Luxurious shopping can easily be found when traveling in Xi'an, the capital city of Shaanxi Province, with everything from vendor's stands to modern mega malls. Traditional handicrafts and replicas of cultural relics are all well-received by visitors.

Situated next to the Drum Tower, Muslim Street is one of the must-see streets in Xi'an. Instead of being only a street like the name it suggests, it is an important community for Muslims. With rows of restaurants, snack stalls and shops lined on both sides of the street, it is a perfect place for dining and purchasing souvenirs.

The Muslim snacks, ranging from Yangrou Paomo (Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup), Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Majiang Liangpi (Cold Noodle with Sesame), Chaoliangfen (stirred bean jelly), Guotie (fried dumplings), Shaguo (casserole) to Fenzhengrou (powder steamed meat) are all available there.

The Great Mosque of Xi'an, the largest and best preserved of the Tang Dynasty's (618-907) mosques in China, is situated in Huajue Lane, deep in Muslim Street. A mixture of Chinese and Islamic cultures pervade everywhere in the area.

Transportation: Take the No.502, 706 or 707 bus and get off at Luomashi; or take the No.4, 7, 8, 11, 32, 43, 118, 206, 215, 216, 300, 600, K605 bus and get off at Bell Tower and walk northwest.

Shu Yuan Men cultural street

Lying at the foot of the city wall and behind the famous Forest of Steles, Shu Yuan Men cultural street is an ancient-style street in Xi'an. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was the place where Guanzhong Shuyuan, the biggest academy of classical learning in Shaanxi at that time was located.

Now, it is a street dedicated to a strong commercial atmosphere. The exquisite cultural atmosphere overflows on this ancient street. Visitors can buy replicas of historical relics, calligraphy works, paintings and a "scholar's four jewels" (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper) there.

Transportation: Take the No.6, 11, 12, 16, 23, 29, 36, 40, 46, 203, 215, 311, 321, 501, 600 bus or Wulong Zhuanxian Bus and get off at South Gate.

Luomashi Commercial Pedestrian Street

Luomashi Commercial Pedestrian Street is located on the East Avenue in Xi'an. "Luomashi" literally means the market of mules and horses. In the Tang, Ming and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, this area was a livestock market, hence the name.

Today, the livestock market no longer exists. Instead, it has been developed into one of the most important commercial centers in Xi'an. Many popular shops, featured restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are packed in the street.

Transportation: Take the No.502, 706 or 707 bus and get off at Luomashi, Luomashi Commercial Pedestrian Street; or take the No.4, 7, 8, 11, 32, 43, 118, 206, 215, 216, 300, 600, K605 bus, get off at Zhonglou, the Bell Tower and walk east.

Defuxiang Street

Located near South Street, Defuxiang Street is a small flashy lane packed with bars and cafes. The buildings and roads there are arranged classically, with slab stones and wooden decorations. Nightlife sparkles on the street. No matter if you're having a tea brewed or looking for a cocktail drink, visitors will always be pleasantly surprised.

Transportation: Take the No.6, 11, 12, 16, 23, 29, 36, 40, 46, 203, 215, 311, 321, 501, 600 bus or Wulong Zhuanxian, get off at South Gate and walk north.

Other Shopping streets in Xi'an:

Saga IT Mall – a professional market for electronics and computers.

Transportation: Take the No.k5, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 30, 31, 41, k208, 224, 307, 308, 313, 401, 411 or 500 bus and get off at Saige Diannao Cheng, Saga IT Mall.

Xiaozhai business circle – packed with large department stores and fashion shops, it's a shopping paradise for young people.

Transportation: Take the Metro 2, or the No.k5, 12, 14, 19, 24, 26, 30, 34, 36, 215, 229, 239, 323, 400, 401, 407, 504, 521, 600 or k605 bus and get off at Xiaozhai.

Kangfu Road business circle – a wholesale market for clothes and small commodities; prices are considerably low; and one can enjoy the fun of bargaining.

Transportation: Take the No.4, 10, 11, 13, 15, 38, 42, 47, 105, 213, k228, 231, 232, 233, 240, 301, 303, 502, 511, 710 or 926 bus and get off at Kangfulu, Kangfu Road.