Xian Shopping and Districts

(Xian, Shaanxi, China)

Those planning a shopping expedition in central Xian will find plenty of quality souvenirs for sale and paying a visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors of Xian will likely encounter many a street hawker trying to sell their miniature statues of the warriors themselves. By simply showing a lack of interest, they will often lower the price quite quickly to regain your attention.

As you finish your sightseeing experience and depart from the Terracotta Warriors, you will find that the souvenir shopping in this part of Xian is especially good, catering for the steady influx of visitors looking to purchase gifts. Many of the surrounding avenues are flanked with souvenir stores and stalls, although for the best shopping in the city, head to the central bazaar area within the Muslim Quarter, close to both the Drum Tower and the Great Mosque.

Where to Shop

Those spending time shopping at the bazaar should always try to haggle and bargain over the price, since with a little persuasion it can often drop by as much as 50 percent. Folk art, prints, fake watches, silks, bags and clothing are all readily available in this part of Xian, and very reasonably priced.

Standing right next to Xian's Great Mosque, the Huajue Xiang alleyway is a good spot for some serious antiques shopping and an enjoyable afternoon can be spent here simply browsing the various goods.

The Huajue Xiang is also an excellent place to buy an array of souvenirs, such as the ever-popular chiming steel balls, stone ink trays used in traditional Chinese calligraphy, or jewellery and ornaments made from jade.

Further shopping within Xian is to be found within the City of God's Temple on the Damaishi Jie, which is just a short stroll from the Drum Tower and near to the market running next to the Xi Dajie. A good selection of shops is also located around the city's South Gate.