Besides handicrafts, the Tao River Basin in Linxia abounds in various exotic stones such as red cotton stone, sponge relief stone, dark green stone and dark green weathered relief stone. Crafted by the extraordinary forces of nature, these stones take diverse shapes and seem imbued with vivid life. Their finest specimens are deeply coveted by numerous stone collectors.

The Ethnic Commodity Street in the urban area is a top shopping destination not to be missed in Linxia. A reminder: do not bargain casually if you have no intention to buy, so as to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. In addition, North Street of Linxia is Gansu’s first regulated market for cultural relics. The colorful painted pottery and plain pottery in varied shapes are truly irresistible. If the genuine pieces are out of your budget, you may opt for exquisite replicas.

Linxia is hailed as China’s Hometown of Painted Pottery. Unearthed ancient painted potteries are precious national cultural relics. Due to their limited quantity, they command high prices and are rarely available on the market. To satisfy people’s fondness for painted pottery, local folk artisans have created a great many fine replica pottery artworks through long-term exploration and research. These reproduced basins, jars, pots and vases retain the essential features of ancient relics and have evolved into art pieces with distinctive charm.

Boasting a long history and a stellar reputation across western China, Hezhou brick carving is a treasure of Linxia folk art. Nowadays, portable miniature brick carvings have been developed. Featuring exquisite carving techniques and vivid depictions of local folk customs, they bring this architectural art into daily leisure and collection. These fine artworks are ideal for gifting, collection, decoration and appreciation.

Delicate and elegant, carved gourds stand out as a wonderful gem of Linxia folk art. Integrating calligraphy, painting and seal carving, they are engraved with figures, landscapes, flowers, birds and beasts. With ingenious designs, intricate patterns and masterful carving skills, these tiny works showcase a rich world and myriad life scenes. Lifelike and elegant, carved gourds are perfect for viewing, collecting, and gifting as auspicious presents to relatives and friends.

The Bonan waist knife is a traditional handicraft unique to the Bonan ethnic group in Linxia. It features exquisite craftsmanship, elegant appearance, sharp blades, great durability and easy portability. In 2006, the forging technique of the Bonan waist knife was inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Linxia handwoven carpets enjoy a long history and worldwide fame for their elaborate workmanship and distinct local and ethnic characteristics. Made from high-quality native wool dyed with natural plant pigments, the carpets are handwoven, then chemically washed to gain a silky sheen like brocade. After clipping, the patterns present a relief-like effect. With elaborate finishing, they exude classic vintage charm. From a distance, they look gorgeous and magnificent; up close, they reveal elegant and brilliant details, boasting high artistic and practical value.

Exquisite Hezhou embroidery is crafted on premium satin, silk and cotton fabrics with uniquely designed patterns and diverse colored threads. It features neat, even stitches, bright hues and lively motifs, making it an excellent choice for gifts and souvenirs. Hezhou embroidery is famous for floral and geometric patterns, and is widely applied to daily necessities such as pillows, door curtains, aprons, shoes and socks.