People visiting Lhasa have the opportunity to buy distinctive local products that are unique to Lhasa and the Tibetan Region. Tibetan thangkas, silver ornaments, yak wool products, dzi beads and Tibetan medicine are some of the most interesting and typically Tibetan things to buy. Lhasa had a great selection of souvenirs and other items that are very distinctive, different from the rest of the stuff commonly available throughout the rest of China.
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Of particular note are the hand knotted carpets, made of yak wool or sheep wool. Colorful and intricately designed, they differ from Chinese silk carpets in terms of material, design and production. Groups of locals have come together to form Tibetan owned and operated cooperatives, where carpets are made by hand, and profits go directly to the coop members, the wool producers and weavers.
Recommend for Shopping
● Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street is the most famous commercial center in Lhasa. Over 120 handicraft and artwork shops and 200 or so market stalls can be found in the Barkhor area. It is a mecca for souvenir shopping in Lhasa, attracting domestic and international tourists. Tibetan carpets, knives, traditional clothes, gold and silver wares and all sorts of traditional handicrafts can easily be found on this street. Be sure to haggle vigorously.
● Department Store Street
Beijing Lu from the Duosenge intersection to the Kang'ang Donglu intersection is where one can find most of the department stores in Lhasa. From east to west, there are the Xinhua, Saikang and Yunlong department stores, and the Labai Shopping Mall. The Lhasa Department Store can be found on nearby Yutuo Lu, a street that was pedestrianized in 2002. The International Trade Plaza and Jingu Department Store can be found here as well.
● Duosenge Lu—Lhasa Garment Street
There are nearly 100 garment stores, most of which are low to medium priced. There are many brand specialty shops on Beijing Lu, and various Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian clothing shops. Influenced by tourists, various shops specializing in mountaineering and camping have appeared recently.