Although Taiyuan is not an overly modern or tourist orientated city, there are still a good number of shopping specialties, both traditional and modern. Of particular interest are the different rice wines that are produced here, most notably the Fenjiu Wine (Feng jiu), that has long been known throughout the country and in limited form abroad, and the other popular brand called Green Bamboo Leaf Wine (Zhuyeqing). The locals here are also very proud of their vinegar, claiming it as one of the four best of its kind in China.

Other items of possible interest include the lifelike dough figurines, dates, apples, walnuts, colored glazed-products, fur coats, gold and lacquer inlaid wares, fine glassware, jade carvings as well as a number of traditional Chinese herbs.

Shops and shopping areas:
On Qiaotou jie, you may find shops selling the local costumes for traditional Chinese operas (including the local Jin Opera).
At night, you may go to the night market on Liuxiang nanlu to hunt for some interesting trinkets at reasonable prices.
At the Friendship Store (Youyi shangdian) at 45 Yingze dajie you may find an expensive collection of jade handicrafts and art materials of good quality.
You may go hunting for souvenirs at both the Arts and Crafts Store (Gongyi pin shangdian) at 54 Yingze dajie or at the Antique Store (Guwan shangdian) at 15 Jiefang lu.