The majority of Dehong's population is made up of Chinese minority groups famous for their handicrafts and artistic talents. Nearby Myanmar has a vibrant trade and barter system that has been long established with Dehong which brings in many goods from the neighboring country. Although there are not many shops in Dehong to purchase these goods, there are many stands and carts selling these minority treasures and at more than reasonable prices.

Jewelry, furniture, papier mache figures, religious relics and trinkets, clothing, fresh fruit, vegetables and candies, shopping in Dehong can be a bit of an egg hunt but the rewards are well worth the effort. Avoid the shops set up for tourists and any of Dehong's sites as these prices are extremely high very little of which actually ends up in the artists' hands. If you're not up for exhaustive shopping, the Ruili Market has a fairly descent collection of collectibles and food and the Jade Market just outside of town is worth a visit if you're looking for, well, jade stuff.