Stores, Markets and Shops

Picking up a small trinket to bring back from your journey or even finding a unique, dressy little number that has an exotic story behind it is par for the course when you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Part of the joy of shopping in Xi’an is the sheer amount of variety on offer: if you desire thrift-store chic, designer dresses, special souvenirs or one-of-a-kind art pieces, you’ll find plenty of stores, markets and shops to choose from. This whistle-stop tour of Xi’an’s best places to buy will give you an idea of how you can get started on your retail therapy spree.

Department Stores

If you’re looking to hit the high street and scope out some contemporary Xi’an style, you won’t go far wrong by sticking to North, South, East or West Avenue – easy to find from the recognisable Bell Tower. Highlights include Kaiyuan Shopping Mall, a reputable shopping centre located in the centre of Xi’an, which boasts reasonable prices and a good range of shops. You can also investigate Parkson Shopping Centre: with a longer presence in Xi’an than most of the other middle-end department stores in its category, it is famed for goods such as household appliances, electronics, books and music – all of which can be picked up at bargain prices.

Lovers of luxury will want to head to Zhongda International, which has a reputation for being the most decadent shopping centre in Xi‘an. You can go there by foot from the Bell Tower and it’s an excellent place to find an extraordinary outfit for a special evening dinner or a formal banquet. Fashion label lovers, however, will discover the most well known brands in Printemps China Department Wang Fujin Store – situated along the Chang’an International Square, just outside the North Gate of Xi’an City. Trendsetters will not be able to resist its allure, as both tourists and Xi’an’s elite flock here to stock up on high-end fashion from Chloe, Gucci and Fendi.

Souvenirs

Reminders of your Xi’an experience are a must and there are plenty of places to pick up a tiny replica of a terracotta soldier or other examples of exquisite local craftwork. At Xi’an Antiques Market near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, you can pick up a myriad of antiques and it’s the perfect place for an adventurous treasure hunt. Wares include furniture, silk rugs, jewels, calligraphy, paintings and more. There are also two halls for exchanging antiques where you can meet many fellow enthusiasts to trade tips and gifts.

Of course, you may want something with a traditional touch and this can be found at the Peasant Painting Gallery in the Gaoxin District. Renowned for its display of authentic Shaanxi crafts, the gallery specialises in paintings that illustrate daily life from the Qin and Han dynasties, including harvests, village traditions and farm animals. Bright, colourful and simple, these etchings prove to be inspirational for most visitors, so it’s worth visiting to admire the creativity even if you don’t end up buying anything. You may also be lucky enough to catch a workshop from local professional craftsmen, who will teach you how to cut and paint in a genuine Chinese style.

Xi’an Tang Dynasty West Market located at Lao Dong Nan Lu is currently the largest fully functioning antiques and artefacts trading centre in China. You will know you when have found the right place, as a grand monument – a replica of an ancient ship named Qian Sui Shi – decorates the entrance to the market.

The market comprises of buildings in Tang Dynasty style, with pavilions and corridors laid out in a grid-like manner, echoing the city’s classical past. There are more than 700 antique stalls within the two-storey building, offering a wide collection of antiques, paintings, calligraphy, bronze sculpture and exclusive art objects.

Supermarkets

From names you know to some new supermarket experiences, Xi’an’s convenience stores are usually centred on established communities or university areas. The most recognisable of these is Wal-Mart on East Street, providing a familiar environment for the Western visitor. For any specialty goods from back home, you can also try Metro – a German supermarket known for its cheese, biscuits, meat and spices from around the world. It’s so popular, it attracts many customers from outside the city, but you will need a membership card to enter.

If you’re ready for something different, then head to Epin Life – an integrated supermarket that is managed by a traditional Chinese company. You can find many imported commodities here, including household items and health care products, as well as specialty, fresh-cooked and import food. For convenience, though, you’ll go to your local Vanguard. Vanguard is one of the largest retail chain enterprises in China and now a household name throughout the country, renowned for its cheap, fresh and abundant produce. There are more than ten branches in Xi’an, so you’ll be able to find one wherever you’re staying.