Xi'an Shopping Tips by dutchboycalledjan

Xi'an Fine Art Institute: Fine Art in hotel room

In the main street of the Muslim center I was approach by a girl who invited me to visit the Xi'an Fine Art Institute to look at the pictures. It was in a room at the first floor of a small hotel. They were made by students and teachers at the institute. The teacher had donated them for free, to support the institute. Or so Summer told me. They were the mostly the classical stuff: characters, flowers, landscapes. On silk and paper. But they were cheaper than the art in the Folk Museum.
Summer told me she is now teaching in Kindergarten, as she had finished the school. There were some picture by her too, very classical four seasons. The take turns in approaching people.

I had read in the guide that these 'galleries' are often an hoax - and perhaps this was too - but in that case she sure was a hell of an actress and it was worth the performance.

What to buy: I bought a nice ' modern' one, a woman with a cat, a bit in the style of Corneille, and got a traditional for free. If you're looking for a good buy, this place seems to deliver.

What to pay: I got it for 100 yuan, fair enough

Directions: Near the ' Folk House' (and the place to buy a hand made silk dress, see my other tip)

Other Contact: imshihong@yahoo.com.cn

Phone: 13689265772

Theme: Art

Xu Hong Juan: Modern meets tradition: Dresses made to measure

This is a small shop next to the 'Folk House' in the Islamic main street. It caught our eyes because of the combination of traditional clothes and modern design: beautiful silk dress and other clothes made to measure. We ordered on the first day and the next evening they were ready. We didn't even try to get the price down, it is so good quality for your price. It is a family store and the made the desigs and the clothes themselves. Xu Hong Juan speaks a bit english and is very kind. She gave soem good advice. When looking for a beautiful handmade silk dress: visit this shop!

What to buy: Clothes: an evening dress

What to pay: abou 450 yuan

Address: Beiyuanmen

Directions: The street that is behind the Drum Tower: filled to the brim with shops; next to the museum / tea house / historical residence Folk House

Phone: 02988029502

Theme: Women's Clothes