Shopping and Souvenirs

Name seals, ink stones and dragonhead canes are popular items in Qufu. The best places to buy these are at the entrances to the three major sights. Expect to pay about RMB 20 for the seals, though with a little bargaining you can talk the seller down to RMB 10. If you want an ivory name stamp, expect to pay anywhere from RMB 300 to 500. Ink stones from nearby Mount Ni are famous throughout China. They vary in size and detail, but will cost from RMB 100 to over RMB 1,000, less if you bargain. Books of calligraphy copied from the different steles also make unique souvenirs. Other interesting items include canes with a carving of a dragon's head on the handle. They range from the extremely ornate and expensive to the simple and cheap. A typical cane will cost RMB 30, but the expensive varieties may go up to RMB 100. Be sure to bargain hard.