Ask a QuestionMany handcrafts and local specialties in Xi'an are created in its long development of thousands of years, and represent Shannxi culture. Some of those handcrafts have won great praises in the whole nation, like Lantian jade, shadow puppet, paper cutting, clay sculpture, replica of terracotta soldier, and Sancai replica. What to buy in Xi'an? Where to buy in Xi'an? Here are tailor-made answers to these questions and i would like to give some Xi'an shopping tips to visitors and tourists. Now, let us get known about Xi’an specialties, local products, and traditional handcrafts.
Reading Guideline:
Xi'an lantian jade is one of top four jade types in China, mainly produced in Lantian, Xi’an, Shannxi, and got its name from the producing area. It is a good material for carving, and famous for its hardness and colorfulness, and fine texture, and various jade items with superior quality and exquisite patterns are carved from Lantian jade. Lantian jade has been used by Chinese since the Stone Age, and popular in the upper class and in the royal family since the Spring Period (770 BC-476 BC). One of the most famous items made from Lantian jade is the Imperial Seal of the first Emperor of Qin.
Where to buy Lantian jade in Xi'an
First, if you have much time, you may go to Lantian county, and there are four old companies produced Lantian Jade, Lantian jade factory, Jade carving craft factory, Yumoxiang, and Shanglinyuan. Second, if you don’t have enough time for shopping, you could go to a jade ware store in Xi’an, and buy one with an appraisal certificate. If you don’t have assurance in its genuineness, and still want to buy one, I advice you buy a cheap one to make up for your likeness.
Replica of terracotta soldiers is replicas of terracotta soldiers and chariots in the Terracotta Army, and it is clay sculpture and has only three kinds, soldier, chariot and horse, which may be made in different combination. Those handcraft items are made in small size, and sold at a low price. After a tour in the Terracotta Army, tourists have great interest in those handcrafts. and if you like, you may buy some at a store in the scenic spot.
Where to buy replica of terracotta soldiers
First, you could buy some in the store in the Terracotta Army scenic spot. Second, you could buy some in Shannxi History Museum. Third, you could go to Shuyuan men, where stores especially sell local handcrafts and antiques.
Sancai replica is the replica sculpture of Tang Tri-colored Glazed Pottery. Tang Tri-colored Glazed Pottery refers to a kind of pottery made in the Tang Dynasty, which is colorful and lifelike. Buying a genuine Sancai is too expensive, because it is protected and collected as antique, therefore, there are Sancai replica sculptures for people, and they are used as souvenir for tourists.
Where to buy Sancai replica
First, you could buy one in Shannxi History Museum. Second, you could go to the Muslim Street, and buy one in a handcraft store. Third, you could go to Shuyuan men.
Clay Sculpture
Shannxi clay sculpture enjoys a good fame in China for its long history and superior craftsmanship. Clay sculpture in Shannxi has a long history, and some are unearthed from ancient tombs of the Spring Period ( 770 BC-476 BC). Clay sculpture to local people is a good fortune because it will bring them happiness and safety. Those clay sculpture are usually made in animal appearance, like rabbit, lion, and tiger.
Shannxi Paper Cutting
Paper cutting in Shannxi is a traditional folk handcraft, and loved by local people who would paste exquisitely made paper cutting on window or door in the Spring Festival. Patterns of paper cutting usually have good meanings, representing people’s hope about life. There are several kinds of techniques and methods to cut paper, simple or complicated, they are applied to make beautiful paper cuttings which are a visual feast. For more information, please visit Folk Paper-cuts.
Mashao Mask
Mashao Mask or Mashao Lianpu is also a traditional handcraft, which is usually hanged in a living room to guard the house and dispel evil spirits. Mashao Lianpu is carved from wood materials, like paulownia, willow and peach wood, and it is about people’s facial expression and painted with bright and distinct colors.
Tourists can be famous Xi'an local specialties in Xian shopping streets, Xi'an shopping centers, like Muslim Street, Shuyuan men, Terracotta Warriors Museum.
Stores in scenic spots. You could buy some handcrafts in some scenic spots, Shannxi History Museum and Terracotta Warriors Museum.
Shuyuan men. Shuyuan men is highly recommended to you. Shuyuan men is a street where local traditional handcrafts, antiques, paintings, calligraphic works and ancient books are sold, like Mashao Lianpu, paper cutting, clay sculpture, Sancai replica, and replica of terracotta soldier. In here, you can always find something you like. It is close to Bell Tower, and you could walk from Bell Tower to Shuyuan men by using Google map or Baidu map to help you.
Huajue xiang. You could go to Huajue xiang or Huajue street, which has lots of small stores especially selling handcrafts and tourism souvenirs. It is only 150 meters away from Muslim Street.
Antique marketes. In the south square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, there is an antique market selling old items at Saturday, like pottery. If you have a tour in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you may go and have a look. There are many antique markets in Xi’an, for more information, please visit Famous Antique Markets in Xi’an.
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