Erdaoqiao Market

The city of Urumqi has served as an active center of trade for goods from throughout Central Asia, serving as a main point of access along the ancient Silk Road. The center of Urumqi, the capital of west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is home to Erdaoqiao Market, an energetic trading post that has remained active since its establishment during the late Qing Dynasty nearly 130 years ago.

The market was given a face-lift in 2002 when the Urumqi city government funded renovations of Erdaoqiao and opened a 1.2km shopping street to house the market, a Xinjiang International Bazaar, and a Xinjiang Ethnic Products Street. The area attracts an outstanding number of traders, local shoppers, and wide-eyed visitors on a daily basis.

The area has become known as the "golden shopping district", showcasing ethnic minority goods and handicrafts from China, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and other neighboring countries, serving as a cultural epicenter of trade for various goods unique to Central Asia's minority populations.

Some of the most unique and popular goods that can be found among the markets thousands of stalls include "three treasures of Hotan" jade, hand-woven silk and carpets, copperware, exquisite Yengisar daggers, traditional clothing, Uygur embroidered hats, musical instruments, and cashmere scarves. A variety of locally made dried fruit and herbs is also available here. Be sure to bargain when buying anything at the market; all prices are negotiable and vendors expect you to challenge their prices on everything.

The market is also home to dozens of traditional Xinjiang restaurants and food stalls that provide a much needed boost of energy after a long day of shopping. At nightfall, stall venders illuminate the market with hurricane lamps, transforming Erdaoqiao into a bustling night market enlivened by entertainment, street food, and dancing.

To experience the exciting activity of the market to the fullest, the best time to visit is Sunday, when the market overflows with the daily vendors, as well as other sellers who set up shop only once a week.