When you think of Xinjiang, what comes to mind? The endless grasslands, snow-capped mountains mirrored in pristine lakes—or perhaps the irresistible aroma of grilled lamb skewers and baked buns? If you’re planning or already embarking on a trip through Northern Xinjiang, don’t just admire the scenery—bringing home flavorful, meaningful souvenirs is an essential part of the journey.
This guide introduces 10 must-buy local specialties from Northern Xinjiang, including food, handicrafts, and cultural keepsakes, complete with shopping tips to help you avoid the pitfalls and make the most of your suitcase space.
1. Hetian Jade: A National Treasure and Collector’s Keepsake
Although Hetian jade is found throughout Xinjiang, high-quality pieces are also available in Northern Xinjiang cities like Urumqi, Kanas, and Yili. Genuine Hetian jade is smooth, delicate, and highly collectible—ideal as a gift for elders or a personal life memento.
Tips:
Buy from certified jade markets or reputable craft stores and ask for an authenticity certificate.
For first-time buyers, consider starting with pendants or small ornaments for better value.
Hetian Jade
2. Yili Lavender Oil & Sachets: A Symbol of Purple Romance
Yili’s Huocheng Lavender Fields are among China’s largest, blooming in waves of purple from June to July. Lavender essential oils, sachets, and dried bouquets are popular gifts that combine beauty and function, offering a calming, sleep-aid effect.
Where to Buy:
Gift shops in Yining, Huocheng, and local lavender farms.
Small oil bottles are perfect for gifting to friends or coworkers; sachets are great for closets or car interiors.
Yili Lavender Oil & Sachets
3. Bazaar Baked Nang Bread: Xinjiang’s Signature Staple
In Xinjiang, a day without nang is like a northern meal without noodles—something’s missing. Markets in Kashgar, Turpan, Ili, and Changji sell many types: sesame, walnut, rose-flavored, and more.
Tips:
Nang keeps fresh for 3–5 days if sealed.
For longer transport or mailing, opt for vacuum-packed versions.
Bazaar Baked Nang Bread
4. Korla Pear Slices & Ruoqiang Red Dates: Dried Fruit from the “Kingdom of Fruits”
Northern Xinjiang’s climate, with strong sunlight and sharp temperature shifts, makes it ideal for growing fruit. Dried fruits are both delicious and travel-friendly.
Top Picks:
Korla pear slices: sweet and soft
Ruoqiang red dates: thin-skinned, rich in flavor, great for boosting energy
Turpan raisins: tart and sweet—green raisins are especially prized
Ruoqiang Red Dates
5. Atlas Silk Products: Vibrant Handcrafted Textiles
Atlas silk is a traditional Uyghur fabric known for its vivid colors, wave patterns, and tie-dye techniques. Scarves, bags, and cushions are not only beautiful but also highly cultural.
Shopping Tips:
Head to Urumqi’s International Grand Bazaar or artisan shops in old Kashgar.
Cotton-silk blends offer the best of beauty and usability.
Atlas Silk Products
Recommended tourist routes
13-Day Northern Xinjiang Panorama Tour: Urumqi, Urho, Kanas, Tekes, Sailimu Lake & More
6. Camel Milk Powder & Yogurt Snacks: Nutritious Treats from the Highlands
Camel milk is prized for its high protein, low fat, and dense nutrients. In Northern Xinjiang’s grasslands, camel milk snacks—like yogurt chips and cheese balls—are nutritious and easy to carry.
Pro Tips:
Popular flavors include original, fruity, and savory.
Look for vacuum-packed snacks in Urumqi supermarkets or airport duty-free shops.
Yogurt Snacks
7. Altay Honey: Natural Sweetness from the Mountains
Altay’s untouched environment yields excellent wild honey, such as snow fir or wildflower varieties. These honeys are aromatic, golden-clear, and known for their soothing properties.
Where to Buy:
Farmer stalls, Altay markets, or cooperative-run honey stores.
Be cautious of fake products—don’t assume that crystallization equals purity.
Altay Honey
8. Ethnic Jewelry & Copperware: Unique Cultural Keepsakes
In places like Kanas, Burqin, and Tekesi, local Kazakh and Mongol artisans offer handcrafted goods: antler earrings, wool bags, copper kitchenware, eagle pendants, and more—each echoing nomadic life and prairie spirit.
Tips:
Small accessories or cultural souvenirs (magnets, keychains, charms) are easy to pack.
Consider mailing large copper crafts to avoid overweight luggage fees.
Xinjiang handmade tea sets
9. Cumin, Chili, Peppercorn: Spice Up Your Meals, Xinjiang Style
Tried Xinjiang barbecue? Then you’ll never forget the aroma of freshly roasted cumin. Local markets sell spice blends at affordable prices—perfect for recreating the flavors of your journey.
Pro Tips:
Buy cumin powder, peppercorns, chili flakes for home-cooked Xinjiang lamb skewers or noodles.
Lightweight and compact, spice packs are ideal bulk souvenirs.
Xinjiang pepper
10. Xinjiang Wine: Highland Sunshine in a Bottle
Regions like Turpan and Yanqi Basin are rich in winemaking grapes. Northern Xinjiang also boasts vineyards in Urumqi, Changji, and Shihezi, producing robust reds, ice wines, and sweet whites.
Recommended Wineries:
Tiansai Vineyard, Yizhu Vineyard, Loulan Winery
Consider shipping bottles or buying from airport duty-free shops
Xinjiang wine
How to Buy Smart & Guilt-Free?
Go practical: Dried fruit, spices, and dairy snacks are crowd-pleasers.
Think light: Vacuum-sealed or mini packs are travel-friendly.
Add cultural flair: Silk goods and jade offer meaningful mementos.
Where to shop: Airports and train stations offer authenticity but higher prices; bazaars are cheaper but require a sharp eye.
Leave some space in your suitcase—not only to pack Xinjiang’s unique flavors and handicrafts but also the unforgettable memories carefully crafted by Journey2Tibet agency and China Dragon Travel. Whether you’re wandering through the colorful bazaars of Northern Xinjiang or exploring the mysterious and magnificent sacred sites of Tibet, Journey2Tibet agency and China Dragon Travel.offers a variety of classic itineraries tailored just for you.
Dive deep into the natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures of China’s Northwest and Tibetan regions. Get ready to embark on a journey that delights your senses and moves your soul!
