Knock-offs, fakes, copies - where do you buy them post-Xiang Yang Market

When the famous (infamous) Xiang Yang market shut its door back in June, 2006, local and tourists alike lost their must-visit shopping mecca that had been around since 2000.  What remains are the streetside peddlers holding worn-out catalog cards who promise nice fake LV's, Gucci's, and Rolexes.

So where do you find the stuff you still want to buy now (ok, no moral judgements here)?  The vendors are now much more discreet and don't flaunt the really good AAA stuff in plain sight.  For top brand bags, try the little shops along ChangLe Rd and XinLe Rd, between XiangYang Rd and Shannxi Rd.  Befriend the shop owners by buying a few pieces first, and then they might bring out the really nice ones.  They don't come cheap considering they're fakes -- prices range in the thousand(s) of kuai-- but the materials they use are much better than what you'd see on the street.  I prefer bags without blatant logos that can stand on its design and materials.  You can also pick up "brandname" shoes, sun glasses, and clothing that make you wonder whether they are leaks from the real factories.

For electronics, luggages, and more casual fashion items, head for Taobao Mall (580 Nanjing West Rd near ChengDu NorthRd).  The clean and modern mall is a much more pleasant place to shop than Xiang Yang market.  Ironically, all the shops have a sign out front that says that everything they sell are authentic...  Here, you tend to find 2nd tier/niche brands whose legal powers are not as strong as the top brands.

Another bunch of shops migrated to the underground shopping mall at PuDong's Science and Tech Musuem (Subway Line 2).  I find the items, both clothing and souvenirs, very attractive here and if you go on the weekdays when there's less traffic, you might be able to bargain harder (although some people also told me that if you go on the weekdays, you'd be the target for ALL shop owners).  There's also a row of restaurants next to the shopping mall for you to grab a bite after you're done.

You can also check out QiPu Rd Wholesale Clothing Market, which is near Subway line 8's QuFu Rd station.  You can find trendy styles here and for cheaper, but the quality tends to be lower than the two places above.  Inspect items carefully before you buy.

A word on bargaining -- the old rule of thumb is to counter offer at 70% off and make the deal around 50% off, but the vendors can outsmart you by opening at even higher prices.  To gain upperhand is to be walk away from things when the price isn't what you want.  Remember, these items are sold at more than one shop!!