What to buy:
If
you are traveling in the Turpan area of Xianjiang you will find
that the grapes grown in this area are incredibly delicious, and
the raisins from these grapes would make a first-class gift to
bring home to your friends. You will also find that the wine made
from the local grapes is superior in quality, and surprisingly
inexpensive. When shopping for grapes, you can expect the average
price to be around CNY1 per kilogram, while the price of raisins
being more expensive will range from CNY10 and CNY200. If you
are looking for something else to buy, you can also find locally
made knives, colorful caps, and knitted carpets.
Knives:
The knives made in Xinjiang are well-known throughout the country.
They are not only practical, but also quite beautiful. Knives
made in Yengisar are hand-crafted and represent the unique culture
of Middle Asia. They are popular with visitors with their unique
shapes and exquisite materials. Most of the knives made in Yengisar
are scimitars, and are made of wood, horns, copper and silver.
Skilled craftsmen carve beautiful traditional designs in bright
colors on the knives, and sometimes, they will even set valuable
diamonds in the knives. In addition to the locally made scimitar,
the phoenix knife made in Kuqa is also quite remarkable and would
also make a very nice gift. If you do buy one of the local knives
and are traveling by air, remember that you will not be allowed
to bring your knife on board the aircraft and you will need to
pack it with your baggage that will be checked, or you may need
to mail it to your home.
Colorful Cap:
Uygur
people have the habit of wearing colorful caps that are an essential
part of their daily life, and it is not uncommon for the hospitable
Uygur people to send these beautiful caps to friends as a gift.
Generally speaking, these caps are unique to the area, and can
be quite different in different areas of Xinjiang. Caps made in
Turpan have big flower designs, and the bottom is a bit narrow.
With their flower designs and bright colors, these caps seem be
quite popular with senior citizens.
Pa La Zi (Knitting Carpet):
Pa La Zi is another example of the traditional craftworks of Uygur.
Pa La Zi is crafted by using colorful wool to knit a variety of
geometric figures. Once complete, a carpet can be used as a rug,
blanket, or even as a decorative wall hanging. Sometimes the locals
will wrap the carpet on the back of their horse or camel in order
to use the carpet as a riding blanket.
Where to buy:
Turpan's Department Store is a multiple commercial shopping center
in Turpan. It is located at the crossing of Gaochang Road and
Old City Road, one of the busier areas of the city.
Turpan
Free Market, situated in the south of the Old City Road
is the largest market dealing with farm and sideline products.
It offers the visitors a wide variety of locally produced goods
with distinctive folk features that are of superior quality and
not at all expensive.
Silk Road Jade Carving Emporium sells the local
jade articles and special handcrafts.
Address: No.25, Old City Road
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
Second Hotel Market offers you precious jewelries,
jade articles and colorful tapestries.
Address: Qingnian Road, Turpan
Opening Hours: 15:00-01:00 (the next day)
Fairyland of Karez gives you a choice of locally made souvenirs
with strong folk flavor. The more traditional clothing and carpets
would make nice gifts for you to bring home to your family and
friends.
Address: Gaochao Village, Ya'er Town
Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00