REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
When it comes to shopping in Harbin, most tourists expect just souvenirs and woolly hats. But this city offers more than that. Among the busy malls and bustling streets, you will also find the fake markets, where you can buy copies of top international brands for much less money.
These markets are especially popular among locals, students, and budget travellers who want the look without paying the high prices. The quality of these fakes can vary, from very poor copies to very good ones that almost look real. Take a look at some of them below.
Hongbo Square is one of Harbin’s most well-known shopping spots. It is located in the city centre and surrounded by all kinds of stores, food joints, and casual stalls. All around Hongbo Square, you will find many small stalls and local shops selling a mix of clothing, shoes, bags, hats, and more.
A lot of these items follow the latest fashion trends and often copy the styles of big international brands. It is common to see sneakers that look like Nike or Adidas, jackets with logos that mimic The North Face, or casual wear that resembles Zara, Uniqlo, or even high-end names like Chanel or Gucci.
Not everything is clearly labelled as a copy, but when you look closely, it is clear that many items are designed to look like famous brands. You might even spot tags that look familiar but are slightly misspelt or changed. These clothes and accessories aren’t real luxury products, but for the price, they often look pretty good.
One of the most interesting ways to shop in Harbin is by walking around and discovering the street markets and pop-up stalls that appear all over the city. These stalls can show up almost anywhere, near bus stops, outside metro stations, on the sides of busy roads, near schools, or just in random corners where people walk a lot. They usually don’t have permanent shops. Sellers come in the morning or afternoon and display everything they have for sale.
They also don't sell the same things, so you never know what you might find. Some days, you might find jackets, boots, and scarves, while other days, it might be phone cases, headphones, sunglasses, watches, or trendy bags. A lot of what they sell is inspired by famous brands. For example, you might see shoes that look like Adidas or Nike or caps with logos that seem like Supreme or Puma. These are not real, but they mimic the style very well, and from a distance, they can look just like the original.
Prices are usually very low and are not fixed, so you can always negotiate for better offers. The quality of the products also depends on what you pick. Some items are well-made and last a long time, while others might fade or wear out quickly.
Harbin may not be as famous as cities like Guangzhou when it comes to fake markets, but it still offers some great spots for affordable, trendy shopping, especially if you know what you want. From the busy stalls around Hongbo Square to the many street markets and pop-up stalls across the city, there are plenty of places to find clothes, shoes, accessories, and even gadgets at fair prices.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
If you want the latest information on the best Hotel Executive Club Lounges, Hotel Kids Clubs and other travel information, be sure to sign up for our free newsletter full of tips and great travel ideas.
