some may ask whether I actually needed the same linen balloon pants in three different earth-tone colors.

Honestly? I really did. Because I was on my China shopping spree.

China isn’t simply about the Great Wall or 5,000 years of history. With its economic development, China has become a major shopping destination with its own unique flair.

The Guomao district in Beijing, home of the China World Shopping Mall, features such storefronts as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Prada.

For me, however, these sterile fluorescent halls with their white mannequins have never held quite as much appeal as China’s other shopping venues.

Packed antique stalls, bustling night markets, and shopping centers divided into booths of different vendors with the same merchandise. That's what I'm here for.

For those inadequately prepared, however, shopping in China can be a complete nightmare. There are certain things you'll have to know to survive your first few shopping experiences.

1.  Sometimes people will follow you

I was seven years old on my first trip to China when this happened to me. A salesperson trying to convince my mother that I needed a pair of khaki pants followed us for several hundred feet.

Depending on where you are, sales associates will be terrifyingly tenacious when dealing with weak-willed customers.

You'll need to be equally tenacious when you're bargaining to get a good deal.

3. It's easy to get exactly what you want

One of the best things about shopping in China is getting your purchases customized.

Jewelry stores often display strings of beads that can be bought and transformed into whatever shapes and patterns you please.

Fabrics of your choice can be brought to a tailor, along with a pattern, photo, or sample of what you want made.

Friends of mine have purchased silk-lined suits, cloth cargo shorts, and even a wedding dress custom-made this way.By the way ,you can get taobao chinese traditional jacket online,such as taobao and agreetao.

6. Vendors expect you to bargain

Modern shopping malls generally have set prices that can’t be negotiated, but vendors at night markets, antique stalls, or personal booths at other shopping centers usually expect customers to question their prices.

But bargaining and haggling isn’t just procedure. It’s an artform. You can see how real Chinese people bargain in a Yoyo Chinese premium video and learn a few phrases to get a good deal.

I've listed a few phrases below this video, too, so you'll have more to work with!

Hoverboard Takes You on a Brilliant Ride

Thanks to the new-age scooters and skateboards, personal transportation doesn’t look or sound that old-school anymore. Urban travelers can now enjoy their everyday journey to work in a more sophisticated way. From smart bike wheels to unicycle electric scooters, I feel we are on the verge of a major transportation shift. Only this time, the mode of travel seems to take us on a ride to the future. Ideas that were confined to the TV screen till date are now being applied in our day to day lifestyle which is great for people like you and me who don’t prefer riding the public transports all the time. If you consider me, I would do anything to get rid of a subway or a bus ride. Riding on a skateboard or a unicycle sounds more “free” to me. Even better than a car drive at times when I am willing to go for a weekend joy ride!

This is exactly why when I first came across the Hover board on Kickstarter, I couldn’t stop looking at the campaign twice. The reason is obvious – It’s not just an electric vehicle; it’s the closest thing on earth you can compare to an actual Hoverboard!

Personal Electric Mobility Evolved!

Now, if you’ve been following the latest innovations we have had in technology, hoverboards aren’t a new concept. But giving a real shape to such a sci-fi concept cannot happen in a day. You need time to evolve and the team behind Hoverboard is undoubtedly trying to make their way towards that spectacular innovation, one day at a time.

This is a one-wheeled, gyro-stabilized personal electric vehicle which has just one mode of contact with the ground and will make you feel like you’re hovering on the streets every time you decide to take your ride on it. Only six people on earth have had their exposure to this Hoverboard and now it’s your turn to try it out.

What I love about the Hoverboard is the ground sensing sonar which keeps the board parallel to the ground. Not only this, your glowing Hoverboard can charge itself in less than 16 minutes. Starting from a pre-order price of $3775, it’s time you book your Hoverboard ride now! Happy Gadgeting!

Advantages of using an electric scooter

This article provides information about mobility scooters, and the health benefits they can provide. By getting an electric scooter, you can open many doors that have been previously closed, perhaps because of a disability or illness - such as going shopping, going out for the day, going for a "walk" with the children or grandchildren. Anyone who struggles to walk or gets tired after walking a short distance could benefit from using a mobility scooter. Using an electric scooter is not an admission of defeat and can make a great deal of difference to your quality of life, and can even provide a new lease of life and a new found independence.

If you are thinking about getting a mobility scooter, it is probably past time to do it. However, the sooner you start using an electric scooter, the longer you might retain the ability to walk.

A disabled scooter can give you more energy because you won't be using all your energy in trying to walk, or push a traditional wheelchair. Using an electric scooter will help to relieve the strain on shoulder muscles and wrist and elbow joints that are used when pushing yourself in a self propelled wheelchair or someone else in a traditional transit wheelchair. An electric scooter can help to provide you with the freedom to go where ever you want, whenever you want. Some models are capable of travelling up to 35 miles between charges, so the distance you can cover is much greater than in a traditional wheelchair.

A large number of supermarkets and DIY stores as well as other shops offer customers the use of a mobility scooter whilst shopping. If you are not sure if you would benefit from one, why not try one and see if it makes shopping any easier. Some places such as large shopping centres or town centres offer Shopmobility, which is a scheme that lends or hires mobility equipment based on the user's requirements, and then provides brief training on using the equipment. If you go on holiday why not arrange to hire a mobility scooter instead of taking your wheelchair, and see if it makes a difference.

By getting an electric scooter, you can open many doors that have been previously closed, perhaps because of a disability or illness - such as going shopping, going out for the day, going for a "walk" with the children or grandchildren. You can go up and down steep hills in comfort and without fear of rolling down the hill, and without being worn out for days afterwards. You can visit friends and relatives at your convenience, without needing to rely on public transport. Most mobility scooters have a key to start them, and so if the key is removed the scooter cannot be driven. This means that the scooter can be left outside a shop, for example, and it can be "locked" like a car.

If you think that you, a friend or relative could benefit from a mobility scooter or a powerchair, why not try some and find one that you like. If you know somebody with a mobility scooter, ask them about it, and what improvements it has brought them. Mobility scooters can mean the difference between managing to live at home independently, and having to rely on others.