As an ancient city, Xian is widely well-known not only for its unique ancient cultural history but also for its fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping. The city’s strong cultural heritage is translated into three categories, traditional arts and crafts, folk handicrafts and replicas of cultural relics.

 

Folk Paintings
The folk paintings of Xian borrow their line drawing techniques and brush strokes from traditional Chinese brush painting. Popular souvenirs, the artists draw inspiration from cultural and historical figures, flowers, birds and animals. The canvases are laden with color and eye catching images that seek to illustrate the atmosphere of life in rural China. Paintings can be purchased at most tourist attractions, from street vendors and the shops around the areas of museums and relics.

 

Paper Cutting
Paper cutting is a popular folk art in Shaanxi Province and is used as interior decoration by locals during holidays and weddings. During these times villagers take to adorning their walls and doors with colorful paper cuttings to signify the celebration or holiday’s season. Symbolizing themes such as good luck, happiness, scenery, legends and myths – the designs are eclectic and rich in color. Don’t expect to pay much for one of these unique decorations, but as per usual still be prepared to bargain.

 

Green Porcelain
Originating in the Song Dynasty, Qing Ciqi – Green Porcelain is a method of porcelain making that is widely used in teapots, often portraying animals and floral themes as a decorative feature. The elegant material is durable and is especially popular as a means to make crockery.

Terracotta Warriors
Many different types and sizes of these enigmatic souvenirs can be bought and taken home – from a few inches to life size! Of course the price rises in conjunction with the height of the models. Life-size replicas can be bought for anywhere from $500 to $1,000, depending on your haggling skills. This usually includes shipping. The best place to buy is probably after having a tour of the site, on which you will visit one of the factories; this is the surest way to get a fair price. Otherwise, Xian’s most iconic souvenir can be purchased from most places around the city.

Tang tri-colored glazed pottery
Originating from Tang Dynasty, Tang tri-colored glazed pottery is a type of precious pottery with the dominant colors of yellow, white and green. Through quite complicated manufacturing procedures, it is of super artistic merits, renowned for bright colors, exaggerated but vivid shapes and animated expressions. It altogether has three types in shape: animal, household utensil and figure, among which animal occupies the majority. The major ones, however, are largely in the form of horses and camels, mainly reflecting the historical background of the Tang Dynasty. In modern times imitations of Tang tri-color ceramic articles are created by skilled craftsmen, and they are hot collectibles for tourists both Chinese as well as foreign.

 

All the major museums sell souvenirs and the Muslim Quarter is a great spot for picking up cheap curios. Bearing in mind that the majority of goods are counterfeit, don't be too surprised if they lack quality. Bargaining is an inherent part of Chinese culture, so be sure to go in guns blazing as street vendors are notoriously stubborn.

Shopping Streets and Markets
Dongda Street
Xian’s version of Bond Street, this is the city’s most affluent commercial area, where Plazas and high-end boutiques are plentiful. Luomashi Garment Trading Market is in the area as is Tanshi Street Vegetable and Non-staple Food Mall.

 

Jiefang Road
Jiefang Road, less than 2 km long, is one of the busiest Streets in Xi'an, with 500 commercial, service, catering and financial organs. The Minsheng Department Store and Jiefang Department Store sit on the Street.

Shuyuanmen "Ming and Qing Street"
Shuyuan Street is the Ming and Qing Street constructed according to the architecture styles of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. In the Street, there are row upon row of stores selling ancient books, pottery and porcelain, rubbings of ancient paintings, tablet inscriptions and calligraphy, the four treasures of the study, etc.

 

Night Market with Dumpling Dinner in Xian
Xian has a wonderful night market near the central mosque that is a must-visit for a chowhound. They have loads of stalls with interesting and unusual foods, including loads of good sweets that are sort of reminiscent of Middle Eastern things, with a lot of honey and sesame.

 

Bazaar Area
Bazaar Area was located behind the Drum Tower in the Muslim Quarter around the Great Mosque. It is the best place to buy souvenirs in the city center. This is also a good place to buy folk art, specifically folk-style block prints in a single shop. This area is also full of fake name-brand products like watches, bags, clothes. Bargain hard.

Wholesale Market
Xiang has the largest wholesale market in Northwest China. Expect to find vendors trading in leather goods, garments, sundry goods, medicinal herbs and agricultural products. This market is worthwhile checking out to experience how the Chinese operate a wholesale market, expect a buzzing and slightly chaotic atmosphere.