As an important hub of the Silk Road, Xinjiang has rich and diverse characteristic products. This vast land has nurtured a unique cultural heritage, from high-quality dried fruits at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains to precious jade and stones in the Kunlun Mountains, from dairy products in grassland pastures to textile craftsmanship in desert oases, every Xinjiang famous product carries profound historical and cultural significance. For overseas tourists, choosing Xinjiang’s famous products is a way to commemorate their travels and also to learn about the local culture. This article provides a detailed guide for overseas tourists to choose Xinjiang famous products, from price ranges to purchasing tips, from carrying instructions to cultural backgrounds, to help you buy excellent specialty products within your budget and leave unforgettable memories for your trip to Xinjiang.
Detailed Introduction of Xinjiang Specialties
Dried Fruits: Xinjiang’s Most Popular Specialty
Xinjiang dried fruits are famous worldwide for their superior quality and unique flavor. Due to long sunshine hours and significant temperature differences between day and night, Xinjiang-produced dried fruits are rich in sugar and nutrients, making them must-buy Xinjiang specialties for international travelers.
– Raisins: Xinjiang has various types of raisins, with seedless white raisins being the most famous. Price about 80-150 RMB/kg, recommended to choose plump, naturally colored products.
– Walnuts and Almonds: Xinjiang walnuts have thin shells and thick meat, almonds are crispy and delicious. Price about 60-120 RMB/kg, when purchasing, choose new seasonal products.
– Red Dates and Goji Berries: Xinjiang red dates have thick flesh and sweet taste, goji berries are large and plump. Price varies by grade, premium products about 100-300 RMB/kg.
Jade Crafts: Xinjiang’s Treasure
Xinjiang Hotan jade is renowned as one of China’s four famous jades, deeply loved by collectors for its warm texture and exquisite craftsmanship. When purchasing jade Xinjiang specialties, be sure to buy through formal channels and request appraisal certificates.
– Hotan Jade Jewelry*: For overseas tourists who are new to Xinjiang jade, it is recommended to start collecting small accessories, such as a delicate jade pendant or a bracelet, which can experience the charm of Xinjiang jade culture without causing too much economic burden.
– Jade Ornaments: As a high-end artwork, it has high collection value. These ornaments are mostly crafted by skilled craftsmen, with diverse themes ranging from traditional auspicious patterns to modern art forms. Large scale jade carving crafts have high artistic value, but they are expensive and inconvenient to carry, making them suitable for collectors with sufficient budgets.
– Shopping Tips: Mastering the correct purchasing techniques is crucial. Zhenyu feels cool and moist when held in the hand, with a high density, and produces a crisp sound when struck. When purchasing from a legitimate store, be sure to request an invoice and appraisal certificate, and understand the return and exchange policy clearly. Special reminder to overseas tourists that some countries have strict regulations on the entry of jade and stone products. It is best to understand the relevant policies before purchasing to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Beautiful Xinjiang jade stones
Handicrafts: Essence of Ethnic Culture
Xinjiang ethnic minority handicrafts carry long history and unique cultural connotations, making them highly commemorative Xinjiang specialties.
– Handmade Carpets: Carpets are one of the most representative handicrafts in Xinjiang, renowned for its exquisite patterns and sturdy texture. Xinjiang carpets are hand woven from high-quality wool, with patterns often drawn from natural scenery and ethnic life. The colors are bright and durable. Prices range from 800 to 8000 RMB depending on size and craftsmanship complexity.
– Ethnic Instruments: Examples such as R é vap and Dutal are not only musical instruments, but also exquisite works of art. These instruments are entirely handmade, with exquisite materials and fine workmanship, decorated with exquisite ethnic patterns. For music enthusiasts, choosing a Xinjiang ethnic musical instrument is undoubtedly the most meaningful gain on the journey. Price 200-2000 RMB.
– Atlas Silk: Edeles silk is a traditional silk fabric unique to Xinjiang, known for its vibrant colors and unique patterns. This silk uses ancient tie dyeing techniques, with distinct patterns and strong color contrasts, and has a rich ethnic style. Price 100-1500 RMB.
Exquisite Xinjiang ethnic musical instruments
Special Foods and Beverages
Besides dried fruits, Xinjiang has many unique foods and beverages worth trying and purchasing for international travelers.
– Xinjiang Milk Tea Powder: Xinjiang milk tea powder is a unique souvenir that allows you to easily brew authentic Xinjiang milk tea even after returning home. This milk tea powder is made from high-quality milk sources and tea leaves from Xinjiang, refined according to traditional formulas, easy to brew, and has a rich flavor. Price about 30-60 RMB/box.
– Lavender Products: Lavender essential oil, dried flowers, sachets and other products have excellent quality, long-lasting fragrance, and the effect of calming the mind and helping sleep. At the lavender plantation in Yili, tourists can not only purchase various lavender products, but also enjoy the beautiful lavender fields. Price 50-200 RMB.
– Special Seasonings: Specialty seasonings are essential ingredients for cooking Xinjiang cuisine, such as cumin powder and large plate chicken seasonings. These seasonings are prepared according to traditional formulas, with authentic flavors, allowing you to make authentic Xinjiang cuisine even at home. Price 20-80 RMB/pack.
Practical Tips for Buying Xinjiang Specialties
Compare Prices: The price of the same product may vary greatly in different markets, especially in tourist attractions and surrounding shops where prices are often higher. Suggest visiting multiple stores for comparison and understanding the market situation before making a purchasing decision. Suggest comparing more before purchasing.
– Quality Attention: Choose a reputable merchant and carefully inspect the product packaging and production date. For food products, special attention should be paid to shelf life and storage conditions; For handicrafts, it is necessary to carefully inspect the workmanship and material. When shopping in a regular store, remember to ask for a shopping voucher for later rights protection.
– Understand Restrictions: Some products such as medicinal herbs and jade may have entry and exit restrictions, so it is important to confirm the relevant policies of the destination country before purchasing. Especially for animal and plant products and precious ores, customs in various countries have strict regulations. Knowing in advance can avoid unnecessary losses.
– Bargaining: Bargain appropriately, but also respect the labor of the merchant. Be polite when negotiating, understand the approximate value of the product, and propose a reasonable price. At the same time, the portability and packaging firmness of the product should be considered, especially for fragile and bulky items, to ensure that the packaging is firm and avoid damage during travel.
International Travelers FAQ
Q1: Where are the best places to buy Xinjiang specialties?
Recommend Urumqi International Bazaar, Kashgar Old Town Market, and specialty stores from various regions. Urumqi International Bazaar is the largest specialty commodity market in Xinjiang, with a complete range of products, from dried fruits to handicrafts, and guaranteed quality. The market in the old city of Kashgar has more traditional characteristics, and shopping here can also experience rich ethnic customs. Most of these places provide mailing services, making it convenient for tourists to send their purchased goods directly home.
Q2: How to identify authenticity of Xinjiang jade?
True jade has a cool and smooth texture, high density, and a crisp sound when struck. The most important thing is to obtain a legitimate appraisal certificate from the merchant and purchase it from a reputable store. In professional jade markets, there are usually appraisal institutions that can conduct on-site testing. For inexperienced tourists, choosing reputable large businesses is the safest way.
Q3: Which Xinjiang specialties are easy to carry and have long shelf life?
Dried fruits, milk tea powder, lavender products, and seasonings are all relatively easy to carry and have a longer shelf life. It is recommended to choose products with vacuum packaging and pay attention to storage conditions. When purchasing, you can consult the merchant for advice on shelf life and methods, especially for products that need to be carried for long distances, it is important to choose products with sturdy packaging and long shelf life.
Pre-Trip Preparation and Shopping Advice
Before starting your Xinjiang specialty shopping journey, international travelers are recommended to make the following preparations:
– Budget Planning: Set shopping budget according to personal needs, avoid impulsive spending
– Understand Regulations: Check destination country’s import restrictions on Xinjiang products
– Luggage Space: Reserve sufficient luggage space, or understand local mailing services
– Shopping List: Prepare must-buy list in advance, shop with clear targets
Xinjiang specialties are not only travel souvenirs but also cultural carriers. By carefully selecting appropriate Xinjiang characteristic products, you can not only bring surprises to friends and family but also preserve memories of your Xinjiang journey. Hope this guide helps international travelers enjoy pleasant shopping experiences in Xinjiang.
