There is a popular local proverb: Baoding boasts three treasures — iron balls, sweet flour paste and spring greens.

The first treasure, Baoding Iron Balls (commonly known as fitness balls), serve not only as recreational gadgets but also as popular fitness tools.

The second treasure is Baoding Sweet Flour Paste. First produced in the 10th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, it has a history of nearly 400 years. Renowned for superior quality, it is an ideal cooking condiment.

The third treasure, Baoding Spring Greens, also called snow mustard, is a common vegetable cultivated in Baoding since ancient times. It is widely loved for its low price and fine quality.

Shopping venues are concentrated in downtown Baoding. Yuhua Road near the Ancient Lotus Pond is lined with a great variety of shops. For handicrafts, head to the Arts and Crafts Store on Yuhua Road, where you can find local iron balls and other artworks. If you want to buy Baoding sweet flour paste and pickles, you may visit any grocery store, supermarket or large shop, which sell these products in deluxe and simple packages of various kinds.

These jujubes feature large size, thin skin, thick flesh and small pits. They help beautify the skin, refresh the mind and invigorate the stomach.

Exclusively manufactured by Baoding Oriental Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory, Dongle Plaster is a nationally protected TCM product. It is used for closed soft tissue injuries such as bruises, sprains and contusions, as well as lumbocrural pain and swollen sore joints caused by such injuries. It is a must-have medicine for travelers.

Its main products include rabbit-felt hats, wool-felt hats, hat bodies, sewn hats, knitted hats and summer hats. The group has total assets of 180 million yuan, earning 6.05 million US dollars in export revenue annually. It produces 4.5 million wool and rabbit-felt hats and hat bodies each year, with an export rate of 85%. Its products sell well in more than 50 countries and regions, accounting for 90% of China’s total exports of similar products and 40% of global annual sales volume. It is currently the world’s largest hat manufacturing group with the highest export volume in the industry.

Functioning as health care devices, Baoding iron balls also enjoy high ornamental and collection value. They help build up physical fitness and prolong life.

Inheriting traditional marbled porcelain craftsmanship, Yixian marbled porcelain also draws on the merits of painted pottery in color and design. With elegant shapes and a smooth delicate texture, it is a fine work of art suitable for appreciation, collection and daily use.

Quyang stone carving boasts a long history, exquisite craftsmanship and a full range of varieties. Its products are exported to over 80 countries and regions. Known as a wonder of oriental art, Quyang is the only place in China officially named the Hometown of Sculpture by the state.

Plush toys are another pillar export industry of Tang County, with products mainly sold to Japan, South Korea and other countries, enjoying a sound international reputation. Available in a rich variety of styles, these toys adopt high-quality raw materials and strict production techniques, and fully comply with national epidemic prevention standards. They are exempt from inspection with the approval of the National Health Commission. Main series include various animal dolls and fashion dolls. With vivid and lifelike designs, they are perfect souvenirs and gifts for relatives and friends.