Guangzhou has become the centre of the mainland's illicit ivory trade, with hundreds of elephant products sold openly - despite legitimate supplies drying up seven years ago.
A wide range of products can easily be bought in stores, hotels and markets.
Last Wednesday the Sunday Morning Post visited the Jade Wares Market in central Guangzhou where ivory is sold. Though most shopkeepers insisted their items were from stockpiles dating from before the ivory ban, one vendor admitted many products sold in Guangzhou were produced from newly imported ivory.
The shopkeepers said there were strict rules governing the sale of ivory products, and goods were not allowed to leave the country. However, one said he could arrange 'safe passage of the goods' to America if the purchase was above 100,000 yuan (HK$94,400).
The shopkeeper said he sold many products in Hong Kong, but insisted they were made from pre-ban stockpiles and were legally registered with the SAR government.
Another shopkeeper said his tusks came from African elephants and were smuggled into China. 'They are 100 per cent from Africa. Our stocks ran out a long time ago. Where do they come from if not there?'