Thanks to its strategic geographical location, Zhengzhou has long been a major transport hub along the Yellow River. Despite this favorable situations, the retail industry here is relatively weak, due largely to low consumption rates.

The local government today, seem to have made up their minds to change this and more favorable policies for consumers and businesses are emerging in an attempt to make the market more buoyant.

In terms of traditional goods, reproduction Tang porcelain figures, jade and lacquerware are all made here and calligraphy and paintings are also popular. This is a good place to buy paint equipment and tools including writing brushes, inkstones and bars. The Zhengzhou Jade Carving Factory cut pretty stones and prices are usually reasonable- if you bargain hard first. The Friendship Store here is on Erqi Road.