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In Qingdao, there are some busy shopping places where you can buy things that look just like expensive brands, but they are not real. These are called fake or replica markets. The products are copies of famous names like Nike, Gucci, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, and Apple. You can find clothes, shoes, handbags, watches, sunglasses, and electronics, and the best part of it all is that they cost much less than the real ones.
Now, this kind of shopping is not for everyone. However, for many people who prefer not to spend a lot of money on big brands, this is a great option. Here are some of these places you can check out.
Jimo Road Small Commodity Market is one of the oldest and a very well-known market in Qingdao. The market is inside a big shopping mall-type building with many floors, and various stalls and shops selling a wide range of things.
Some shops sell handbags that look just like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Dior, with gold logos, nice zippers, and clean stitching, just like the real ones. There are also many shops selling fake sneakers and sports clothes. You will find shoes that look like Nike Air Jordans, Adidas Yeezys, and even designer shoes that would cost hundreds or thousands in a real store. Here, you can buy them for just a small price. The same goes for watches, sunglasses, perfumes, and even mobile phone accessories that look just like Apple or Samsung.
The sellers are used to tourists, and many can speak a little English. If not, you can use your phone or a calculator to type the price you want to offer. Don't be shy to bargain. The first price they say is almost always too high. For example, if they ask for 300 yuan, you can offer 100 yuan or even less and go from there. This is part of the shopping game and will help you get better prices and even more items.
Be kind and respectful. If you don’t want something, simply smile and say, “No, thank you.” If you find something you like, try to get a good price, but don’t fight over small amounts.
Taidong Market is another very popular shopping area in Qingdao. In the daytime, Taidong is a pedestrian street full of clothing stores, beauty shops, food stands, and shopping malls. But when the sun goes down, the place transforms into a vibrant night market, full of life.
Many small vendors roll out their tables and open their stalls. They sell all kinds of goods, including many fake branded items. The street is long and bright with colourful lights, people walking around, and delicious smells coming from food stalls.
You can buy t-shirts and jackets with big brand names printed on them, fake Adidas shoes, Nike sweatshirts, Supreme caps, and other fashion items that look trendy. Some stalls also have bags and watches with brand logos. The quality is mixed. Some items look good and strong, while others may feel cheap, so it is good to look closely before you buy anything.
Just like Jimo Market, bargaining is very common here too. Don’t feel shy to ask for a lower price. If you walk away, the seller might call you back and give you a better offer. It is all part of the fun. But remember to be polite. Being rude won’t help you get a better deal.
Besides fake goods, Taidong Market is also a great place to enjoy street food. You can buy grilled squid, spicy noodles, dumplings, bubble tea, and many other tasty snacks. After walking around and shopping, you can sit down, eat something, and watch the busy market life all around you.
If you want to explore Qingdao’s world of fake markets, Jimo City Market and Taidong Night Market are two of the best places to start. At Jimo, you get indoor, more laid-back shopping, while at Taidong, you get outdoor fun, food, and lots of busy street stalls with trendy fashion.
Both places are easy to find and navigate, and are often flooded with both locals and tourists every day. You can spend hours walking around, talking to sellers, trying street food, and hunting for good deals.
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.
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