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Shanghai
1£©Filigrees

Shanghainese are good at business and are growing wealthier by the day.
Jewelry stores filled with gold, platinum, and silver can be found all
over the city. The most favored metals are gold and platinum. Also,
when giving wedding gifts or birthday presents, Shanghainese might give
gold statues that may cost as much as USD 1,000.
2£©Jade and Ivory Carvings

Shanghai jade and ivory carvings are relatively famous throughout China.
While ivory collecting may not be of particular interest to some for
its ecological harm, jade is quite another matter. Jade, a beautiful
stone, comes in an array of colors and can be carved in many styles.
In Shanghai, popular styles include figurines, birds, beasts, and decorated
bottles. In fact, jade bottles might make an excellent addition to your
home's decor.
3£©Local River Crabs

If you are looking for a real Shanghai experience, then ask a local
about Dazhaxie or local river crabs. Shanghainese go absolutely insane
over these delicacies every autumn. The Chinese have a saying that female
crabs are to be eaten in September and male crabs in October. This saying
has to do with the amount of yellow (the eggs of the female) and paste
(white matter in the male) in the crabs. The crabs of Chongming Island
in the Yangzi River and Yangcheng Lake in Jiangsu province are relatively
famous in the Shanghai area. The larger crabs are boiled in large pots
and smaller crabs are cooked in a coating of flour or in a red sauce.
4£©Silk

Shanghai is one of China's most important regions for silk production
and export. Of course, then, the city is a great place to pick up some
deals while in China. The variety of silk fabrics available is astounding.
Silk of various grades, satin, damask silk, silk gauze, brocade, crape,
velvet, spun silk, and sheer silk are all available. Printed and embroidered
silk are also very popular and plentiful. As Chinese silk is famous
throughout the world for its elegance and beauty, silk itself is an
excellent reason to come to Shanghai. But always bargain when silk shopping.
Shopkeepers will never give a "Chinese" price if you have
a "foreign" face.
5£©Weaving and Embroidery

In Shanghai, one can find excellent weaving and embroidery in many different
styles. Shanghai rugs are finely detailed creations with traditional
motifs and designs, and are mainly made by hand with wool. Rugs and
carpets of silk are also made in Shanghai.
Silk tapestries made in Shanghai are characterized by their smooth feel
and traditional Chinese scenes and subjects such as mountains and lakes.
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