Kashgar Shopping

The friendly Uygur people are not only skilled in dancing and singing, but also good at making handicrafts. Therefore, tourists always are able to find the varied and unique handicrafts in Kashgar, including beautiful carpets, various hats, clay pottery, intricate jewelry, Yingisar Knives, fine Aidelaisi Silk, folk musical instruments and so on, all of which are preferred souvenirs for tourists at home and abroad.

Kashgar is known as the township of fruits for being abound in fig, buckthorn, pistachio, Jia-shi melon, pear, apricot, grape, flat peach, mulberry, pomegranate and walnut. As for shopping markets, Kashgar Bazaar is the best place for tourists to buy all kinds of Xinjiang special goods. In addition, bargaining is acceptable in Kashgar, adding to excitement of shopping.

Kashgar boasts traditional shopping sites and a growing number of modern shopping malls. Bazaars in Kadshgar are vey popular among local people where offer everything, such as livestock, handicrafts, cloths, musical instruments, carpets, spices, daily goods and food. The lanes surrounding the Idkah Mosque are ideal for buying souvenirs. You will find a line of carpet shops are concentrated on a lane, with nice antique rugs from Hotan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan.

There are wide varieties of local specialties optional to tourists, including local handicrafts, dried-fruit, embroidery fabrics, carpet, jewelry, copper ware, Yingisar Knives, Aidelaisi Silk and so on.

Uygur people are fond of their folk music, and they have made a great many kinds of musical instruments that can sound pleasing. The most common seen musical instruments involve Tambur, Dutar, Rewape and Nagra, etc. Tambur is used as a solo instrument which makes a sound of clangor. Dutar is the only stringed instrument played by Uygur people. Nagra is an iron drum, used during grand events and festivals in order to create a lively atmosphere of joy.

Known for its splendid color and soft texture, Aidelaisi Silk is one of the famous shopping choices for travelers. It is one of the three famous silks in western region which had been an important trading item along the ancient Silk Road. Characterized by the distinctive Uygur ethnic culture, it is regarded as rare dress material. Many people buy it back as a room decoration. The patterns of the silk are various, such as flowers, leaves, apple, pear, sickle, wooden hammer, ox horn and so on. In Kashgar, many women prefer to wear the dress made from Aidelaisi silk, while in some costume contest performances, the designers often use it to make unique modern clothes.

Named after its producing place in Yingisar County, Yingisar knife is one of the top-brand traditional handicrafts in Kashgar which owes more than 400 years of history. Renowned for the exquisite artwork, beautiful modeling, handsome ornamentation, sharp edge and strong ethnic style, it has been one of the best collection and gift. Yingisar knife in Kashgar is a kind of article foe daily use. The hilt of the knife is also a highlight which relies on the shape of the knife.