Taobao is one of China’s largest online shopping platforms, comparable to Ebay or Amazon.
It is a place where small businesses and individuals can sell products to consumers – anything from clothes to medicines. But, you can also find some rather strange things for sale on Taobao …check some of the weird and wonderful stuff we’ve found:
Collar allowing your dog to speak
Do you remember Doug, one of the characters of Disney and Pixar’s 2009 film Up? He was a golden retriever that could communicate with humans through a device on his collar which was invented by his master. This collar which allows your dog to speak has been made into an actual product and is sold on Taobao.
Learn to consciously control your soul within 30 days
If you want to feel an out-of-body experience, you can buy a test from Taobao for only one yuan. It sounds hard to believe, but 400 people have already bought and tried it. One of the customers shared his experience and said “I bought this product with an excited mood, then received it and followed the instructions.
I’ve been practising for 15 days now. “When I sleep, I feel like I’m floating and also dream something which will happen the next day. I have just felt the out-of-body experience. Nothing more to add – I’m off to practice!”
Super strong glue for hanging
We can’t believe it’s this strong! It can even hang up a person.
Giant nose soap dispenser
This shower gel dispenser, which is actually modelled on Jackie Chan’s nose, will make a hilarious gag gift. If you put a bottle of green shower gel into the dispenser, it might your bath time that bit more fun… if also a little gross.
Selling IQ
IQ is for sale for only 0.2 yuan. What you actually receive is a picture with the text “IQ”, or one of Einstein, which is sent to your phone together with a little funny story. You can buy it for yourself or for your friends. These pictures are mostly bought by students, and some say that after purchasing this IQ they felt more intelligent and did not get tired during exams.
You can read more about IQ on Taobao with the Du Chinese app, in our lesson “IQ for sale on Taobao”.
Human Breast Milk Soap
Yes, it’s exactly what it says. It’s soap made from human breast milk. One mother who sells these soaps says she used to pour all the milk down the drain, but as it seemed wasteful she decided to use the milk to make soap instead. These soaps are very soft, so they can be used by both adults and children. It is actually quite popular on Taobao.
The watermelon tap
Summer magic watermelon juice tool! Can’t wait to get one?
Terrifying Hat Mask Thing
It is a winter hat for keeping you warm and… you know, protecting yourself from your didi taxi driver (and probably all people in general.)
Beverage helmet
You know, The World Cup is here – stay hydrated during game-time with this handy hat!
Egg Filter
I can’t even find a word to describe this tool…