Boo!

You can find a limited number of masks, plastic or foam swords, mini pumpkins and other such items at many of the small stores dotted around the major schools. These stores may be very cheap, but also very limited in range.

Try heading to a large chain supermarket, like Metro or IKEA, which often has a small range of scary items. Choice may be very limited and also a little expensive. But there is another reason for going there, you can buy 'other accessories' such as toy guns, wands and so on which may not appear Halloween'y but can go great with an outfit.

There are a few other areas with small stores that sell basic, children's Halloween items... these include, the toy shops opposite Changsha's Children's Hospital (ZiYuan Lu, close to Houjiatang/Loadong Lu, near Yali High School) and at the fairground of Lieshi Park at small kiosks.

We have found a good hire store in DongTang. If you're looking to go all out and impress, then it may be worth paying a visit to this city hire and sales outlet. The owner speaks limited English and has dealt with foreigners before. There is a vast range of costumes, from cartoon characters, traditional Chinese, Indian clothing and so on. In fact, over 100 items. Price is about 30-50 per day. See image below for phone number.

Address:

东塘友谊商城‌‌旁通程电器楼上明星村大厦1503

Upper Floor of Tongcheng Market (Dongtang Division), 1503

Take Bus 6, 8, 11, 15, 103, 120, 125, 143, 160, 314, 601, 705, 905, 906

You may find good stores in GaoQiao (this is the 'warehouse district' of Changsha, located between Mawangdui Lu and the Main Train Station). In the heart of this grid-like neighbourhood, awash with small business units, you may find a small department store.

You will find, on one of the upper floors, Changsha's only really worthy costume store (if it's still there). Throughout the year they cater for all types of occasions but at Halloween this becomes an essential jaunt. To make life easier for you we went there and below you'll find their business card. Let us know if it's still there or not so we can keep our info up to date!

The store's name is shown here

It is set inside a mall in the heart of the 'warehouse district' of Changsha

You can find masks and props for most occasions. They also make great classroom activity props.

Probably the only place in Changsha with enough birthday bunting to make it look good

Wings, inflatables and plenty of Halloween stuff

They have a good range of children's outfits for kiddie party bashes

You can choose from various adult costumes

Braces, tie? Gangster look? Or Moulin Rouge feather scarves? All here!

Cowboy and girl hats, wigs and masquerade masks

The store is based on the far left wing of this rectangular mall in GaoQiao district, Changsha

A final option worth a try are the costume hire shops scattered across the city. Here is one such Changsha rental store and a selection of their outfits (details below)...

星沙天华北路山水芙蓉国际新城7号商铺，

TEL: 15074987052

(Xingsha)

Taobao.com is China's main online shopping arena and has thousands of stores that you can search and buy clothing from. You can now do a pretty decent search in English although most stores are located in Guangdong and around Shanghai and at this busy time for Halloween stockists, you may risk not receiving your outfit in time for Halloween festivities. But it is the best choice by far. For a bonus, you could try searching for a Taobao store in Hunan, to maximise delivery times. Most costumes are of a decent quality and represents great value for money.

We rely on info submitted by fellow expats. If you know a great place, shop or rental business, let us know so we can share the info! Likewise, if you find anything we have posted to be closed/moved, drop us an email: wnic@qq.com

微信号 : WhatsNewInChangsha

Email：wnic@qq.com