Shopping in Xining will add a unique experience to your trip. Although Qinghai Province is located in the far northwest of China, the shopping malls, wholesale markets and retail shops in Xining offer both ordinary goods and unique local specialties of Qinghai and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Xining is the supply depot for visitors who are headed to the other destinations of Qinghai Province and Tibet, making it a great place to shop whether you plan to spend your time Xining or venture on to more remote areas.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is home to a number of unique medical treatments. Dongchong Xiacao (Chinese Caterpillar Fungus) is a traditional Chinese medicine which is used as a tonic to increase the body's natural resistance to disease. It has been exported to other countries for a long time. In Xining, you can purchase a bottle of medicated wine, including the Chinese caterpillar fungus and other rare medicinal materials. Snow lotus and pilose antler, both considered rare Chinese medicines, are also available in Xining.

Yak Beef Jerky is a snack not to be missed on any trip to northwest China. Made of fresh yak meat, rich in protein and lower in fat, this light-weight, non-perishable snack is favored by locals and tourist.

Handicrafts and Fabric
Not to be overlooked are the unique handicrafts of Xining. Most are influenced by the style of Tibet, such as the clasp knife, embroidery and butter sculpture. Xining is also well known for its abundance of excellent quality wool which is the best material for a variety of fabric.

Famous shops and stores
Xining can be divided into five commercial zones. The Middle Zone is the commercial center of Xining City, with most of the emporiums located here. Da Shizi Department Store and several nearby streets are the most bustling.

Dashizi Department Store
One of the large scale stores in Xining City, about 37,500 kinds of commodities are available here.
Address: N0.53, Dong Dajie
Bus route: Take the No.1 bus to Da Shizi.

Xidajie Department Store
This store is a seventeen-story building, not including two full basement floors. This multi-services department store carries a wide variety of goods and includes restaurants, offices and a recreational center.
Address: No.43, Xi Dajie
Bus route: Take No.1 bus to get to Xi Menkou

Qingbai Commercial City
The Qingbai Commercial City attracts a great deal of customers with its wide variety of merchandise and comfortable shopping environment. Many popular brands are available here.
Address: Wusi Dajie
Bus route: Take No.9 bus to get to Qinghai Theater.

Drygoods Department Store
A wide variety of local products are available at the Drygoods Department Store. There is an endless array of local goods such as Dongchong Xiacao, Yark Beef Jerky to fulfill your desire for exotic products.
Bus Route: Take the No. 22 bus.