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The best things to take home from Sanya are definitely sea products. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, this is an ideal place to pick up some pretty shell or coral based decorations and jewelry. Bear in mind however, that this is essentially a tourist destination and prices may be higher than one would expect to pay elsewhere in China. Seawater pearls are particularly gorgeous here, and widely available in tourist shops and from traders across the island. The night market around the harbor in Sanya, oozes with atmosphere and bargains galore! Take some time to stroll around here, soak up the smells and sounds and browse the fantastic collection of goods for sale here. Crystal also makes a pretty souvenir. In Sanya city, the major shopping districts are the Dadonghai and Tianya Haijiaodistricts and there are a few good places onJiefang Rd. Good shops to consider are the Jingrun Pearl Shop, Yanglan Crystal Shopand theGuobin Department Store.
Local Specialties and Souvenirs
Coral
Coral is commonly known as the "stone flower of the sea" in Hainan due to the spectacular color and elegant shape of the coral found here.
Corals of various color are used together with shells and other natural products according to traditional techniques used in Bonzai. Bonzai (contrary to popular western conception) is in fact the arrangement of objects, in this case coral, and not, a type of tree!
The Coral Bonzai of Hainan is a good choice to buy as a souvenir.
Crystal
Crystal from Hainan is arguably the best in China. Chiarman Mao's coffin in Beijing was built with Hainan crystal.
The luminous natural material is not only made into various kinds of jewels including necklaces, brooches and earrings, but apparently has medicinal benefits.
Seawater Pearl
Seawater pearls are famous for their huge size and colorful surface compared to freshwater pearls which are more commonly found throughout China. The biggest seawater pearls have a diameter of 1.5 cm.
These unique pearls are not only used to make various jewels including necklaces, rings, brooches and earrings, but also made into beautiful pearl decoration.
What's more, pearl powder is traditionally used by Chinese women as a secret treatment to help maintain youth and beauty.
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