Kunming, with it busy bazaars and markets, is a great place to find excellent examples of many of Yunnan's traditional arts and crafts. Explore the city's Flower and Bird Market, Yunnan Antique City, the Nanyao Market, the Golden Horse and Phoenix Memorial Archway Jewelry Market, Flower Street or the shops along Beijing Lu or Dongfeng Dong Lu.

Kunming's stores stock scores of Yunnan marble and jade, local embroidery, and bronze ware. For something even more special, check out these local goods:

Bai batik cloth (zha ran) is dyed in the Bai tradition using wax and a blue natural dye, creating patterns that usually depict symbolic animals, flowers, or characters from local folklore. The durable cloth makes for excellent articles of clothing, curtains, tablecloths, tapestries and souvenir bags. 

Made by local women, Dai silk brocade (Dai jin) features vibrantly colored animals, flowers and geometrical shapes, each holding a unique meaning. For example, peacocks symbolize good luck while an elephant means a good harvest. The intricate brocade is used on handbags, wall hangings, cushions and window drapes.

Thanks to the moderate climate in Yunnan, the province harvests various medicinal herbs and mushrooms important to traditional Chinese medicine. Try the famous local edible mushrooms such as Niuganjun, Jizong and Ganbajun. Pick up a packet of Yunnan White Medicine (Bai yao), a mix of local herbs believed to have curative and restorative powers.

Yunnan's climate is also excellent for growing tobacco and coffee. For more on Kunming Shopping, visit our growing list of the city's best markets, bazaars and stores. Let us know about your bargain-hunting experience in our comments section, where you can also see what other travelers have to say.