Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to the winner of Chinaful's first giveaway!

Janet Vasquez

You will receive a copy of "Hong Kong Markets: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting to the Markets and Back" from Hong Kong's Goods of Desire.

(A superior bargaining tool!  Sure to help you in your quest for the perfect robe.)

Thank you for being a devoted Chinaful reader!

And for everyone, a few bargaining tips of my own:

• Look around the markets before you engage in a bargaining session.  Once you start, the bargain can take a while, and you want to be sure it's worth your while.  Plus, you can get an understanding of what things are selling for, and whether a few stalls over has superior merchandise.  
• Be friendly - you may be bargaining hard, but try to do it with a light heart.  Getting a deal at a market is meant to be fun, after all.  And a smile can be better than the best argument.  
• Try to use at least a little of the local language.  A simple "Ni Hao" (Hello) or "Tai Gui Le!" (Too Expensive!) is perceived as making an effort to participate in the culture, and can give you an edge. 
• After a bit, walk away - a salesman will always drop their price when they think they are about to lose a customer.  

ChinaSnap! Flower Market + Giveaway

This is a picture of... lotus buds bundled for sale.   

At the time I took this ChinaSnap! I was... at the Hong Kong flower market in Mong Kok.  (Want to go yourself?  Take the MTR to Prince Edward Station Exit B1, then walk along Prince Edward Road West towards the railway station, about 15 minutes.)

I remember that... I had to bargain hard for my blossoms and other trinkets!  Markets never fails to be an opportunity to get a deal and a mental workout.  Whether you are in Beijing's six-story Xiu Shui, a rural food stall, or a pedi-cab in Tibet, there's room to negotiate.      

This qualifies as a ChinaSnap! because... lotus flowers are seen throughout Chinese art and culture.  The lotus symbolizes purity and romantic love, as well as strength in adversity.  And markets where you can bargain?  That's absolutely Chinaful.  

I promised in this post that a giveaway from Hong Kong's Goods of Desire was coming - and today's the day!  Last time I was in Hong Kong I picked up a secret weapon to aid any beginning bargainer.  

To enter this giveaway:

• One - Like Chinaful on Facebook (if you have already, you're good to go!)
• Two - Share a link to Chinaful on your Facebook page or Twitter
• Three - Leave a Comment with your email address and what you'd love to bargain for if given the chance

The one lucky Chinaful reader to win the secret prize will be announced August 3.  Good luck!