• Choosing a gift for a Chinese girlfriend should be well thought out.charming lady image by chinatiger from Fotolia.com
  
  From a western point of view, buying a gift for a Chinese person can be a minefield, as there are certain gifts that have to be avoided at all costs. Avoid clocks (or anything to do with time) as this is representative of death; anything with the number 4, as it is unlucky; cut flowers (potted plants or flowers are fine as they symbolize growth) or anything solid white (i.e. clothes or gift wrapping) as this is the color of funerals and knives.
  
  

A Chinese Jade Bangle

• Jade is very important in Chinese culture.chinese jade dragon image by green308 from Fotolia.com
  
  Jade in Chinese culture symbolizes constancy. perfection, nobility and immortality. It is viewed by the Chinese as one of the most precious stones. Chinese jade has a long history and is even placed around the dead to symbolize a connection between heaven and earth. A Chinese jade bangle for a woman would be a very appropriate and considerate gift. You can purchase jade bangles in many online stores. Prices start at around $40 (as of October 2010) and can go up to hundreds of dollars depending on the craftsmanship and quality of stone involved.
  
  

Chinese Tea

• China is the home of tea and there are many different varieties available.chinese tea set image by SBB from Fotolia.com
  
  China is where the art of tea making and drinking began and it is believed that the Chinese were cultivating tea more than 2,000 years ago. There are five categories of tea, each one different because of how it was processed. Green tea keeps its color during processing without fermentation. Black tea in China is also known as red tea and fermented prior to baking. Wulong tea is an in between green and black tea and partially fermented. Compressed tea is hardened and sold in blocks for easy transportation. Scented tea is made with fragrant flowers and tea leaves such as jasmine and magnolia. Chinese tea can be bought in many stores, it is just a case of choosing the right kind of tea. If you don't know what sort of tea the woman in question likes, go for a scented tea, you could also buy her a special teapot and cups to go with this gift.
  
  

Chinese Silk Scarf

• Chinese silk scarves are very soft to the touch and can be bought in many different colors and designs. Different flowers and patterns are printed on the scarf and it is just a matter of choosing something that will suit her. Prices start at around $19 (as of October 2010) and again go up in price depending on the quality and craftsmanship involved.
  
  

A Chinese T-Shirt

• A modern Chinese T-shirt could make an ideal gift.looking for a shirt image by Ramona smiers from Fotolia.com
  
  A Chinese T-shirt is something that is a bit more modern but still symbolizes the Chinese culture. You can buy a Chinese T-shirts with the words "Always and Forever" in English and in Chinese. There also princess T-shirts with the Chinese characters on the front, or you could just go with a T-shirt that states "Asian Girls Rock."