Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong don't have many shopping spots, but you can still buy unique Qiang embroidery, Maowen apples, and Tibetan handicrafts such as Tibetan rings, Tibetan knives, and Buddhist beads. However, if you can't tell the authenticity and quality of the products, it's recommended not to buy or buy less.
This region is also rich in precious medicinal herbs such as Fritillaria, Cordyceps sinensis, and musk. Sichuan peppercorns, bracken, and wood ear mushrooms are also worth buying. Although Tibetan knives are quite distinctive, they are not allowed in checked luggage at the airport. Tibetan jewelry is exquisitely crafted and beautiful, but it shouldn't be too expensive. Bargaining is encouraged. Be mindful of the quality of the items and be bold in bargaining.
It is popular in the Qiang ethnic group settlements around Wenchuan and Maowen. It mostly uses geometric patterns, with rough lines, vivid composition, full images, and distinct ethnic characteristics.
It is sweet, delicate and aromatic, with the best varieties being Golden Crown Red Heart and Red Crown.
Horn combs don't generate static electricity and provide a good scalp massage. You can usually buy a good horn comb for 20-30 yuan.
A real horn comb will not generate static electricity, will have a horn smell when heated, will feel heavy to the touch, is heavier than plastic, and will generally have a bloody color and lines. Fake horn combs do not have the above characteristics, so be careful to identify them when purchasing.
Tibetan knives come in three varieties: long, short, and small. The longest can be over a meter long, while the shortest is only a dozen centimeters. They are forged from steel, with a polished, sharp blade. The handles are made of horn or wood, wrapped with silver, copper, or iron wire. The tops of the handles are clad in copper or iron, and some are even inlaid with silver. The sheaths are also exquisitely crafted, often engraved with surnames, animals, flowers, and other designs, and some are even inlaid with jewels. Prices range from a few yuan to over a hundred yuan.
Because Tibetan knives are controlled knives, they are not allowed to be carried or checked in on planes or cars. The only way to get them is by mail. Before buying, be sure to ask the seller if they can provide a mailing service. You cannot mail them by yourself at the post office!
There are many jewellery with strong Tibetan characteristics here, such as jade, cat's eye, crystal, turquoise, jadeite, coral, sky eye stone, crystal, etc., but there are many fakes among them, so you need to have a certain degree of identification ability to buy them, so don't buy them easily.
Visitors can shop in Pengfeng Village and Bianbian Street outside the valley, or in Jiuzhaigou National Culture Village and Nuorilang Tourist Service Center in Shuzheng Village inside the valley.