Located in the northeastern corer of Hotan alongside national Highway 315 (also called Taibei Lu as it runs through town), the Hotan Bazaar (bazha in Mandarin) is the place to be for a healthy dose of localy commerce and culture. Along with famous local specialties like Hotan jade, carpets Atlas (idili) silk and locally produced melons, grapes and fruits, shoppers and gawkers are likely to find a little bit of everything, from local handicrafts to electronics and clothing from around China and beyond. Weekends often feature song and dance performances and good food is always on hand. Friday and Sunday are the major bazaar days.

On bazaar off days, you can still find plenty of good shopping. Hotan boasts a wonderful Carpet Factory, where you can see great deals taking shape before your very eyes as cheerful weaver work away; the Silk Factory is also open to visitors and you should be able to work a tour out with and English-speaking guide who can show you the silk-making process from cocoons to looms. You can also witness silk production and pick up some excellent deals in the nearby town of Jiyaxiang, which specializes in atlas silk.

Jade turns up all over town, but the best place to comparison shop is in the west of Hotan, just south of the Old City Walls along Beijing Xi Lu.

For more mundane needs, there's a large department store in the center of town just across from the Bank of China on Nuerwake Lu.