Here’s something that might surprise you: when many people think of jade, their minds probably jump straight to jadeite or Hetian jade, believing those are the only “real jade.” But let me tell you, although Xiuyu (Xiuyan jade) might not be as high-end or expensive, here in China, it’s actually an ancestral-level “jade stone”. When you stroll through Ruili, you might glance at Xiuyu and wonder why it’s so cheap. But if you truly understand history, you’ll realize this stuff is much “deeper” than you imagine.

Just how ancient is this old Xiuyu?

When I first entered the trade, I only knew about jadeite and Hetian jade, thinking everything else was just “byproducts.” Later, after chatting with some senior experts, I learned that Xiuyu’s history can be traced back several thousand years. Jadeite only became popular in the Qing Dynasty, and Hetian jade was highly valued after the Han Dynasty, but what about Xiuyu?

Have you heard of the Hongshan Culture? The Hongshan Culture is an ancient civilization, and the jade artifacts unearthed from there—like the jade dragon and jade pig dragon—were basically all made from Xiuyu. Let me tell you, back then, people didn’t have many options; finding such a warm, carvable stone was a treasure. So, in Chinese culture, Xiuyu can be said to be the beginning of “jade culture”, the earliest “jade” our ancestors encountered and used.

So, when you hold a piece of Xiuyu in your hand, don’t just look at its current price. Think about this: thousands of years ago, our ancestors already treasured it. It’s a legacy, a historical accumulation. I’m not saying it’s more expensive than jadeite, but its historical value is solid and undeniable.

What customs did the ancients have regarding Xiuyu?

The ancients’ views on jade were very different from today’s. They believed jade had a spirit and was a medium to communicate with heaven, earth, and deities. Many unearthed Xiuyu artifacts were ritual vessels, sacrificial items, or symbols of status. For example, the jade pig dragon from the Hongshan Culture is so mysterious that even today we feel its powerful aura. People back then spent a lot of time contemplating its significance.

There are also legends saying Xiuyu can ward off evil and protect safety. Although it sounds superstitious now, think about it: in an era without advanced medicine or science, how many hopes and blessings did people place on these glossy, warm stones? They were spiritual anchors. An old client once told me that when he was a child, the elders in his family gave him a small Xiuyu pendant, saying it could protect the home and ward off disasters. Whether it truly worked or not, the sentiment and tradition behind it were very meaningful.

I’ve met some elderly customers in the shop who have a special affection for Xiuyu. They don’t chase after the “glass-like” jadeite or imperial green; they prefer the warm, slightly aged feel of Xiuyu. They say this stone nurtures the wearer, becoming more lustrous with time. Honestly, this might be psychological, but their love for jade and recognition of traditional culture is truly worthy of respect.

Why do people still like Xiuyu today?

Honestly, jadeite and Hetian jade dominate the market now, and their prices are high. But Xiuyu has its own market. Besides its historical and cultural significance, it has several advantages other jade types can’t match.


    • First, excellent warmth and smoothness. Good Xiuyu feels incredibly comfortable to the touch—smooth and oily. When you handle it, the patina that develops is truly amazing. I’ve collected a few old Xiuyu pieces before, and the resulting luster is just outstanding.

    • Second, rich color variety. Xiuyu isn’t monochromatic; it comes in green, white, yellow, black, and even mottled varieties. This offers sculptors a wide creative space. Don’t underestimate this—many master carvers actually prefer Xiuyu because it’s easy to work with and can express multiple colors.

    • Third, affordable price. This is the most important point. For many jade enthusiasts with limited budgets, Xiuyu is an excellent choice. You can buy a genuine piece of “jade” at a relatively low price, enjoy the fun of handling jade, and experience the charm of jade culture—rather than spending hundreds on fake jadeite or fake Hetian jade. I think this is the friendliest option for beginners.

I remember seeing a large piece of Xiuyu raw material at the Ruili market last year, carved into a beautiful landscape ornament. It was about three to four thousand yuan. If it were jadeite, the price would be many times higher. Yet it still displayed the charm and beauty of jade. Isn’t that its true value?

Moreover, many young people today are beginning to appreciate these “old treasures”. They don’t chase inflated prices but value the story and cultural connotation behind the piece. An old Xiuyu might not be dazzling, but it has a reserved, steady beauty and carries a profound historical weight. This feeling is something many modern industrial products can’t offer.

Some industry insights I’ve heard

Regarding Xiuyu, there are many interesting sayings in the trade. Some say “nine out of ten jades have cracks,” and Xiuyu is no exception—especially older material, where natural veins and cracks are unavoidable. But to experts, these are “natural marks” that prove the piece is original and not artificially synthesized.

Some people always compare Xiuyu to jadeite, saying Xiuyu isn’t valuable. Let me tell you, they’re simply not in the same league. It’s like comparing apples and oranges—you can’t say which tastes better. Jadeite has its hardness, luster, and rarity; Xiuyu has its warmth, history, and affordability. Each has its strengths and audience. “Different strokes for different folks”—this saying is spot on.

When I first started my business, I was even mocked for collecting “worthless” Xiuyu. But I believed it had its market and beauty. Later, facts proved I was right. Many traditional culture lovers or beginners start their jade journey with Xiuyu.

Honestly, Xiuyu is like an “old friend”. It might not make you rich overnight, but it brings you peace, a sense of historical depth, and the joy of communicating with the ancients. It won’t feel unattainable; instead, it feels intimate and warm.

So next time you see Xiuyu in the market, don’t rush away or just look at the price. Touch it more, look at it more, and feel its history and warmth. You might find that this “unassuming” jade stone has its own unique charm.

To put it simply, don’t always focus on the most expensive. Sometimes, what suits you best is the best choice.