Duoyun Xuan Art Center, Shanghai

If you are into Chinese paintings, make it to Duoyun Xuan Art Center at 422 East Nanjing Road, where you can find works from Zhang Da Qian, Wu Chang Shuo, Jiang Han Ting, Zhou Hui Jun, all big names of Chinese painting scene. There are also works from lesser known Chinese painters. Prices vary, going from RMB3500 to RMB2.,500,000 of a work by Zhang Da Qian.

What to buy here: Chinese paintings. Typical handmade paintings and miniatures of cities, birds, villages, where even the smallest detail has been carefully looked after, are a very classy gift and represent a great homage to Chinese ancient culture. In Shanghai is possible to find galleries selling paintings from famous contemporary and ancient artists as well as small galleries displaying the work of minor painters. It’s possible to find paintings on silk or on canvas, as well as embroidery works that can take from three to six months to be completed.

If you want, you can bring a picture and the artists will copy it in a painting. At a small showroom of local artists prices go from RMB30 to RMB1500, depending on the size and the quality of the material. Landscape painting is considered the highest form, so there are countless canvases picturing spectacular views from all over China, with its rolling hills and mountains to its surreal lakes and rivers.