Most luxury products are actually made in China, either by building their own factories or by working with OEM manufacturers. This post introduces the key replica markets across four major cities.

Guangzhou: global hub for luxury replicas

TikTok has helped spread Guangzhou’s quality replicas around the world. Guangzhou Baiyun District is the heart of China’s replica production and distribution. Some of the most famous markets include:

Baiyun Leather Market (白云皮具城​)— replica handbag heaven

Baiyun Leather Market (白云皮具城​) is a go-to place for high-quality Hermès, LV, and more. Buyers come from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. Prices typically range from a few dozen dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on replica craftsmanship and brand popularity. 

If you have time, it’s worth exploring the entire Sanyuanli leather market cluster (三元里皮具商圈) — with Baiyun Leather Market being the most famous among them.

Guangzhou Baiyun World Leather Trading Centre
baiyun leather city
foreign buyers at baiyun leather city
foreign buyers at baiyun leather city

Zhanxi Ghost Watch Market (站西手表鬼市​) — Hidden replica watch world

Zhanxi Road (站西路) is China’s largest wholesale watch market and is also famous for Rolex and other fake luxury watches. Most transactions, including inspection and pickup, happen late at night, as vendors stay low-key during the day.

Zhanxi watch markets at night
baiyun leather city
Buyer inspecting replica watches
Buyer inspecting replica watches

Guoda Shoes Mall (国大鞋城) — ghost market for replica sneakers

Among all Guangzhou’s shoe markets, Guoda Shoes Mall (国大鞋城) is where you’ll find the most replica shoes, especially sneakers. Note:

  • Most replica sneakers are made in Putian — the “capital of fake sneakers.” 
  • Guoda Shoes Mall (国大鞋城) opens around 10:30 PM and closes by 3:00 AM.
Guangzhou Guoda Shoes Mall
Guangzhou Guoda Shoes Mall
Foreign buyers at Guoda Market at night
Foreign buyers at Guoda Market at night

Zhanxi Plaza (站西广场) — fashion replica cluster

Also located on Zhanxi Road near the Zhanxi Watch Market, Zhanxi Plaza (站西广场) features many clothing markets, including those selling replicas. Click the images below to check out some of the most well-known spots.

Shenzhen fake markets mainly focus on consumer electronics.

Known as China’s Silicon Valley, Shenzhen has the most complete and mature supply chains for consumer electronics and tech products. There are quality replicas of big brands like Apple AirPods, smartwatches, Dyson hair dryers, and more, usually priced at 10% of the original price.

If you’re looking for replica electronics, head to the Huaqiangbei Ghost Market (华强北鬼市) — open from midnight to 4 AM.

Besides electronics, you’ll also find knockoffs of luxury watches, handbags, sneakers, clothing, accessories, perfumes, and cosmetics.

Busy night at Huaqiangbei Ghost Market
Busy night at Huaqiangbei Ghost Market
Huaqiangbei Ghost Market-1
Replica electronics
Huaqiangbei Ghost Market-3
Varied replicas

Other replica markets in Shenzhen include:

  • Luohu Commercial City (罗湖商业城) — Famous for high-quality replica bags, apparel, and accessories, just steps from the Shenzhen–Hong Kong border.
  • Shuibei International Jewelry Trade Centre (水贝珠宝城) — Replica luxury jewelry.
  • Nanyou Fashion Wholesale Market (南油服装批发市场) — Replica fashion clothing.

Shanghai: hotspots for fashion and souvenirs

A.P. Plaza (亚太盛汇)

A.P. Plaza (亚太盛汇) is inside Metro Line 2, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum (上海科技馆地铁站). This underground bazaar is the biggest and most popular fake market in Shanghai. It’s common to see international visitors pulling large suitcases or hauling black plastic bags filled with their finds.

You’ll find replicas of luxury scarves, clothing, trendy sneakers, designer-style bags, toys, electronics, Stanley cups, Lululemon tumblers, and more. No exaggeration: you can easily put together a full outfit here that, from a social distance, looks just like the real thing.

Qipu Road Clothing Plaza (七浦路服装市场)

Qipu Road Market (七浦路市场) consists of around ten clothing markets. Replica fashion clothing, shoes & bags are still available here, although they are kept more discreet nowadays.

Beijing: what fake markets look like today?

Today, fake markets in Beijing aren’t what they used to be. Due to continuous government crackdowns, most obvious counterfeit products have largely disappeared.

Pearl Market / Hongqiao Market (红桥市场​​)

Hongqiao Market (红桥市场), also known as Pearl Market, is a popular shopping center where over 90% of the customers are international visitors — and some are even better at bargaining than the locals!

  • Basement to second floor: clothing, bags, shoes, hats, electronics
  • Third to fifth floors: pearls and jewelry

Officially, the market has been “cleaned up” and turned into a regular shopping center.
However, in reality, you can still spot many items that look almost identical to Apple AirPods, designer-style bags, and brand-name clothing.

Many vendors don’t display fakes openly, but if you mention a brand or say what you’re looking for, they’ll often pull out suitcases full of name-brand replicas.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Silk Street (秀水街)

Silk Street was once a “fake paradise,” much like a brand outlet. However, after multiple rounds of crackdowns and upgrades, it has been transformed into a regular commercial market for many years now.

Today, it’s much harder to spot obvious replicas here, though some discreet counterfeit sales still exist under the surface. Silk Street (秀水街) is now famous for hosting foreign presidents and dignitaries during official visits, and it remains a must-visit shopping landmark for international tourists coming to Beijing.

Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Beijing Silk Street
New Zealand Prime Minister at Beijing Silk Street
New Zealand Prime Minister at Beijing Silk Street

Final notes on China’s fake markets

Today, top-tier replica factories have shut down their physical stores and moved to private, contact-based transactions. If you want access to these high-quality replicas, you typically need to connect with a local “contact person” who can arrange a private purchase.

Online sales channels — including Chinese websites, TikTok, and Instagram — now play a major role in driving the replica business globally. Buyers from the Middle East, Europe, and North America account for over 60% of cross-border transaction volume.

Some replicas are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, while others are far less convincing. So,

  • If you’re buying offline, take your time to carefully inspect the products before purchasing.
  • If buying online, be extra cautious — check product details, seller reviews, and always inspect the item thoroughly upon delivery.

This post is for informational purposes only. As a leading sourcing company in China with over 10 years of experience, we do not offer any replica sourcing services. 

If you’re looking to source everyday products or build your own brand, feel free to chat with us—we’d love to help.