Xinjiang Handicrafts: Complete Shopping Guide 2024
Xinjiang’s handicrafts reflect thousands of years of Silk Road cultural exchange. From hand-woven carpets to intricately carved wood, this guide covers the best handicrafts to buy and where to find them.
Why Xinjiang Handicrafts Are Special
- Handmade — not mass-produced factory goods
- Functional — beautiful but also useful
- Culturally significant — each piece tells a story
- Fairly priced — cheaper than equivalent items in Europe/US
Top 10 Handicrafts to Buy
1. Uyghur Embroidery (维吾尔刺绣)
Colorful silk embroidery on cloth — used for clothing, wall hangings, and pillow covers.
Best places: Kashgar Old City, Hotan | Price: ¥50-3,000
2. Wood Carving (木雕)
Intricate floral and geometric patterns carved into poplar wood.
Best places: Kashgar Old City workshops | Price: ¥30-2,000
3. Uyghur Musical Instruments (乐器)
Including the dutar (two-stringed lute), dap (frame drum), and rawap (long-necked lute).
Best places: Kashgar Old City, Urumqi International Bazaar | Price: ¥150-2,000
4. Silk (丝绸)
Xinjiang silk (especially from Hotan) is softer and more durable than mass-produced silk.
Best places: Hotan silk workshops, Kashgar Old City | Price: ¥50-1,000
5. Etles Silk (艾德莱斯绸)
A unique tie-dye silk traditional to Uyghur culture.
Best places: Hotan, Kashgar | Price: ¥80-300/meter
6. Copperware (铜器)
Hand-hammered copper pots, teapots, and trays — beautiful and functional.
Best places: Kashgar Old City, Hotan Bazaar | Price: ¥50-800
Tip: Check inside — tin-lined copper is food-safe.
7. Knives (英吉沙小刀)
Famous Xinjiang folding knives from Yingjisha — beautiful craftsmanship.
⚠️ Warning: Most countries prohibit carrying knives in luggage. Check before buying.
Price: ¥50-500
8. Felt Products (毡制品)
Traditional felt hats, slippers, and decorations made from compressed sheep wool.
Best places: Pastoral areas (Yili, Bayinbuluke), Urumqi Bazaar | Price: ¥30-300
Where to Shop
| Place | Best For | Price Level |
|---|---|---|
| Kashgar Old City | Instruments, wood carving, embroidery | Medium (negotiate) |
| Hotan Bazaar | Silk, carpets, jade | Low-Medium |
| Urumqi International Bazaar | Everything, one-stop | Medium-High |
How to Negotiate
- Enter with a friend — they can help you walk away
- Be polite but firm — smiling negotiation works best
- Know the approximate value before you start
- Buy multiple items — ask for package deal
- Cash gets better prices
Xinjiang handicrafts are affordable, authentic, and culturally meaningful souvenirs.
