Plan your Xi’an Tour? If you’re wondering what to buy in Xi’an, you’ll find many unique and meaningful items to take home for yourself or to share with friends and family. This guide will help you discover the best gifts from Xi’an, ranging from traditional crafts to delicious local specialties.
Xi’an is a city rich in history, culture, and craftsmanship. As the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, it offers a wide array of souvenirs and gifts that reflect its ancient heritage and vibrant culture.
1. Terracotta Warrior Replicas – Iconic Souvenirs from Xi’an
One of the most famous and instantly recognizable symbols of Xi’an is the Terracotta Warriors. These life-sized statues, created over 2,000 years ago to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife, are one of the city’s top attractions. While you can’t take home the real thing, you can certainly bring back Terracotta Warrior replicas as a memorable keepsake.
These replicas come in various sizes, from small figurines that fit in your hand to larger versions that stand over a foot tall. They are often handcrafted from clay or resin, making them not only unique but also affordable. You can find these replicas in many tourist shops, particularly near the Terracotta Warriors Museum, as well as in souvenir markets across Xi’an. If you’re looking for traditional Xi’an gifts, a replica of the Terracotta Warriors is the perfect way to remember your visit.
2. Xi’an Silk – Luxurious and Traditional Gifts
Xi’an has long been associated with the Silk Road, and as such, silk products remain a popular and culturally significant gift to bring back. Xi’an’s silk products, including scarves, ties, and tapestries, are known for their quality and beautiful designs. If you’re wondering what to buy in Xi’an that reflects its historical connection to trade and luxury, silk is an excellent choice.
In particular, silk scarves make lovely gifts. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and come in various patterns inspired by Chinese art and nature. You can also find exquisite silk embroidery that showcases detailed craftsmanship, which makes for a more elaborate gift. Head to the Xi’an Muslim Quarter or specialty silk shops for the best selection.
3. Paper-Cut Art – Handmade Gifts from Xi’an
If you’re searching for handmade gifts from Xi’an, Chinese paper-cut art is a beautiful and intricate option. Paper cutting is a traditional folk art in China, and Xi’an is known for producing some of the most detailed and skillfully made pieces. These delicate artworks depict a variety of designs, from animals and flowers to cultural symbols and mythological creatures.
Each piece of paper-cut art is created by hand, using scissors or knives to carefully carve out the design from a single piece of paper. Some larger pieces are framed, making them easy to display as art in your home. You can find these in local markets or at specialty gift shops throughout Xi’an. Not only do they make stunning souvenirs, but they also carry a deep cultural significance, representing longevity, good fortune, and happiness.
4. Xi’an Shadow Puppets – Unique Cultural Souvenirs
Another traditional craft you’ll find in Xi’an is the art of shadow puppetry. Shadow puppets are an integral part of Chinese performing arts, and in Xi’an, you can purchase beautifully crafted shadow puppet figures as souvenirs. These figures are typically made from leather, with intricate details painted onto the surface, allowing them to cast distinct shadows when used in performances.
Shadow puppets make for unique gifts from Xi’an as they showcase the city’s rich cultural history and artistic heritage. You can find them in specialty shops or cultural markets, where they are often sold alongside other traditional arts and crafts. Additionally, these puppets are available in a range of sizes, from smaller figures ideal for gifts to larger, more intricate versions that serve as standout pieces of art.
5. Xi’an Food Souvenirs – Delicious Treats to Take Home
No trip to Xi’an would be complete without sampling its famous cuisine, and luckily, many of these delicious flavors can be taken home in the form of food souvenirs. If you’re still wondering what to buy in Xi’an for food lovers, here are some must-try local specialties:
- Roujiamo Spice Packs: Roujiamo, often called the “Chinese hamburger,” is a popular street food in Xi’an. While you can’t pack the actual sandwich, you can buy spice packs that allow you to recreate the flavors at home.
- Dried Persimmons: A traditional snack in Xi’an, dried persimmons are both sweet and chewy. They make for a tasty and healthy gift.
- Black Rice Vinegar: This dark, rich vinegar is used in many local dishes and makes a great cooking gift for those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.
For the best selection of Xi’an food souvenirs, visit the bustling Muslim Quarter or local specialty shops near major tourist areas.
6. Qin Opera Masks – Vibrant and Decorative Gifts
Qin Opera is a traditional form of Chinese opera that originated in Shaanxi Province, where Xi’an is located. One of the most distinctive aspects of Qin Opera is the vibrant and colorful masks worn by performers. These masks are often used to depict characters in the opera and are hand-painted with bold designs.
If you’re interested in unique gifts from Xi’an, a Qin Opera mask is a wonderful choice. These masks make for striking decorations and are steeped in cultural significance. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can easily find one that suits your needs. For the best selection, visit local markets or shops that specialize in Chinese art and theater memorabilia.
7. Calligraphy Rubbings
Calligraphy rubbings are a unique and traditional gift that offers a piece of China’s artistic heritage. Xi’an is famous for its Forest of Stone Steles Museum, where ancient calligraphy carved on stone slabs is preserved.
Visitors can buy calligraphy rubbings, which are created by applying ink to paper pressed over these stone carvings. These rubbings beautifully capture the artistry of ancient Chinese calligraphy and make for a sophisticated and meaningful gift. They are often framed or rolled, making them easy to pack and perfect for anyone interested in Chinese history, language, or art.
8. Tang Tri-Color Porcelain Replicas
The Tang Tri-color Porcelain (Sancai) is a well-known art form from the Tang Dynasty, characterized by vibrant yellow, green, and brown glazes. These porcelain replicas, often depicting horses, camels, or figurines, are famous for their craftsmanship and historical significance.
Tang Tri-color Porcelain replicas from Xi’an offer a connection to this ancient dynasty, making them a special and culturally rich gift. You can find them in various sizes, from small, elegant statues to larger decorative pieces. These replicas are available in markets and art shops throughout Xi’an and make stunning souvenirs for collectors.
9. Peasant Painting
Peasant painting is a colorful and lively form of folk art that originated in the rural areas around Xi’an. These paintings, created by local farmers, depict scenes of everyday life, festivals, and folk tales in bold, vibrant colors. The artwork often features exaggerated perspectives and joyful themes, making it both visually striking and culturally significant.
Peasant paintings are typically available in galleries and souvenir markets, and they come in various sizes, making them easy to carry home. They are perfect gifts for art lovers who want to bring home a piece of Xi’an’s local culture and creativity.
10. Xi’an Lacquer Ware
Xi’an lacquer ware is known for its elegant craftsmanship and glossy, durable finish. This traditional Chinese craft involves layering lacquer onto wooden or metal objects, which are then decorated with intricate designs.
Xi’an’s lacquer ware products include jewelry boxes, trays, vases, and furniture, making them perfect gifts for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship. The lacquered pieces are often embellished with gold, silver, or mother-of-pearl inlays, reflecting the beauty of Chinese decorative arts. You can find Xi’an lacquer ware in specialty shops and markets, offering a sophisticated and lasting memento of your trip to the city.
11. Where to Buy Gifts in Xi’an
Now that you have an idea of what to buy in Xi’an, let’s look at the best places to find these gifts. Xi’an is full of markets, shopping streets, and specialty stores that offer a wide range of traditional products. Here are some of the top places to shop:
1) Muslim Quarter 西安回民小吃街
The Muslim Quarter is not only famous for its food but also for its vibrant markets, where you can find a variety of souvenirs. From Terracotta Warrior replicas to handmade crafts and local food products, this bustling area offers plenty of choices.
To reach the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an by subway, take Line 2 and get off at Zhonglou Station (Bell Tower Station). Once you exit the station, it’s just a short walk to the Muslim Quarter, located northwest of the Bell Tower. Follow the signs or ask locals for directions to the bustling market area. The Muslim Quarter is known for its vibrant street food and cultural atmosphere, making it one of the must-visit spots in Xi’an.
2) Shuyuanmen Cultural Street 书院门步行街
This street is the perfect place to shop for traditional Chinese gifts from Xi’an, including paper-cut art, calligraphy tools, and shadow puppets. The shops here are known for their focus on local craftsmanship.
To get to Shuyuanmen Cultural Street in Xi’an by subway, take Line 2 and get off at Yongningmen Station (South Gate Station). After exiting the station, walk north for about 10 minutes toward the South Gate of Xi’an’s City Wall. Shuyuanmen Cultural Street is located nearby and is famous for its traditional Chinese arts, calligraphy shops, and cultural atmosphere, making it a great spot for exploring local crafts and history.
3) Tang West Market 大唐西市
For those looking for higher-end gifts like silk products or antiques, the Tang West Market is a good option. This market specializes in items that reflect the history of the Silk Road.
To get to Tang West Market, located in the southwest of the Tang Dynasty’s Chang’an Imperial City (between Laodong South Road and Dongtaoyuan Village), you can take Subway Line 6. Get off at 大唐西市站（DATANGXISHI Station). Once you exit the station, the Tang West Market is a short walk away. The market is well-known for its blend of modern shopping and historical significance, reflecting the ancient Silk Road’s legacy.
4) Xi’an Antique City 西安古玩城
Xi’an Antique City is the longest-running and most well-known antique market in Xi’an, specializing in cultural and artistic items such as curios, antiques, porcelain, jade, bronzeware, calligraphy, paintings, badges, books, and ancient coins.
Every Saturday, a bustling antique fair spontaneously gathers at Jinshang Cultural Square and Xi’an Antique City, attracting merchants from all over the country. This lively scene has become a staple of the Xiaozhai commercial area. Over the years, Xi’an Antique City has become a symbol of the local antique and art market’s evolution, reflecting the highs and lows experienced since China’s reform and opening up.
Nearby, Daxingshan Temple, located on Xingxian Temple West Street in Xiaozhai, is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Xi’an. It was one of the three major translation sites for Buddhist scriptures during the flourishing Tang Dynasty and is considered the birthplace of the esoteric school of Chinese Buddhism. In May 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple, making it famous overnight.
Address: West Street, Xingshansi,Yanta District, Xi’an.
To get to Xi’an Antique City (located on Xingshansi West Street, Yanta District), take Subway Line 3 and get off at Xiaozhai Station. After exiting the station, it’s a short walk to Xingshansi West Street, where the Antique City is located.
Final Tips on Buying Souvenirs from Xi’an
When shopping for souvenirs from Xi’an, keep these tips in mind to enhance your experience on what to buy in Xi’an:
- Bargain where appropriate: In markets and street stalls, haggling is often expected, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better price.
- Check for authenticity: Be cautious when buying items like silk or antiques, as imitations are common. Look for reputable shops or get advice from locals.
- Pack smartly: Some items, like tea sets and larger Terracotta Warrior replicas, can be fragile. Make sure you pack them carefully for the journey home.
Shopping in Xi’an is a delightful experience that allows you to take home a piece of this ancient city’s rich culture. Whether you’re interested in handcrafted art, traditional Chinese gifts, or delicious local food, there are endless options to choose from. Now that you know what to buy in Xi’an, you can find the perfect gifts for friends, family, or yourself. With a mix of traditional crafts, cultural souvenirs, and unique specialties, you’re sure to find something memorable that captures the spirit of Xi’an.
