10 of the best Taobao finds for keeping warm this winter

Photograph: Matthew Henry via Unsplash

With all the talk about the dangers of ‘cold air’ or hanqi entering the body, it’s not surprising that the country has got the art of keeping warm down to a tee. With harsh winter chills and snowfall making their way into Shanghai, we've rounded up a number of items that will heat you up in no time.

Heat patches

Image: via Taobao

Like a ten-hour hot water bottle thinned down to a slice, these handy heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Smaller ones are perfect for the hands and feet while the larger kinds work well for your back, knees or stomach. To use, tear open the individual packets open and allow each patch to warm up before adhering to fabric (not your skin!). They're available for about 11-40RMB, depending on how many you want in a pack, from Taobao and in most supermarkets and convenience stores.

Heated slippers and foot warmers

Image: via Taobao

There’s nothing worse than cold feet, which makes the invention of comfy, heated footwear simply genius. Heated footwear come in a variety of styles from conjoined slippers (50-288RMB) to Ugg-like boots (69-75RMB). You can also nab yourself a pair of heated hiking boots if you're really worried about your toes when climbing mountains (400RMB).

Fleece leggings

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Ever wonder how some people manage to brave the winter in tights and leggings? Well, it’s because they understand the science of ‘added thickness’ or jiahou. Jiahou leggings can be worn on their own, or as thermals layered under trousers. The fleece-lined pants come in all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes, much like us. You can get some that look just like trousers (40RMB), proper tights (from 19RMB) or cosy, cosy leggings (40RMB). 

Leg warmers

Image: via Taobao

Disregard all notions of Fame and Flashdance, 'cos we think that these '80s wardrobe staples come back into style when the temperatures plummet. You'll likely see them being sold all over town in markets and street stalls as well as online. Often made of wool or a mix of wool, they are available for around 20-30RMB in all the usual colours and styles, from old-school chic to modern takes.

Electric hand warmers

Image: via Taobao

Cold hands? Why not hold onto an animal-shaped warming device? Or snuggle your palms into a hand cosy (from 60RMB) when you come in from the cold and it’ll feel like you’re shaking hands with a panda. You can find some seriously cute and cuddly designs on Taobao and there are even computer-mouse caves to heat your hands while you work.

Non-electric handwarmers

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Just in case your hands are that cold, and you haven't brought your touch-screen-friendly gloves or electric hand warmers yet, get this manual hand warmer (30RMB) that is specially made for continued use of your phone.

Slankeroo

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Mixing the best parts of sleeves, blankets and kangaroos, the slankeroo (name copyright Time Out Beijing but we used it anyway... ) might just be your best friend and constant companion this winter. Just slip it on and embrace the warmth, and fold it away into its attached pouch when (if) you're ever ready to come out. Available in various colours, patterns and sizes (for the bubs, too), this is one for the snuggle fans out there (80-210RMB). 

Electric blankets

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For keeping warm all night long, why not get yourself an electric blanket? Your normal grandmother, under-the-cover style comes in double and single sizes (150-185RMB). If you just want a lap warmer, or a shoulder hug, get yourself an electric pad (157RMB). Finally, don't leave your furry friends on the cold ground. Treat them to an electric blanket all of their own (and maybe they'll stop jumping onto your warm, snuggly bed) with a heated pet blanket (52-90RMB). 

Portable heater

Image: via Taobao

Stay warm, no matter where you are. This retro cube heater (200RMB) can go on a desk, on the floor, on the cold walk to work with you – the possibilities are endless. If you want something even smaller (that is, even more portable), get a little mini USB heater (100RMB) that is functional, funky and fiery. 

Electric heat trousers

Image: via Taobao

These are some seriously hot hot pants. As the winter wears on, cold weather can have adverse effects on the joints, so it’s important to look after them. And the best way to do that is, apparently, to encase your entire lower body in padded, 220V-charged heat massage trousers (with handy handheld controller; from 608RMB). They’re equipped with seven temperature settings that range from an already pretty hot 35°C, all the way up to a frankly worrying 65°C.

For links to purchase all these winter warmers, hit 'Read more' at the bottom of this post.

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