What to Buy in Xi'an (2026): 10 Must-Buy Items & Where to Buy Them
terracotta replicas, Silk Road crafts and Tang-dynasty treasures
Xi'an was the eastern end of the Silk Road and the capital of thirteen dynasties, and its souvenir shops are essentially a museum gift shop the size of a city. The Terracotta Warriors cast a long shadow — but the best buys here go well beyond the standard warrior replicas.
The old city's craft traditions — shadow puppetry, paper-cutting, Tang-style ceramics — are still made by hand in workshops you can visit. Around the Muslim Quarter, the food souvenirs are just as compelling: spiced beef, noodles, and dates, all packed for travel.
Prices below are rough starting points. Bargaining is expected in the bazaars and around the tourist sites; mall and museum-shop prices are fixed.
Top 10 Must-Buy in Xi'an
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1
Terracotta Warrior Replicas (兵马俑复制品)
The essential Xi'an souvenir: miniature Terracotta Warriors in clay, from palm-sized soldiers to full chariot sets. The museum's official shop has the best quality and authenticity; street stalls are cheaper. Pack them carefully — clay chips easily.
Price hint: from ~¥60
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2
Shadow Puppets (Pi Ying) (皮影)
Colorful leather shadow puppets of opera characters and folk figures — a Shaanxi folk-art tradition with a thousand years of history. Small puppets in gift boxes make wonderful wall decorations. Buy from folk-art shops rather than generic souvenir stalls for genuine hand-cut work.
Price hint: from ~¥50
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3
Tang Tri-Color Pottery (唐三彩)
Reproductions of the famous three-color glazed Tang pottery — camels, horses, and court ladies in green, amber, and cream glazes. Small figurines make elegant shelf pieces. Museum shops offer the most faithful reproductions.
Price hint: from ~¥120
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4
Shaanxi Paper-Cutting (陕西剪纸)
Northern Shaanxi's paper-cutting tradition is bold and expressive, often featuring folk festivals, zodiac animals, and rural life scenes. Framed pieces are inexpensive, flat, and feather-light — ideal luggage-friendly art. Unframed sheets cost even less.
Price hint: from ~¥30
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5
Bronze Ware Replicas (青铜器复制品)
Miniature reproductions of ancient Chinese bronze vessels — ding tripods, wine cups, chariot fittings — from Xi'an's archaeological heritage. Small pieces in display boxes make distinguished desk ornaments. Museum shops have the most accurate reproductions.
Price hint: from ~¥100
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6
Lantian Jade (蓝田玉)
Quarried from nearby Lantian County, this pale jade has been carved since ancient times. Small pendants, bracelets, and carved animals are affordable entry points into Chinese jade. Buy from established jade shops with certificates for anything beyond small trinkets.
Price hint: from ~¥150
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7
Spiced Beef Gift Box (酱牛肉礼盒)
The Muslim Quarter's spiced, slow-cooked beef is a Xi'an institution, and vacuum-packed gift boxes travel well. Rich, savory, and ready to eat — a food gift with real local credibility. Available in the quarter's food shops and at the airport.
Price hint: from ~¥60 / box
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8
Shaanxi Noodle Gift Set (陕西面食礼盒)
Shaanxi is noodle country, and gift sets of biangbiang noodles, saozi noodles, and oil-spill noodle kits let you recreate the flavors at home. Dried noodle packs with sauce sachets are light and travel-safe. A fun gift for the noodle-obsessed.
Price hint: from ~¥40 / set
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9
Shaanbei Red Dates (陕北红枣)
Big, sweet red dates from northern Shaanxi are a classic Chinese health food and cooking ingredient. Gift boxes are inexpensive and widely available in the old town's food streets. A wholesome, traditional edible souvenir.
Price hint: from ~¥25 / box
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10
Tang Dynasty Dinner Show (唐乐宫歌舞)
The Tang-dynasty music and dance dinner show is Xi'an's signature evening experience — costumed performers, traditional instruments, and a dumpling banquet. Bookable online in English with hotel pickup options. A memorable night out and a great gift experience.
Price hint: from ~¥200 / person
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Where to Buy in Xi'an
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) (回民街)
Muslim Quarter, Lianhu District, Xi'an
The historic food-and-craft bazaar beside the Drum Tower — best for spiced beef, pastries, shadow puppets, and folk crafts, with endless snacking along the way.
Bell & Drum Tower Area (钟鼓楼)
Bell Tower area, Beilin District, Xi'an
The commercial heart around the Bell and Drum Towers, with department stores, souvenir shops, and craft vendors radiating into the old streets.
Datang Everbright City (大唐不夜城)
Yanta South Rd, Yanta District, Xi'an
The illuminated Tang-culture pedestrian zone south of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda — lined with souvenir shops, performances, and food stalls, spectacular at night.
Tang West Market (大唐西市)
Tang West Market, Lianhu District, Xi'an
Silk Road-themed market and museum complex selling antiques, crafts, jade, and folk art in a historic-merchant atmosphere. Good for serious craft hunting.
SKP Xi'an (西安SKP)
Xiaozhai area, Yanta District, Xi'an
Xi'an's top luxury mall, with premium Chinese and international brands — the place for high-end jade, watches, and designer gifts.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Area (大雁塔)
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area, Yanta District, Xi'an
The plaza and streets around the famous pagoda host rows of souvenir shops, Tang-style craft stalls, and tea houses in a scenic setting.