Shopping in Lhasa

There are various special local products in Lhasa, such as Tibetan Handicrafts, Tibetan artwork, Tibetan medicines, Tibetan incense and Tibetan silver ornaments. Barkhor Street is the famous shopping center for buy Tibetan souvenirs. Hundreds of artwork and handicraft shops and stalls line up on the street.Tibetan rugs, knives, broadswords, traditional clothes, gold and silver jewelry, Thangka and all kinds of traditional handmade craftwork can easily be found in this street. But please remember, bargaining with the vendors is always necessary. It is recommended that you walk clockwise around the Monestary to see the vendors. One more tip, you'd better go shopping on this street in the morning or evening for Tibetan people value their first or last cuntomer highly.

Thangka is originally a Tibetan silk painting with embroidery, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, famous scene, or mandala of some sort. It also can be made by paper, cloth, embroidery and brocade. Most of the Thangka focuses on the motifs of Tibetan Buddhism. Thangka is treasured by the local people for distinguished ethnical characteristics, rich religious flavor and unique artistic style. Tibetan Thangka actually is valued for its precision, balance and variety.

Barkhor Thangka Painting Department Store in East Barkhor Street is recommended to buy Thangka for it is a professional place of making and selling the beautiful Tibetan artwork. The shop assistants speak both Chinese and English. Strolling in this shop is also an opportunity of learning how to make Thangka. Besides, Snowland Handmade Thangka Store in South Barkhor Street is also a famous shop for buying Thangka.

Tibetan rug, an ancient and traditional craft, is traditionally made from Tibetan highland sheep's wool. Tibetan rug is said to have a history of six hundred years. This kind of carpet is weaved with bright and harmonious colors that will last very long. The soft, delicate and durable carpet has high value of appreciation and collection for its national feature of design.

The Tash Delek Tibetan Rug Factory is a great place for purchasing authentic Tibetan rugs for you can witness and monitor every procedure of the rug. 

Tibetan incense usually refers to a common style of incense found in Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Authentic Tibetan incense originates either from traditional monastery or medical college/hospital formulation. The incense is an important representation of the Tibetan culture. It contains more than 30 ingredients, including different herbs, spices, plants and minerals from centuries' old recipes. The Tibetan incense is used as a puja to purify and cleanse the atmosphere for deep meditation and prayer. It dispels negativity and attracts positive energy of benevolent dieties for healing and peace. The incense is also recognised as a way of treatment for sickness in the Tibetan medical field. This information can be found in Tibetan medical books.

Tibetan bracelets, usually made of Tibetan silver and copper, seem unsophisticated and mysterious for the Sanskrit inscribed on them. A crescent silver plate is a symbol of purity in Tibet. And the agate and gems mounted in the silver plate signify blessing from the god, fortune and good health in life. However, beware of imitation goods and be sure to compare goods and prices in several shops before you make a decision.
Tibetan knife is also favored by tourists for its fine workmanship and sharp edge. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take these items on a plane or as consigned goods, but you can send them anywhere via the post office.

Tibetan medicine is widely known at home and abroad. Tibetan has a unique Tibetan pharmacological science system formed during the course of their struggle against the nature and various diseases in the historical long river. The Tibetan medicines have magical curative powers on certain diseases. It is not a good idea to buy medicine from the shops in the streets. You'd better go to hospitals and get a full idea about the effect of the medicines.
More information on shopping, please refer to Tibetan Handicrafts.