Shopping in Xian: Best Souvenirs & Where to Buy

Written by Clementine | Updated February 10,2026

Xian owns a worldwide fame for being the most ancient capital in China as well as the home to the Eighth Wonder – Terracotta Army, which has drawn great attention throughout the world since its discovery. History, a generous master, has bestowed too many treasures on Xian. It seems that every ancient alley, every piece of wall brick, can let a person traverse time and space. Xian attractions, Xian food, Xian memories are the things that can hardly be taken away or kept for a lifetime. However, there are some specialties of real significance that serve to treasure up, emblematic of Xian culture.

Replica of Terracotta Soldiers

Speaking of Xian, we can never skip the topic of Terracotta Warriors at the mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. So, can you buy a Terracotta Warrior？Yes. The replica of terracotta soldiers is clay sculpture that is modeled in three types – soldier, chariot and horse. The miniature sculptures are in small size but look exactly the same style as those in the museum, which are meaningful and very popular as Xian souvenir.

Where to buy: Terracotta Factory near the Terracotta Warriors Museum; Shannxi History Museum; Shuyuanmen Street.

Lantian Jade

Lantian Jade is one of the earliest jade species developed and utilized in China. It has a history of more than 4000 years, and is regarded as a treasure by all dynasties of royalty and dignitaries. Lantian Jade is renowned for its hardness, colorfulness, and fine texture. Legend says that the love token Emperor Tang Xuanzong once sent to concubine Yang Yuhuan is also Lantian Jade.

Where to buy: If you have plenty of time, you can go to Lantian County, a surrounding area of Xian, which produces and processes Lantian Jade. If not, you can go to a Xian jade factory or store with an appraisal certificate.

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 producing 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 are not sure whether it’s genuine, and still want to buy one, I suggest you buy a cheap one to make up for your loss.

Tang Sancai Replica

Tang Sancai Replica is the sculpture of Tang Tri-Color Glazed Ceramics, referring to low-temperature glazed pottery popularized in the Tang dynasty. The main colors are yellow, green, and white, so people used to call it “Tang Sancai”. Buying a genuine Sancai pottery always costs a lot, since it is treasured nationally as an antique. Visitors to Xian are suggested to buy the sculpture of Sancai, which is affordable and also worth collecting.

Where to buy: Shannxi History Museum; Souvenir shop in Muslim Quarter; Shuyuanmen Street.

Peasant Painting of Huxian County

Huxian is a famous township of farmer painting, which originated among folk life. It is strongly linked with local opera, dance, Shehuo(a festival activity), dragon lanterns, and other diverse cultural customs, showing distinct regional features. The paintings are exquisite but straightforward, quietly elegant but colourful, sophisticated but simple. Works of Huxian peasant painting have been exhibited abroad many times, and specially introduced in the form of albums, films, and TV by Germany, Britain, Japan, and other countries.

Where to buy: Huxian County in the south of Xian.

Paper Cutting:

Paper cutting is a traditional folk art that is very popular in rural areas of Shaanxi. The paper used is usually in bright red, and there are various auspicious words and patterns, as well as some showing folk stories. Delicate paper-cut expresses people’s blessing of abundance, and peace from year by year, outlining the yearning for a better life.

Where to buy: Shops in scenic spots, Shuyuanmen Street, Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Shadow Puppet

If you see a shadow puppetry on your Xian tour, you might as well buy a shadow puppet handicraft to bring home as a souvenir. There is shadow puppetry with an operation lever, or mounted on a delicate frame. Prices vary from 10 yuan to hundreds. It can be placed in the home as an adornment or sent to friends as gifts; either is a pretty good choice.

Where to buy: Shops in scenic spots, Shuyuanmen Street, and Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

Clay Sculpture 

Shanxi clay sculpture enjoys a good fame in China for its long history and superior craftsmanship. Clay sculpture in Shaanxi has a long history, and some were unearthed from ancient tombs of the Spring and Autumn Period ( 770 BC-476 BC). Clay sculptures for local people are a good fortune because they will bring them happiness and safety. Those clay sculptures are usually made in animal appearances, like rabbits, lions, and tigers.

Click to see more essential Xian shopping tips.

Xian Shopping Tips: Bargaining, Authenticity & Payment

• Before purchasing souvenirs from Xi’an, understand your requirements – whether you want to keep them for yourself or give them to someone else, and then set a budget.
• Look at the materials and craftsmanship. High-quality traditional handicrafts usually pay attention to aspects such as material selection, color transition, and stitching.
• Identify the style and authenticity. Handicrafts from Xi’an often retain traditional symbols, color combinations, and craftsmanship techniques.
• It’s wiseto compare the similar products in the different store for their prices, craftsmanship, and materials.
• Many tourist markets/shopsallow bargaining, but it should be done in a respectful manner. For well-priced traditional brands and cultural and creative stores, there’s no need to bargain.
• As for the payment, you can use Alipay, Wechatpay, or cash. In some stores, you can also use a credit card.

Travel with China Xian Tour for the Best Shopping Experiences in Xian

Planning a trip to Xian to explore the world-class historical sights and buy some local products for souvenirs? Chinaxiantour exerts can help to make your trip most interesting and easier, with some of the best places/markets to shop in Xian. Contact us, and we can create a tour for you to meet your specific requirements.