Like most Chinese cities, Xining has a large selection of department stores and shopping centers, all of which provide a similar range of merchandise, from clothing and shoes to electronics. The real attraction in Xining when it comes to shopping, however, are the local markets and small vendors that sell a variety of local products.

Xining and the Qinghai plateau are well known for the production of a large variety of traditional Chinese medicines, including aweto (a parasitic caterpillar fungus), the rare snow lotus and hairy antler. These can be bought unprocessed, or in a variety of medicines and other products. A local favorite is the medicated wine, a strong liquor filled with essences of rare TCM products, and guaranteed to cure what ails you (sleep cures all, after all...).

Qinghai's proximity to Tibet also means that you will frequently see Tibetan products brought down from that region to be sold to tourists in Qinghai. A variety of Tibetan knives, ornaments, and trinkets can usually be bought on the side of the street. If you do not have the chance to make it to Tibet proper, Qinghai is the next closest thing, and you can always fool your friends with an interesting souvenir...