Kashgar's Intangible Cultural Heritage Shops: Pottery, Copperware, and Mulberry Bark Paper

In the old city's alleyways, workshops still produce earthenware, copperware, woodwork, and mulberry bark paper. Most are small—just a room and a few tools—crafting items that locals use every day.

Pottery: Watch Wheel-Throwing and Glazing#

The pottery workshop uses a potter's wheel to shape clay, then applies glaze and fires the pieces. Bowls, teapots, and flower pots are common forms; glazes feature green, blue, and yellow tones. Handmade vessels have uneven wall thickness, with visible trimming marks on the bottoms.

• Watch the wheel-throwing process. Do not touch the turntable.
• Wall thickness that is uniformly thin and consistent across the board typically indicates mold-formed manufacturing.
• Fragile: Wrap in clothing for transport.

Bronze: Listen to the sound of the strike.#

Copperware is primarily hand-hammered, with common items including pots, trays, and ewers. Fine, naturally distributed hammer marks indicate handmade pieces, while uniform, repetitive patterns typically signify machine-made products.

• Confirm whether it is pure copper or copper-plated.
• Bronze oxidizes and requires regular polishing.
• Weight and price are roughly proportional.

Mulberry Paper: Examine Fibers and Flexibility#

Mulberry paper is handmade from mulberry tree bark fibers, featuring visible fibers and excellent durability. It is commonly used for calligraphy, painting, and packaging. Its color is a natural beige rather than pure white.

Think carefully before you buy#

Fragile, crushable, or moisture-sensitive items: consider how many days of travel remain. You don't need to buy all your Xinjiang souvenirs at once; cities offer a wider selection of shops.

How to explore the old townOne Day in Kashgar Old CityHumanities itinerary referenceSouthern Xinjiang Tourist Routes。

Store browsing order#

First, see the making process, then the finished product, and finally discuss the price. After seeing the wheel throwing and hammering, you'll understand the labor involved, making the price easy to grasp. Asking about the price first can lead to being misled by the numbers alone.

Price Range#

Small pottery items cost a few dozen yuan, while larger pieces exceed 100 yuan. Bronze wares range from several hundred to over a thousand yuan depending on weight and craftsmanship. Mulberry paper is sold by sheet or block; smaller artworks are reasonably priced. Prices at scenic area entrances are typically 30% to 50% higher than those at workshops.

Carry-on and Mailing#

Pack fragile items in clothing and place them in the center of your carry-on. For large items, ask the seller to ship them; confirm packaging details and delivery time. When you're halfway through your trip, avoid buying bulky items.

Manual pricing logic#

The price reflects materials, labor, and craftsmanship. Since a single copper piece may take days to hammer into shape, the cost is naturally higher. Pricing based on labor hours offers a more accurate estimate than pricing by size alone.

Even identical models vary. Check details like seams, finishing, and pattern continuity when choosing.

Craftsmanship deserves to be paid for; otherwise, workshops can't survive.

Buy it or not, understanding the process is valuable in itself.

A Day in the Life of a Craftsman#

Workshops typically open in the morning; the afternoon light is ideal for inspecting finished product details.

Some craftsmen are happy to chat about their years as apprentices and the origins of their tools—more engaging than any manual.

You can browse without buying, but please don't occupy space for long as it affects our business.

Treat the viewing experience as part of the journey—what you gain is far greater than just making a purchase.

Handcrafted items are unique by nature; you're buying the process and craftsmanship. Visit during off-peak hours for a better experience, and don't hesitate to ask questions.Customer Support。