Hi Soop, this was the first time I have been so I can't comment on whether it is getting harder or more pricey.
We did most of our shopping at the shopping centre at the train station. I thought it was a fun day out but didn't think it was much cheaper than HK. For instance many of the baby clothes were the same as at Stanley market and around the same price (even after I had bargained down to 30% of the asking price). For instance HK60-70 for a top for a 12 month old. Maybe I am just not patient enough with the bargaining! I would say that a trip probably isn't worth it unless you are really into fake designer handbags and jewellery. I am sure if you were more experienced and could be bothered to haggle for hours you could get some bargains.
One side trip I would recommend is to the Dafen Art Village. It takes about 20 minutes in a cab from the train station. There is every style of art you could imagine - from the old masters through to pop art and also several versions of the Mona Lisa! I bought two paintings and I am really happy with them and thought they were a bargain (even though a Chinese friend told me he could have got them for half the price!). I am sure they could copy and painting you care to choose....
We did most of our shopping at the shopping centre at the train station. I thought it was a fun day out but didn't think it was much cheaper than HK. For instance many of the baby clothes were the same as at Stanley market and around the same price (even after I had bargained down to 30% of the asking price). For instance HK60-70 for a top for a 12 month old. Maybe I am just not patient enough with the bargaining! I would say that a trip probably isn't worth it unless you are really into fake designer handbags and jewellery. I am sure if you were more experienced and could be bothered to haggle for hours you could get some bargains.
One side trip I would recommend is to the Dafen Art Village. It takes about 20 minutes in a cab from the train station. There is every style of art you could imagine - from the old masters through to pop art and also several versions of the Mona Lisa! I bought two paintings and I am really happy with them and thought they were a bargain (even though a Chinese friend told me he could have got them for half the price!). I am sure they could copy and painting you care to choose....
There is a little exchange kiosk before HK immigration and once you pass through you can get your visa upstairs just before the china border. Cost me 160 rmb with an Irish passport. Had a great time haggling, was pretty quiet so i used that to my advantage 