Business: Shopping for Red Chinese Goodies

FORBIDDEN fruit always tastes sweetest, and that is one reason why U.S. travelers in the Orient have often been tempted to buy goods made in Red China. Not until last week did the State Department belatedly drop its total prohibition against such imports and declare that returning tourists may bring back $100 worth of Chinese merchandise (see THE NATION). The dispensation delighted shopkeepers in Singapore and along Hong Kong's sleazy Upper and Lower Lascar Row ("Cat Street"). In some of the larger Peking-controlled emporiums in Hong Kong, English-speaking shopgirls stood like smiling spring flowers beneath red banners and Mao portraits, waiting...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!