Travelers adventuring in Xian on one of our Xian tours often ask our tour guides about shopping in Xian. Whilst we know guests who visit China with ChinaTours.com are people interested in culture, history and China’s incredible natural beauty, we also know collecting a memento or two is all part of the travel experience.
As one of China’s ancient capitals, Xian is a bustling, thriving city. Alive with all that’s contemporary China and one of the most diverse in terms of ancient Chinese history, it truly is a unique China tour destination.
After taking the day’s highlights on your tour, a little well-planned shopping with insider tips from your local guide could be just the thing to round out the day.
Shopping in Xian
Discover our Xian guides’ best local shopping secrets and land your own super special travel memory on this ultimate Xian shopping destination checklist.
Ready to explore? Let’s do it.
Bright lights, big brands: the best shopping malls and department stores for shopping in Xian
While serious shopping in Xian is not a feature of our China tours, you may just find curiosity getting the better of you. After a day on the trail of ancient history and tradition, you might welcome the contrast offered by an hour or two in one of Xian’s high-end shopping malls.
For serious shopping in Xian our local Xian guides recommend:
Xi’an Kaiyuan Shopping Mall 西安开元商城
Located just opposite to Bell Tower, and opened in 1996, Xi’an Kaiyuan Shopping Mall is one of the “old world” department stores. A perennial favorite and with an enduring reputation among local Xian people, Xi’an Kaiyuan Shopping Mall, will tick all the boxes with its well-priced department and specialty stores. The added bonus? It’s a great location. Walking distance from one of China’s most iconic landmarks.
Xi'an MINSUN Jiefanglu Department Store 西安解放路民生百货大楼
Built in 1959, Xian MINSUN Jiefanglu Department Store is the premier department store in the minds of local Xian people. Incorporating all types of shopping, from high-end department stores to specialty stores, restaurants and much more, ChinaTours.com travelers can make the easy 10 minute walk if they’re staying at the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square.
Century Ginwa Shopping Center 西安世纪金花钟鼓楼店
Looking for international brands? Then a visit to the Century Ginwa Shopping Center is worth a visit. Centrally located, travelers will find it located at Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. It’s the perfect place to go before tucking into some of the best local food available at Muslim Street, which is right nearby.
Xian Wanda Plaza 西安民乐园万达广场
Xian Wanda Plaza is yet another large and modern shopping mall in Xian, which can be found at Minleyuan, on Jiefang Street. Definitely not the location if you’re after street markets and local craft, Xian Wanda Plaza is less than ten minutes walk from the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square, where many ChinaTours.com guests stay while visiting this beautiful city.
Something old: where to go antique shopping in Xian
There is nowhere better for antique shopping in Xian than the antique markets.
Appreciated by both locals and international travelers, specialty items that make for beautiful travel memories can be found here in abundance.
Fancy a hundred-year-old Chinese teapot? Looking for a traditional Chinese fan? Maybe you’re after a jade Buddha. No problem. ChinaTours.com local guides recommend the following destinations for antique shopping in this beautiful ancient city.
Tang West Market Antique City 大唐西市古玩城
Located in Tang West Market Museum, Laodong Nanlu, Lianhu District, the fossicker who visits here will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of Chinese history through the development of bronze, pottery, gold and silver, exquisite silk remains, and jade pieces. And while many of the pieces originate from personal collections, there is the opportunity to buy works by local craftsmen too.
Xi’an Ba Xian Gong Antiques Market 西安八仙宫古玩市场
Looking for a more rustic experience when shopping in Xian? Then why not try the outdoor flea market, Beihuo Xiang. Located at Jishiguai, Xi’an Ba Xian Gong Antiques Market is where you’ll find a mix of older crafts and contemporary souvenirs. With calligraphy, porcelain, and the standard Terracotta Warrior on offer, you’re bound to find something to take home to keep friends and family happy.
Shu Yuan Men Ancient Culture Street 书院门古文化街
Shu Yuan Men Ancient Culture Street, located near Forest of Stone Steles Museum and South City Gate, is worth a visit if you appreciate antique architecture, quirky store owners, and unusual finds. If you keep your eyes open, you may happen upon a local musician, craftsman or cook plying their trade right in front of you.
Other specialty shopping locations in Xian
Muslim Quarter 回民街
No visit to Xian is complete without a visit to iconic Muslim Quarter. Famous for its fabulous local food, souvenirs, Night Market, Muslim Quarter is a lively diversion where China tour travelers can get right amongst it with the locals, who love the atmosphere, food and fun this destination offers all year round. In walking distance from Xian’s Bell Tower and Drum Tower, be sure to leave plenty of time to relax, eat, and take it all in. ChinaTours.com offer a variety of different Xian tours, most of which include a visit to the famous and diverse Muslim Quarter.
Yongxing Fang 永兴坊
Another one of Xian’s specialty shopping destinations, Yongxing Fang market is an ideal destination for food, souvenirs, and an alternative Night Market option to the famous Muslim Street. Find Yongxing Fang near East City Gate, just 20 minutes walk from the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square.
SAGA IT Mall 西安赛格电脑城
Need a replacement cable? Looking for earphones? Want to update your laptop? Anything is possible at the Saga IT Mall. With reasonable prices for electronic and digital products, including computers, cameras, and mobile phones and accessories like USB drives, cables and batteries, make a stop at No.8 Yantalu Zhongduan if anything digital is your thing.
Xian Town’s God Temple Market 城隍庙市场
Want to shop like a local while in Xian? Then the Xian Town’s God Temple Market is the place to go. Here you’ll find small commodities, especially stationary and handcrafted gifts. For something unique and special, make your way to Xian Town’s God Temple Market on West Street. Walking distance to Muslim Street, you can make the most of your shopping trip with a wander down this famous promenade.
Tour with us ChinaTours.com
Although ChinaTours.com runs no commission-based shopping stop tours in China, we help our guests access shopping destinations wherever they are on tour. Our China tour guides balance tradition with on-trend shopping recommendations to help create an enduring travel memory for you long after your China tour is over.
First-time travelers to China will love the ChinaTours.com approach to organizing, planning, and taking a tour with us. With a deep understanding of what Western travelers need, our China tour packages provide flexible travel schedules that allow ample time for exploring and enjoying an experience of real China. With centrally located four and five star hotel accommodation, experienced and friendly local guides, and your safety our priority, we make travel in China the enriching and memorable experience it should be. Talk to us now about designing your ideal China tour.
