- Raisins (葡萄干)<. Cheap and addictive.
- Dried apricots (杏干): soft, sour-sweet; the best are from the south.
- Walnuts (核桃): Hotan and Aksu grow rich, thin-shelled ones.
- Almonds (巴旦木): mild, nutritious; a local snack staple.
- Figs & dates: southern oases; chewy and sweet.
- Goji berries (枸杞): the north’s red superfood; good in tea.
Where to Buy
The International Grand Bazaar<) and < Sunday Bazaar have the widest pick. Weigh and bag yourself; prices run ¥20–60/kg. Vacuum-sealed packs travel best.
Quality Marks
Look for dry (not sugary-clumped), uniform, and unsulfured (darker raisins are natural). Avoid the candy-coated “colorful” mixes — pure fruit beats them.
Bringing Home
- China domestic: no issue; mail or carry.
- International: dried fruit/nuts are often restricted by customs (biosecurity). Check your country’s rules; vacuum-sealed commercial packs are more likely to pass than loose market buys.
- Declare everything — fines beat confiscation.
Eating Them
< for a reason.FAQ
Customs risk? Yes for international flights — check biosecurity lists.
Best single buy? Turpan raisins and Hotan walnuts.
How long keep? Months in a cool, dry place; vacuum packs longer.
Xinjiang’s dry climate makes it the dried-fruit capital of China. The bazaars pile high with raisins, apricots, walnuts, and almonds that beat anything in a Western supermarket. They’re the best edible souvenir — if you clear customs.
The Stars
- Raisins (葡萄干)<. Cheap and addictive.
- Dried apricots (杏干): soft, sour-sweet; the best are from the south.
- Walnuts (核桃): Hotan and Aksu grow rich, thin-shelled ones.
- Almonds (巴旦木): mild, nutritious; a local snack staple.
- Figs & dates: southern oases; chewy and sweet.
- Goji berries (枸杞): the north’s red superfood; good in tea.
Where to Buy
The International Grand Bazaar<) and < Sunday Bazaar have the widest pick. Weigh and bag yourself; prices run ¥20–60/kg. Vacuum-sealed packs travel best.
Quality Marks
Look for dry (not sugary-clumped), uniform, and unsulfured (darker raisins are natural). Avoid the candy-coated “colorful” mixes — pure fruit beats them.
Bringing Home
- China domestic: no issue; mail or carry.
- International: dried fruit/nuts are often restricted by customs (biosecurity). Check your country’s rules; vacuum-sealed commercial packs are more likely to pass than loose market buys.
- Declare everything — fines beat confiscation.
Eating Them
< for a reason.FAQ
Customs risk? Yes for international flights — check biosecurity lists.
Best single buy? Turpan raisins and Hotan walnuts.
How long keep? Months in a cool, dry place; vacuum packs longer.