Specialties

Fruits and Melons
Xinjiang is not only recognized as being a station on the Silk Road, but is also known as the 'Home of Fruits and Melons' Changes in temperature from morning to evening, long hours of sunshine and careful irrigation all work together to give the fruits of Xingjian bright color and sweet pulp. There are hundreds of species of grapes, muskmelons, watermelons, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, pomegranates, cherries, figs, and walnuts, and large quantities of fruits and melons are transported to other parts of the country and abroad. To buy fruits and melons, you can simply go to the supermarkets or you can choose to go to a local agriculture market. The most famous market is the Bei Yuan Chun Market in No.7 Kelamayi Xi Lu where you can find the largest variety of fruits and other agriculture products and experience the warmth of the culture.

Carpet
Xinjiang Carpets and Rugs are famous for their exquisite craftsmanship and brilliant artistic style. The design and color vividly reflect both national and regional features. They are all woven manually by the Uygur people, and are generally made of wool.

Atlas Silk
Atlas is a kind of silk fabric with fine intricate patterns that Uygur women like very much, and is renowned for its multiple and resplendent colors. Usually the colors include sharp contrasts such as viridis, sapphire, indigo, yellow, peach, orange, gold, mauve, black, white, etc. The patterns are well-knit and lifelike, representing the light and color of nature. Atlas silk is soft, flexible, beautiful in patterns and excellent in quality. It is used by the local people not only for costuming but also as an interior ornament.

Handicrafts
Full of rich history and unique ethnic character, folk handicrafts have a high place in today's exports of Xinjiang and can be found in the ethnic market. The Uygur-style hats, knitted sweaters, ethnic costumes, hand-made embroideries, jade carvings and carpets are all popular souvenirs bought by visitors.

Where to Buy

As the economic center, Urumqi plays a leading role in the autonomous region. During recent years, big shopping centers, department stores and supermarkets have started springing up all over the city. These large stores bring great convenience to the public as well as speed up the economic growth of the city.

To experience the life of the minority region, The International Grand Bazaar in Er Dao Qiao is an essential place to visit. It is a magnificent commercial architectural complex embodied with a strong flavor of Islam. It consists of a Banquet Hall, Gourmet Square, Sightseeing Tower, Open-air Stage and Islam Mosque, and encompasses a total space of 100,000 square meters. The Bazaar furnishes different kinds of goods made in Xinjiang as well as other neighboring countries, and offers all the ethnic food and souvenirs you would anticipate. Sometimes pleasant negotiation with venders is required.

Like any other big city in China, the downtown streets in Urumqi are lined with multi-story buildings including department stores and shopping malls. The following information is for your reference:

Century Ginwa Shopping Center
Address: No.35 Youhao Bei Lu, Urumqi

Parkson Shopping Center
Address: No.30 Youhao Nan Lu, Urumqi

Tianshan Department Building
Address: No.70 Heping Bei Lu, Urumqi

Friendly Emporium
Address: No. 14, Youhao Bei Lu, Urumqi

Urumqi Shopping Center
Address: No. 21, Beijing Nan Lu, Urumqi

Carrefour Supermarket
Nanhu Branch: No.137 Nanhu Nan Lu, Urumqi
International Bazaar Branch: No.8 Jiefang Nan Lu, Urumqi