qipulo

one of the highlights of my trip to china in january of this year was this - shopping in shanghai's qipulo district. divisoria-like, this street has all the assortment, from clothes, accessories, imitation items, souvenir, bags, shoes. during the whole trip, we were actually here twice. first was during our first day in shanghai, only to get the necessary gloves and warmer for us to survive the freezing temperature. on our last day, we went back to do some serious shopping.

this is where i got my sisters' bags and also a body bag for kuya bob. for myself, i bought a D&G watch (fake!). while haggling techniques differ as some are not as effective, these are some points that can help you strike a good deal:

- as is the case in many market places, haggle. if you can, your first haggle should be at least 80% lower from the vendor's initial offer. then, work your way around the vendor to get the best deal.

- if the vendor doesn't want to give in to your ultra-kuripot tawad, try to look away and start making those little steps aways from the stall. usually, the vendor will ask you, "ok, how much you like for this?"... and many would even grab your arm so that you won't leave. if the vendor doesn't make any effort, it's time for you to leave!

- while some items are cheaper in stalls outside the malls, the variety of the products that you can look at inside the malls will help you land some cheap thrills as well.

- always look for alternatives from other stalls. i got a warmer for over rmb 50, but on the other side of the street, they were offering the same for rmb 30.

- shanghainese vendors keep fake units in the malls, but in stalls that are closed. you can find these class A units hidden in closed stores, with a help of individuals who are in the streets, you can visit these stalls and look at some of the best ones. of course, points 1 & 2 still apply when haggling for these products.

- as "made in china" has somewhat became synonymous to low quality and/or counterfeit, make sure that your items are of good quality before handing your rmbs over.

- shanghainese people speak very little english. so a cheap phone for a calculator would come handy.

- our trip to qipulo was a bit off timed because most of the sale items were for winter, which of course, are useless in the philippines. so time your visit during summer.

- you don't have to worry for lunch, as food vendors also roam around the malls. for as low as 6 rmbs, you can get rice meals already. it can range from your usual breaded pork to fish fillet and other easy-to-eat viands. oh and it also goes with veggies, plus you can choose from a variety of sauces.

- walk, walk and walk.

happy shopping!