What to buy

Affordable souvenirs: Mini mineral specimens, small crystal clusters, clear quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, and simple bracelets make lightweight gifts. DIY beads are another fun option for creating a personalised souvenir.

Mid-range finds: Green and red phantom quartz feature natural inclusions that resemble miniature landscapes. Moonstone, strawberry quartz and locally carved animals or crystal spheres are also worth exploring. Ask sellers about any dyeing or enhancement treatments.

Collector's pieces: Large amethyst geodes, agate displays and crystal clusters make striking centrepieces but can be costly to transport. Golden-rutilated quartz and titanium quartz also require extra caution because imitations exist.

Five tips for shopping with confidence

Ask before you buy. Is it natural crystal? Has it been heat-treated, dyed, or irradiated? Can it be independently tested?

Inspect carefully. Use natural daylight to examine inclusions and fractures. Unusually vivid colours, a flawless appearance, and a suspiciously low price deserve closer scrutiny.

Test valuable pieces. For expensive items, seek professional testing and check that the certificate can be independently verified. Heat-treated citrine, for example, is a common enhanced product, so always ask about treatments.

Prepare for payment and tax refunds. Cash in Chinese yuan, WeChat Pay, and Alipay are convenient payment methods. Open-air stalls do not offer departure tax refunds. Eligible purchases must be made at designated stores, with the required paperwork retained.

Plan for travel and customs. Keep your belongings and receipts secure. Before buying large raw stones or mineral specimens, check China's export requirements and your destination country's import rules. A translation app with offline support can also be useful.

Your one-day itinerary

7:00–10:30 am: Explore Taojing Square Crystal Fair.

10:30 am–12:30 pm: Browse China Donghai Crystal City and arrange testing for valuable items.

12:30–1:30 pm: Lunch break nearby.

1:30–3:00 pm: Visit China Donghai Crystal Museum.

After 3:00 pm: Depart or return to selected shops.

Donghai offers much more than crystal shopping — it is a window into China's mineral culture and craftsmanship. Browse widely, compare prices, buy thoughtfully, and seek professional testing for valuable pieces to make the most of your crystal-hunting trip.