Shopping Tips

Shopping in Dunhuang is about finding souvenirs imbued with Silk Road culture and Dunhuang art, from fine crafts to tasty local products. Shazhou Night Market is a key destination.

 

Highlights

uLuminous Cups: Dunhuang's most famous craft. Carved from Qilian Mountain jade, these thin-walled cups are said to glow when filled with wine, especially under moonlight.

uMural Replicas & Silk Scarves: High-quality reproductions of Mogao murals make elegant art pieces. Silk scarves printed with classic motifs like Feitian (Flying Apsaras) are popular, practical gifts.

uDried Apricots & Desert Dates: Sun-dried local specialties. "Liguang" dried apricots are sweet-tart, and the dates are fleshy and nutritious.

uBooks & Cultural Creative Products: Find exquisite art books and scholarly works at the Mogao Caves visitor center. Creative souvenirs like bookmarks and notebooks feature clever Dunhuang-inspired designs.

 

Pro Tips:

uPurchase valuable items like luminous cups from reputable stores and ask for a receipt.

uFriendly bargaining is acceptable at the night market, but be reasonable.

uCompare prices for dried fruits at different stalls and shops.