Christmas is less than three weeks away, which means it’s time to pull out those decorations that have been collecting dust. If you’re running low on snow globes and stockings, there are several places in town to help you turn that apartment of yours into a winter wonderland (minus the snow).
No matter how committed you are – i.e. you just want to hang a few lights or you want your place looking like the merry land of Whoville – we have you covered with the best places to shop in Guangzhou:
1. thMart
Image via thMart
For ease of mind, look no further than thMart for your perfect Christmas tree set. Trees are available in a range of sizes from 1.2 meters to 3 meters and they come in different colors to match your home's interior. A set of fun decorations is also included, to save you the trouble of buying them separately. If you're looking for wreaths, santa costumes or even gifts, thMart is primed with great options this holiday season.
Find a Christmas tree on thMart here.
2. Aeon
Image by Ryan Gandolfo/That's
Aeon boasts a large selection of holiday gear. We found a wide variety of inexpensive stockings, faux Christmas trees, ornaments, stickers, streamers, snowflakes, stuffed reindeers and more. Note that not every Aeon branch carries holiday decor – only the larger stores do – so plan accordingly.
See listing for Aeon Popark Shopping Plaza.
3. IKEA
Image by Ryan Gandolfo/That's
While IKEA has moved locations in Guangzhou, its Christmas spirit is still intact. The Swedish store stocks basic Christmas decorations during the month of December. Go early to avoid the crowds (and feuds with your significant other). Did we mention IKEA also stocks quality edibles at a reasonable price? If you’re hosting a holiday party, the grocery aisle near the front of the store may be worth a quick browse.
4. Olé
Image via Ryan Gandolfo/That's
The go-to shop for foreign goods in Guangzhou, Olé offers plenty of Christmas and holiday decor, from snow globes and gingerbread houses to Santa figurines and gorgeous holiday wrapping paper. And unlike everything else sold at Olé, the holiday decorations are surprisingly affordable.
5. Fangsuo Bookstore
Image by Ryan Gandolfo/That's
Located in Taikoo Hui (upstairs from Olé), Fangsuo offers artistic ornaments, handmade wreaths, floral arrangements, intricate greeting cards and a wrapping station for extra-special gifts (we say extra-special because gift wrap for one package could set you back up to RMB60, depending on the size and where you bought the gift). If you still have Christmas shopping to do, Fangsuo also offers a wide selection of foreign books, handmade winter accessories, cool gadgets for phones or cameras and inventive kitchen goods, coffee mugs and tea sets.
See listing for Fangsuo Bookstore.
6. Zara Home
Image by Ryan Gandolfo/That's
Feeling classy? Stop by Zara Home in One Link Walk for a wide range of Christmas decor, clothing and more to turn your home into the north pole – sort of.
7. Bloom in December
Image via @bloom_in_december/WeChat
Want a handmade festive wreath for your door? Look no further than Bloom in December – a boutique florist with a studio in Dongshankou. This shop adorns a handful of cafes in town with fresh flowers and is selling holiday wreaths this month just in time for Christmas. To order, add ‘bloom_in_december’ on WeChat (it’s a personal account, not an official one) and feel free to share your specific request for the color/style/size of your wreath.
WeChat ID: bloom_in_december
8. BLT Farm Market
Image via Sohu
If you live near G.T. Land Winter Plaza, head to BLT for a modest selection of holiday goodies, including snowmen, Santas, wrapping paper, Christmas sugar cookies, gingerbread houses and more.
See listing for BLT Farm Market.
9. Wan Ling Plaza at Yide Lu (一德路)
Image via Ctrip
Remember that street you visited to search for Halloween costumes? They’ve replaced the jack-o-lanterns and fake blood with tiny Santas, Christmas trees and wrapping paper to boot. Stroll outside along Yide Lu or venture into Wan Ling Plaza and you’ll likely find what you’re jonesing for this Christmas.
See listing for Wan Ling Plaza (also called Onelink International Plaza).
10. Lingnan Flower Market
Image via 广州日报
Located in Guangzhou’s Liwan District, Lingnan Flower Market is likely the most reliable place in the city to find a real, genuine, piney Christmas tree. Although we have not visited the flower market this holiday season, we can confirm that the market has had real Christmas trees available in past years. Also, take a stroll through the flower section of the market and pick up some colorful Christmas decorations to complement that gorgeous tree.
See listing for Lingnan Flower Market.
11. Online
Image via Unsplash
Besides thMart, you can grab trees and decorations across a range of online stores.
Baopals.com is an English version of Taobao and Tmall, though what arrives on your doorstep may be of the chabuduo quality if you don’t check the product ratings carefully.
Nogogo.cn is not just food. They’ve got a decent selection of Christmas decor – including baubles, tinsel and more – to help you make the most of your holiday.
JD.com has made a name for itself by mostly shipping (and checking for quality) the products it keeps in its own warehouses. Make sure you are buying directly from JD before hitting ‘purchase,’ though navigating the website will take some Chinese capability.
Happy shopping!
This article was originally published on Thatsmags.com in December 2018. It has been updated and republished on December 6, 2019.
[Cover image via @photosbyty/Unsplash]
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