A quietly brilliant thing to do in China: get a new pair of prescription glasses. Optical markets in big cities can test your eyes and make custom glasses — often within an hour — for a fraction of what you’d pay back home.

How it works

1. Go to an optical market or eyewear mall (Beijing, Shanghai and many cities have dedicated ones).
2. Get a free or cheap eye test on the spot, or bring your prescription.
3. Choose frames and lenses, haggle the price, and wait while they’re made.
4. Pick up your finished glasses, often the same day.

What to expect

• Frames from budget to designer, plus huge choice of lens types (anti-glare, blue-light, thin high-index).
• Bargaining is normal — the first price is rarely the last.
• Quality is generally excellent, though it pays to use a busy, established shop.

Tips

• Bring (or photograph) your current prescription to save time.
• Buy a spare pair — they’re so cheap it’s worth it.
• Double-check the lenses against your prescription before you leave.
• Pay by Alipay/WeChat.