Nanyang is China's main centre for Dushan jade — a local stone found only in Dushan Mountain south of the city, used by craftspeople in this region for at least six thousand years. The jade ranges in colour from pale creamy white and delicate green to deep grey-green and mottled purple, giving Nanyang craftspeople a palette that differs from the pure green of the more famous Burmese jade. The prices here are dramatically lower than in Beijing or Shanghai for comparable quality, and the density of workshops and vendors means serious buyers can compare many pieces efficiently.
The main markets cluster around the railway station area and in the Jade Carving Cultural District on the southern edge of the city. Individual workshops along Yujie (Jade Street) allow visitors to watch carvers at work on raw stone. The September Jade Carving Festival brings additional vendors and an exhibition component to the market. As with any jade market, basic knowledge of quality indicators helps; a local guide or hotel staff can advise on which vendors are most reputable for serious purchases.