Chinese market sellers quote in 斤 (jīn) — a half-kilo. Convert price per jin to price per kilo so you know whether that fish is actually a deal.
CRITICAL: The "Jin" Trap!
In China, 1 Jin (斤) = 0.5 kg = 1.1 lbs, NOT 1 kg!
This is the #1 way tourists get "cheated" at markets. A fruit labeled "¥10" usually means ¥10 per jin (500g), not per kilogram. If you're used to pounds, 1 jin is roughly equivalent to 1.1 pounds.
Price Converter
Market Price (per Jin / 斤)
Typical market prices range from ¥5 to ¥30 per jin depending on the item
Weight Calculator
Want to buy a specific amount? Enter how much you want, and we'll tell you the Chinese term to use at the market!
Amount
Unit
Quick Reference: Weight Conversion
0.5斤
= 0.25 kg
= 0.55 lb
(Quarter kilogram)
1斤
= 0.5 kg
= 1.10 lb
(Most common market unit)
2斤
= 1 kg
= 2.20 lb
(1 kilogram)
5斤
= 2.5 kg
= 5.51 lb
(Standard bulk amount)
10斤
= 5 kg
= 11.02 lb
(Large bulk purchase)
50斤
= 25 kg
= 55.1 lb
(Wholesale/restaurant)
Market Guide: Common Items & Prices
菠菜 (Spinach)
¥4-6/斤
¥8-12
番茄 (Tomatoes)
¥3-5/斤
¥6-10
香蕉 (Bananas)
¥2-3/斤
¥4-6
苹果 (Apples)
橙 (Oranges)
鸡肉 (Chicken)
¥8-12/斤
¥16-24
猪肉 (Pork)
¥12-18/斤
¥24-36
牛肉 (Beef)
¥20-35/斤
¥40-70
虾 (Shrimp)
¥25-50/斤
¥50-100
鱼 (Fish)
¥15-25/斤
¥30-50
Pro Tips for Market Shopping
DO THIS
- • Always ask the price per jin (斤多少钱?)
- • Point to items and say "我要...斤" (I want ... jin)
- • Haggle at wet markets - it's expected!
- • Buy seasonal produce - it's cheaper and fresher
- • Ask "多少钱一斤?" to confirm price before buying
- • Bring reusable bags or buy bags (¥0.5-1)
- • Pay with Alipay/WeChat - most vendors accept it
DON'T DO THIS
- • Don't assume prices are per kilogram
- • Don't buy pre-packaged without checking weight
- • Don't forget that 1 jin = 500g, not 1 kg
- • Don't haggle at supermarkets (fixed prices)
- • Don't pay with large bills without asking for change
- • Don't squeeze fruits - vendors hate it
- • Don't shop right when market opens - selection is better later
Why Does China Use Jin Instead of Kg?
The Jin (斤) system dates back to ancient China and remains deeply ingrained in daily life, especially in markets. While China officially uses the metric system, traditional merchants and farmers still price produce per jin out of habit and because it's what customers expect.
Pro tip: Younger vendors or supermarkets might use kilograms, but 90% of wet markets (菜市场) still use jin. Always clarify the unit before buying to avoid confusion!
The Golden Rule
When in doubt, ask! Say "多少钱一斤?" (How much per jin?) and "我要两斤" (I want two jin). Most vendors are friendly and happy to help tourists. Even if your accent is terrible, they'll understand the numbers. The jin system only seems confusing the first time — after a few market trips, you'll be calculating prices like a local!