Dunhuang City is a favorite tourist city in China, but it is not a modern city and it may be a little difficult to find large,  luxurious department stores or supermarkets there. In spite of this, tourists will find handcrafts, gifts, and souvenirs readily available in Dunhuang City. Called ‘Gua (melon) Zhou’ in ancient times, meaning the hometown of fruits, Dunhuang City is teeming with many kinds of fragrant sweet fruits.
Handcrafted carpet, painted sculpture, craftworks of camels, luminous cups, calligraphy, painting, and Dunhuang wax printing are the most famous local specialties. The “luminous cup”, also known as Yangguan jade cup, is a rare drinking vessel that glows in the dark, hence the name. The cup is made of the fine jade quarried from Mt. Qilian containing abundant minerals and using the cup to drink is reputedly good for one's health. Camels were the most important animal for transportation on the ancient Silk Road and were called the “pride of the desert.” It is venerated for its grittiness and hardworking nature and is the mascot of the China Art Festival.
Where to buy
Dunhuang Shi Luminous Cup Factory
Address: 11 Yangguan East Road
Dunhuang Shi Carpet Factory
Address: 24 Danghe North Road
Dunhuang Painting and Calligraphy
Address: 36 Mingshan Road
Crescent Lake Craftworks Factory
Address: Crescent Lake Village of Yangjia Bridge
Museum Store (selling paintings, calligraphy, and antiques)
Address: 8 Yangguan East Road
Shazhou Market, located on Yangguan East Road, is a recommended place to buy locally made products. There are snack stalls, craftworks, and local fresh and preserved fruits. |
