In China, skincare is more than just a routine, it’s a lifestyle. From jade rollers to snail mucin serums, locals are constantly fine-tuning their beauty regimes with both time-honoured rituals and cutting-edge innovations. Thanks to platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu, new favourites emerge almost daily, and staying on trend is practically a national sport.

Chinese shoppers know exactly where to go to get the best deals, most authentic products, and that perfect viral serum. And it’s not always in the places tourists think. This guide takes you straight to the spots where locals actually buy their skincare, so you can shop smart, glow up, and discover what beauty really looks like in China.

You’ll find a Watsons on nearly every corner in big cities. This high-street staple is a go-to for students and young professionals hunting for fuss-free, trusted skincare. Stocking everything from Garnier and Neutrogena to viral Douyin-approved sheet masks and lip balms, Watsons is reliable, affordable, and always offering bundle deals.

Their loyalty programme and frequent member discounts keep locals hooked, making it a key player in China’s everyday skincare scene.

MINISO is loved for its budget-friendly selection of skincare, body care, and tools—all neatly displayed in aesthetically pleasing layouts. Meanwhile, WOW COLOUR ups the ante with a more Gen Z-focused vibe, offering influencer-backed brands, eye-catching packaging, and plenty of social media moments.

Both are widely available in high-footfall areas, perfect for spontaneous buys and quick top-ups.

For a more elevated experience, urban beauty lovers turn to Sephora. Here, they shop cult international names alongside high-performing local favourites like Florasis and CHANDO. What makes Sephora China unique is how it seamlessly blends Western and Chinese beauty sensibilities under one roof.

Expect interactive tester zones, Douyin-linked events, and product exclusives that make every visit feel like a launch party.

If you’ve seen it go viral on Douyin, chances are you’ll find it at The Colorist. This brightly coloured chain is designed to excite: think themed shelves, rainbow aisles, and displays built for selfies. It’s where younger locals head to explore brands like INTO YOU and Judydoll while swatching trending toners and jelly cleansers.

It’s fun, fast, and full of the internet’s favourite skincare.

In cities across China, department stores such as Intime, Parkson, and Yintai offer a more traditional shopping experience. These multi-level giants carry legacy brands like Innisfree, LANEIGE, and L’Oréal in dedicated counters where staff are on hand to guide purchases.

Older generations particularly favour these venues for their product authenticity, reliable service, and curated selections.

Online shopping plays a huge role in how Chinese consumers discover skincare. Most will first encounter new products via livestreams, unboxing videos, or Xiaohongshu reviews, then head to official stores on Tmall or JD.com.

As trust grows, many of these digital-first brands have launched offline boutiques and pop-up experiences in cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou, blending the best of both worlds.

Tech-driven supermarkets like Hema are not just for groceries. They now feature dedicated beauty zones that offer a curated selection of skincare, perfect for busy shoppers picking up their weekly essentials.

Popular local brands like Pechoin, One Leaf, and Biohyalux often appear here, making it easy to shop smart without straying far from the snack aisle.

Brands such as CHANDO, PROYA, and Florasis have opened visually stunning flagship stores in top-tier cities. These boutiques serve more than just products, they offer personalised skincare consultations, exclusive gift sets, and immersive in-store experiences.

For many locals, shopping in these stores is a treat, a ritual, and a chance to deepen brand connection.

Vibrant shopping districts like Huaihai Road in Shanghai, Chunxi Road in Chengdu, and Xidan in Beijing are skincare hotspots where locals hop from store to store comparing textures, testing serums, and snapping selfies.

These lifestyle zones also feature themed cafés, vending machines, and limited-edition pop-ups that turn a skincare hunt into a full-day affair.

Pharmacies such as Tongrentang and other local chains remain staples, especially for older generations. These venues stock problem-solving skincare with traditional herbal formulas or dermatologist-backed brands.

Products targeting acne, sensitivity, or eczema are popular here, with staff often recommending remedies based on long-standing Chinese medicine principles.

For beauty lovers exploring China, knowing where locals actually shop makes all the difference. From viral serum finds in Douyin-approved boutiques to the trusted routines in traditional pharmacies, China’s skincare scene is a cultural adventure in itself.

With Traveloka, planning your glow-up getaway is simple. Book flights, hotels near major beauty zones, and local experiences all in one go. No more guesswork, no more FOMO, just you, your skincare goals, and the best of what China has to offer.

Travel smart, shop like a local, and let Traveloka help you bring home more than just souvenirs.