Somewhere between Fairlands and Weltevredenpark there is a shopping complex called Hillfox Value Centre. Here, you will find everything from the last Look & Listen in the country to fashion and footwear, DIY, specialist hobby stores and home services. On Sundays, there's a massive flea market in the underground parking area.
But we're not here to talk about the above-ground stuff. If you head to the right of the parking lot, past the Food Lover's Market and big orange and black building that used to be a Trade Centre, you will find China World. In this building, with its fascia board divided shops, the number of stores head well into the hundreds. The majority of shop owners are from mainland China and they brought with them all the cheap stuff we like so much. There are quite a few stores selling phone and tablet accessories such as cables, chargers and covers. Most of them do basic repairs — such as cracked screens, etc. Moving on, there are tonnes and tonnes and tonnes of toy stores. Pretty much all of them sell fairly dangerous weapons, such as knives and crossbows — interesting and quite scary all at once! Further down the line, there are shops that sell weird and wonderful stuff. Here you can buy everything from new rims for your VW Golf to uh, uhm, stuff for the bedroom.
There are quite a few shops that sell handbags, clothing and makeup. A word of warning: it may be cheap and pretty but one shouldn't expect quality. When you buy imitation products for 90% off the original's price, don't expect it to last. And returning goods for a refund is not going to work - none of the stores here care much about the Consumer Protection Act.
All in all, there's a lot of amazing stuff at China World. Most places only accept cash so be sure to pop by the FNB ATM at the entrance.
Have you been to China World? What did you think about it? Let us know in the comments section below. Planning on a trip to the cheap cheap shops? Then share this on social media.
