China Jade & Gemstone Guide

新疆和田玉 (Hetian Jade)

Origin: Hetian County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Colours: White (羊脂玉 -- mutton fat white, the most prized), celadon green, black, yellow

Character: The most prized jade in Chinese history. Known for its waxy, smooth texture -- almost silky to the touch. Called "jade of emperors" for 4,000+ years. The finest Hetian jade is translucent, warm white, with a greasy lustre that has no equal. Today, most Hetian jade on the market is actually from old tomb caches -- genuine fresh Hetian jade is increasingly rare.

Best for: Pendants, signet rings, carved figurines, investment-grade pieces

Market: Hetian city markets, Urumqi Hongshan Jingdian Market, Alibaba trusted sellers

陕西蓝田玉 (Lantian Jade)

Origin: Lantian County, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Colours: Sky blue, white, greenish-blue, pale yellow

Character: One of China's earliest-known jades -- mentioned in texts from the Han Dynasty (206 BC). Named for its primary colour "blue field" (蓝田). Known for its vivid sky-blue tones and subtle cloud-like inclusions. More affordable than Hetian jade, making it an excellent entry point for jade collectors. The Lantian jade mines are in the Qinling Mountains south of Xi'an.

Best for: Bracelets, bangles, display carvings, souvenir-quality pieces

Market: Lantian County jade markets, Xi'an textile city markets, Da Ci'en Temple gift shops

河南独山玉 (Dushan Jade)

Origin: Dushan Mountain (独山), Nanyang City, Henan Province

Colours: White, green (most prized), purple, yellow, black -- often with mixed colours in one stone

Character: Also called "Nanyang Jade." One of China's most distinctive jades because of its striking colour combinations -- white base with emerald green veins is the most prized variety, resembling imperial jadeite. Mined for over 5,000 years, used extensively in Zhou dynasty ritual objects. The mixed-colour Dushan jade is prized by carvers who use the natural colour patterns as part of the design.

Best for: Large carvings, tea sets, decorative objects, mixed-colour art pieces

Market: Nanyang Dushan jade markets, Zhengzhou international jade centre, Tongbai County

甘肃酒泉玉 (Jiuquan Jade)

Origin: Qilian Mountains, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province

Colours: Green (olive to emerald), white, grey, with unique natural patterns

Character: Mined from the Qilian Mountain range at high altitude, Jiuquan jade is known for its rich green colour and unusual patterns formed by natural mineral inclusions. The jade is often used for large decorative objects, tabletops, and architectural details. Less famous than the other four jades but highly regarded by collectors for its unique character and relative rarity. Gansu craftsmen have a 2,000-year tradition of jade carving.

Best for: Large decorative carvings, panels, architectural jade, statement pieces

Market: Jiuquan jade carving factories, Dunhuang jade markets, Lanzhou jade street

辽宁岫岩玉 (Xiuyan Jade)

Origin: Xiuyan County, Anshan, Liaoning Province

Colours: Green (grass green, yellow green), white, black, brown -- most commonly translucent green

Character: China's most commercially significant jade -- the source of approximately 60% of all jade objects sold in China today. Softer than Hetian jade (hardness 4.5-5.5 vs 6-6.5), making it easier to carve. Xiuyan jade comes in a wide range of colours and is remarkably affordable. The green Xiuyan jade is often dyed to imitate imperial jadeite, so buy from reputable dealers. Natural untreated Xiuyan jade with vivid colour commands premium prices.

Best for: Mass-market carvings, tea sets, bangles, large ornamental pieces, budget-friendly jade

Market: Xiuyan County jade market, Anshan jade carving factories, Dalian jade shops

绿松石 (Turquoise / Lú Sōng Shí)

Origins: Zhuji, Hubei Province (China's finest turquoise); also Hubei, Shaanxi, Gansu

Colours: Sky blue, blue-green, apple green, yellow-green

Character: Turquoise has been valued in China for over 4,000 years, second only to jade in importance. Chinese turquoise is famous for its vivid, electric blue colour -- the Hubei Zhuji turquoise is considered among the finest in the world. Traditionally associated with the sky and with protective powers, turquoise has been found in Han dynasty tombs. It is typically carved into beads, cabochons, and used for inlay work. Note: much market turquoise is stabilised or reconstructed; ask for certification.

Best for: Beads, pendants, rings, traditional Chinese jewellery

Market: Ma'anshan market in Shiyan (Hubei), Xi'an jade markets, Beijing Panjiayuan

南红玛瑙 (Southern Red Agate / Nán Hóng Mǎ Nǎo)

Origins: Baofeng County, Nanyang, Henan; Yunnan (ancient Deqin/Jianchuan); Sichuan (Liangshan)

Colours: Deep crimson red, cherry red, rose red,柿子红 (persimmon red)

Character: Southern Red Agate is China's most beloved red gemstone, prized for over 3,000 years. The finest variety -- "sugar-white" agate with vivid red -- is found in historical burial sites. The Nanyang Baofeng County is the world's most important southern red agate source, producing material ranging from translucent rose red to deep translucent crimson. The "保山料" (Baoshan material) from Yunnan is the most collectable, known for its smooth, translucent texture and vivid colour saturation.

Best for: Bead necklaces, bracelets, ring cabochons, antique-style carved ornaments

Market: Nanyang Baofeng (南阳市宝丰县), Yunnan Puer tea markets, Kunming珠宝市场

战国红玛瑙 (Warring States Red Agate)

Origin: Zhangjiakou (Hebei), Chaoyang (Liaoning)

Colours: Rich scarlet red with yellow banding -- like medieval European stained glass

Character: Named for its resemblance to the red-and-yellow colour combinations seen on Warring States period bronze ware. This striking agate has natural banding in vivid red and golden yellow -- no two pieces are identical, making each carved piece a unique work of art. Has surged in popularity among Chinese collectors since 2012. The geometric banding patterns make it especially prized for modern designer jewellery.

Best for: Collector-grade carvings, modern jewellery, unique display pieces

Market: Chengde markets (Hebei), Zhangjiakou jade markets, Beijing Panjiayuan

Route 1: Shaanxi Circuit

Xi'an → Lantian → Xi'an | 1–2 days

Start in Xi'an with a morning visit to the Da Ci'en Temple area -- the best selection of Lantian jade in the city. In the afternoon, drive 45 minutes to Lantian County itself, where the jade is sold directly from the source. End the day at the Xi'an Textile City (轻工市场) for additional jade shopping. Combine with the Terracotta Warriors for a full day.

Sightseeing: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Jade: Lantian jade (blue-green), Xi'an textile city jade markets

Book: Xi'an city page →

Route 2: Central China Circuit

Zhengzhou → Nanyang → Zhengzhou | 2–3 days

Head south from Zhengzhou to Nanyang, the heart of Chinese jade culture. Visit the Dushan jade mines at Dushan Mountain, then spend time at the Nanyang jade wholesale markets. Continue to Baofeng County for southern red agate directly from the source mines. Return to Zhengzhou via Shaolin Temple (optional add-on).

Sightseeing: Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng UNESCO heritage, Longmen Grottoes nearby

Jade: Dushan jade, southern red agate, turquoise

Book: Zhengzhou city page →

Route 3: Northeast China Circuit

Dalian → Anshan → Xiuyan → Dalian | 2–3 days

Fly into Dalian, then drive 2 hours to Anshan -- home to the world's largest jade carving factories. Visit Xiuyan County, the source of over 60% of China's jade objects. The Xiuyan jade markets sell directly from the carving workshops -- you can watch artisans work and buy directly at wholesale prices. Return to Dalian for the coastal scenery.

Sightseeing: Dalian Xinghai Square, Polar Ocean Park, Bangchui Island

Jade: Xiuyan jade (green, affordable, large carvings)

Book: Dalian city page →

Route 4: Southwest China Circuit

Chengdu → Kunming | 4–6 days

Start in Chengdu visiting the Jinli Street jade shops, then take an internal flight or drive to Kunming -- the gateway to Yunnan's gemstone treasures. Visit the Kunming珠宝市场 for Deqin/Jianchuan southern red agate, and turquoise from Hubei brought down through the trade routes. Combine with a visit to the Stone Forest and Dali's jade shops.

Sightseeing: Giant Panda Base, Dali Old Town, Stone Forest, Lijiang

Jade: Southern red agate (Yunnan), Hetian jade (via trade), turquoise

Book: Chengdu city page →

Route 5: Silk Road Circuit

Xi'an → Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Lanzhou | 5–7 days

The ancient Silk Road was also a jade road. Follow it from Xi'an west to Dunhuang -- gateway to the Gobi jade markets. Visit the Jiuquan jade carving factories in Gansu, where Qilian Mountain jade is transformed into large decorative panels and carvings. End in Lanzhou's jade street, one of China's most established jade trading centres, at the foot of the Yellow River.

Sightseeing: Mogao Caves (Dunhuang), Jiayuguan China Jade Guide Attraction, Zhangye Danxia colours

Jade: Jiuquan jade, Hetian jade (via Xinjiang trade), turquoise from Gansu

Book: Xi'an city page →

Route 6: Geosciences Tour

Beijing → Wuhan | 3–5 days

A unique journey for the geology enthusiast. Start at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) -- home to one of China's finest gemstone collections and research labs. Visit the Beijing Gems and Minerals Market for a curated selection. Then travel to Wuhan for the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), whose museum houses jade specimens from every major Chinese deposit. End with a visit to the Hubei Zhuji turquoise mines -- the finest turquoise in China.

Sightseeing: China Jade Guide Attraction, China Jade Guide Attraction (Beijing); Yellow Crane Tower, Yangtze cruise (Wuhan)

Gems: All five jades studied at the museum, Hubei turquoise from source

Book: Beijing city page →

Xi'an Textile City (西安轻工市场)

Location: Xi'an, Weiyang District -- Metro Line 1 to Chanba People's Centre

The most accessible jade market in central China. Multiple floors of dealers selling Lantian jade, Hetian jade, turquoise, and agate. Bargaining is expected -- start at 30-40% of the asking price. Look for the certification stickers from the China Gems & Jewellery Testing Centre (NGTC). Afternoons are busiest.

Beijing Panjiayuan (潘家园)

Location: Beijing, Chaoyang District -- Metro Line 10 to Panjiayuanqiao

China's most famous antique and curio market, open every weekend. Jade stalls range from genuine antique pieces to modern reproductions. Early morning (6-8 AM) is best for serious buyers. The Friday night "ghost market" is legendary -- bring a torch and a sharp eye. The NGTC has an on-site certification service.

Nanyang Dushan Jade Market (南阳独山玉市场)

Location: Nanyang City, Henan Province -- 2hr drive from Zhengzhou

The source market for Dushan jade. Come here to buy directly from carvers and get custom pieces made to your specification. The market is busiest in the morning. Commission a carving on the spot -- a personalised Dushan jade piece takes 3-7 days to complete. Nanyang is also the source of southern red agate from nearby Baofeng County.

Xiuyan Jade Market (岫岩玉器城)

Location: Xiuyan County, Anshan, Liaoning -- 3hr drive from Dalian

The largest Xiuyan jade wholesale market in the world. Watch jade being carved in open workshops, then buy at factory-direct prices. Pieces here are often sold by weight -- Xiuyan jade is affordable, making it ideal for larger decorative objects. Ask to see the carving workshop before purchasing.

Hubei Zhuji Turquoise (竹山绿松石)

Location: Zhuji Township, Shiyan, Hubei -- 4hr drive from Wuhan

The source of China's finest turquoise. The small town of Zhuji (竹山) has turquoise in every shade of blue. Buy directly from miners and small workshops. Note: much turquoise is stabilised (plastic-filled to improve durability). Ask for certificates from the NGTC and be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true for vivid blue material.

Kunming珠宝批发市场

Location: Kunming, Yuhua District -- Metro Line 3 to Yuhua Temple

Yunnan's primary gemstone distribution centre. Jade, southern red agate from Deqin and Jianchuan counties, Hetian jade brought from Xinjiang along the old trade routes, and Burmese jadeite (翡翠) at prices competitive with Myanmar's markets. The market is most active weekday mornings. Kunming also has a good selection of Burmese rubies and sapphires.

Get Certification (NGTC)

Always ask for an NGTC (National Gemstone Testing Center) certificate on any jade purchase over ¥500. The NGTC is China's most respected gemological laboratory. They test for: Jadeite vs. serpentine, b-value (jade quality), colour treatment (dyeing, bleaching, polymer impregnation). Walk to the nearest NGTC office for a second opinion -- most major cities have one.

How to Bargain

In jade markets, the listed price is always inflated. The opening ask is typically 3-5x the fair price. Start at 20-25% of the asking price and negotiate upward. Key phrases: "便宜点" (biàn yí diǎn -- a little cheaper), "太贵了" (tài guì le -- too expensive), "再考虑一下" (zài kǎo lǜ yīxià -- I'll think about it) before walking away. Watch for the seller's reaction -- if they don't call you back, you're at or near the floor price.

Common Scams to Avoid

The most common: (1) Dyed jadeite sold as "A货" (Grade A) imperial jade -- insist on NGTC certificate. (2) Xiuyan jade dyed to imitate expensive jadeite -- the dye concentrates in surface cracks. (3) Reconstituted turquoise (plastic + turquoise dust) sold as natural -- look for "注胶" (zhù jiāo -- resin-infused) stickers. (4) "Hetian jade" from other provinces mislabelled as Xinjiang origin. Buy from certified dealers for purchases over ¥2,000.