Fantastic Shopping in Xian!

I did all types of Chinese shopping in Xian.

My favourite Xian shopping experience is at the Xian markets but the department stores are pretty good too.

Xian is much smaller than Beijing or Shanghai. This means shopping places and many tourist attractions are in a small area so it is much easier to get to them.

Xian markets

My favourite chinese shopping place in all of China is the Muslim market located right next to the Drum tower in central Xian.

Whether it is clothes, jewellry, food or decorations - you will find it at these muslim Xian markets.

Three long narrow streets (alleyways actually - only pedestrians) are arranged in a large triangle.

There is an amazing array of small shops and stalls run by the local Muslim traders.

It comes alive especially at night - very lively and noisy! But great fun!

Sometimes you can bargain when shopping in China - sometimes you cannot.

At these Xian markets you can definately bargain and Xian shopping has never been more fun.

Bargaining at Xian markets 1 I have done my fair share of bargaining when shopping in China.

This is what I have learnt.

Bargaining is expected in many places - others such as department stores the price is fixed.

It is expected in the Xian markets.

Bargaining at Xian markets 2 Have a rough idea what you would pay for the item back home.

It should be much cheaper but at least you should know if you are getting a bargain.

Also I usually start at a price of about 1/3 to 1/2 of the seller's opening price if their price is a reasonable opening price.

Bargaining at Xian markets 3 I always ask the seller to give the first price.

However beware of absolutely ridiculous opening prices!

Once in Shanghai the opening price for a handbag was 4000 RMB but I got it for just over 400 RMB in the end.

Bargaining at Xian markets 4 I guess someone must have paid that amount sometime for the seller to try it.

Then it is a process of you going up a little and them going down a little.

Know your upper limit and be prepared to stop and walk away if necessary.

I usually let the seller have the last bid - it saves them face

Don't worry - I am sure they will never lose any money.

They may show annoyance becuase they have not made as much as they like - but they never lose money.

It is quite apparent when the seller's lower limit is reached. They will not go down any further and will not chase you when you walk away.

Shopping Xian 1 China is a very crowded place - so every bit of space is utilised.

Many of the shops are small - but not that small actually.

There are doorways that open into back rooms with walls and ceilings covered with goods.

The room may serve other functions at other times - like a living area.

Also there are underground shops and markets.

Shopping Xian 2 Often they are part of underground walkways.

The picture shows one such shop in the underground walkway underneath the Bell Tower in central Xian.

These underground Xian markets somehow manage to cram in an amazing amount of goods for sale.

They are well worth investigating and remember to bargain.

Xian Shopping - Department Stores

Like many modern Chinese cities today - there is a dazzling array of modern department stores - just the same as we have in the west.

They are truly huge - many stories high and a great variety of goods.

The goods are often of good quality and quite similar to what we buy in western stores.

After all, a lot of the goods we buy are made in China!

Normally, you cannot bargain in these stores when shopping in Xian.

But watch out for sales - particularly for end of season stock.

Good prices are to be had. Shopping in Xian can become even better!

Chinese shopping is great fun wherever you are and shopping in Xian is the best.

Enjoy!

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