Chunxi Road, the premier commercial hub of Chengdu, is one destination you absolutely cannot miss in your Chengdu tour. In its history of about one hundred years, Chunxi Road has successfully evolved from a traditional street during the Republic of China period into a landmark commercial district with a daily foot traffic of over 300,000.
Here you can not only shop to your heart’s content at international brand stores, but also experience the authentic flavor of Chengdu at affordable, long-established snack shops.
Chunxi Road integrates the charm of history and modern popularity. There are both Daci Temple with rich historical heritage and modern IFS with a wall-climbing giant panda check-in spot.
Exploring such a destination is very entertaining, but can also be quite challenging. This detailed Chunxi Road walking tour guide will assist you in making a perfect travel plan.
Basic Travel Information:
- Location:Chunxi Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province
- Opening hours:24 hours (most shops are open between 10:00 and 22:00)
- Ticket:Free
- Best time to go:17:00 – 21:00 on weekdays in spring and autumn
- What to do:check in at landmark buildings, enjoy the night view, go shopping, and try local snacks
Top Highlights of Chunxi Road
- The wall-climbing giant panda sculpture atop the IFS Mall.The panda is named “I Am Here”. Ascending to the 7th floor of IFS to take a front face photo with the panda is one of the best things to do in Chunxi Road.
- Countless time-honored restaurantscatering to different tastes. Foodies may find a paradise there. The aroma from the best Sichuan snacks like Long Chao Shou (big wonton), Zhong Shuijiao (dumplings), Hot Pot and Lai Tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) will surely make your mouth water. If it’s too spicy for you, don’t worry. There are also many western fast food chain stores around Chunxi Street. They are the McDonald’s, KFC, Haagen Dazs and Pizzahut.
- Home to numerous luxury international brands. The best-known brands includes Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, and Hermès. They cover a wide range from clothing, jewelry and luxury watches to outdoor sports and beauty brands.
- A cluster of entertainment facilities.You can find cinemas, theaters, bookstores, and boutique cafes everywhere. No wonder it’s one of the best place to enjoy the slow lifestyle like locals.
Chunxi Road History – From Traditional Street to Modern Landmark
The name, “春熙路”(Chunxi Lu in Chinese), originates from China’s “Tao Te Ching” (the classic book of Taoism) and symbolizes bustling commerce, passing crowds, and lively scenes here.
The history of Chunxi Road dates back to 1924, when it was initially built to connect East Street and Quanye Chang (the Commercial Field), the two most thriving commercial districts in Chengdu. Later, it gradually gathered some trend-setting commercial establishments, such as hairdressing salons, watch and clock stores, and western restaurants.
As time goes by, modern department stores and international brands gradually settled in Chunxi Road. In the 21st century, Chunxi Road has transformed from a traditional street into a large-scale commercial zone, becoming a premier fashion and cultural namecard of in Chengdu.
Shopping at Chunxi Road – From Luxury Brands to Local Boutiques
Why Chunxi Road is Chengdu’s Top Shopping Street
- Unparalleled location. Chunxi Road occupies a golden area in Chengdu, and boasts convenient transportation. Tourists can conveniently reach it from any area.
- One-stop shopping trendsetter. It is a comprehensive shopping destination gathering both world-renowned top luxury brands and affordable premium department stores there. Every tourist can find what he or she wants, including clothing, jewelry, accessories, sports goods, cosmetics, etc.
- A perfect blend of cultural genes of modernity and history.The integration of its century-long development history with the surrounding historical sites endows this modern business district with profound cultural connotations.
- The unique design, exquisite lighting and animations on huge LED screens demonstrating the city’s style, also attract numerous tourists to check in and appreciate.
See more recommended shopping places in Chengdu
Top Shopping Malls at Chunxi Road
Name |
Floors |
Features |
Key Brands |
IFS |
B2-L7 (9 floors in total) |
Landmark on the roof – the wall-climbing panda; gathering nearly 300 international brands, with a strong lineup of luxury goods |
Luxury Brands: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Hermès, Cartier, Dior, Fendi
High-End Beauty: La Mer, La Prairie, YSL Beauty, Giorgio Armani Beauty |
Wangfujing Department Store |
B1-8F (9 floors in total) |
A well-established department store with numerous sales; suitable for all age groups |
International Boutiques: KARL LAGERFELD, Coach, Max Mara Weekend, Calvin Klein
Beauty & Skincare: Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Shiseido, SK-II Fashion Apparel: EP Yaying, MO&Co., AUM, Lily, Sabatini, Locatelli |
Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li |
Open block, mostly 2-3 story detached buildings |
Focusing on trendy lifestyle, suitable for young people; full of joyful surprises as you explore the maze-like mall |
Luxury Brands: Gucci, Cartier, Hermès, Chloé, Balmain
Trendy Lifestyle: Apple Store, Gentle Monster, Lululemon, Allbirds Cultural Experience: Fangsuo Commune, The Beast, ABC Cooking Studio |
Ito-Yokado |
B1-5F (6 floors in total) |
A Japanese-style department store renowned for the quality food materials and freshly cooked food |
Fashion Apparel: ZARA, UNIQLO, MANGO, E·LAND
Beauty & Skincare: Shiseido, Freeplus, Curel, Hada Labo Home & Lifestyle: MUJI, TAYOHYA, Tiger, Zojirushi |
Chicony Plaza |
B2-9F (11 floors in total) |
Covering almost all international first-tier and popular makeup brands |
International Boutiques: CORNELIANI, Cotelac, Theory
Fashion Apparel: NINE WEST, EQ:IQ, ANNE KLEIN, brands under ITOCHU Two-Dimensional Brands: Comic Max, Gigi Fox Cafe, Qian Zhu, Sanqianjie Goods |
Hunting for Souvenirs and Local Finds
The following special souvenirs are recommended to buy at Chunxi Road: panda-themed souvenirs, Shu embroidery, and brocade crafts, Sichuan gourmet specialties (freshly stir-fried butter hot pot base, shadow beef, shredded rabbit, traditional pastries) and Sichuan Opera cultural souvenirs (opera mask pendants, costume-inspired accessories).
These items are mainly available at the locations including Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Chicony Plaza, and Times Square, as well as nearby alleys like Shuwa South Street and Liansheng Alley.
Top Attractions & Things to Do on Chunxi Road
Zhongshan Square
Zhongshan Square is located in the center of Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street. At the heart of the square stands a statue of Mr. Sun Yat-sen, with the four Chinese characters “天下为公” (meaning “the whole world as one community”) inscribed on the back.
Cast in 1927, this statue is not only an important symbol commemorating the forerunner of the Chinese revolution but also a witness to Chengdu’s century-long commercial development. Nowadays, it has become the best spot to observe the vibrant street scene in Chunxi Road.
Daci Temple
If you do not know why the local people live a slow lifestyle without any anxiety, Daci Temple might give you some enlightenment. As a renowned Buddhist temple in Chengdu with a history of over 1,600 years, it is not only the place where the eminent Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang received his monastic ordination but also an important Buddhist cultural landmark in Sichuan and even across China.
Chunxi Road at Night: Lights and LED Displays
The night view of Chunxi Road business district is the core embodiment of Chengdu’s charm. Lights and LED screens are the most crucial elements. Bright lights outline the the buildings, while the giant naked-eye 3D LED screen outside IFS adds a sense of spectacle and technology, attracting endless tourists to stop and take photos.
Appreciate the Bustling Scene
Take a casual stroll around Chunxi Road and the lively scenes will come into your view: the cultural events held on Zhongshan Square, the constant flow of people in and out of the stores, the wonderful performances by street artists, and the lively bustle of street snacks. At this moment, you will truly understand the real soul of Chengdu.
Savor Diverse Sichuan Flavors
Chunxi Road boasts a rich collection of authentic Sichuan snacks, time-honored restaurants, and trendy delicacies.
Best Restaurants & Best Sichuan Snacks Near Chunxi Road:
- B2 Floor of Silver Stone Plaza:Haoyoulai Hot and Sour Noodles, Potato Brother’s Wolf Tooth Potatoes, Grilled Sweet Potato Sheet Jelly, as well as special snacks like Egg Biscuit.
- Long Chaoshou FlagshipStore: The Signature Long Chaoshou (Sichuan-style wonton), Zhong’s Boiled Dumplings, Pearl Glutinous Rice Balls, and San He Ni (Mixed Sweet Mash).
- Zhong’s Boiled Dumplings:Boiled Dumplings in Red Oil.
- Lai’s Glutinous Rice Balls:The glutinous rice balls with various stuffings, such as black sesame, peanut, and rose.
- Granny Wang’s Lao Ma Pig’s Trotter Soup:The sour and spicy pig’s trotter and Fuqi Feipian (Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chili Sauce).
- Sansheng Street:Braised Chicken with Chili, Boboji (Spicy Sichuan Skewers), and Pork Intestine Noodles.
Where is Chunxi Road and How to Get To
Chunxi Road is located in Jinjiang District, the heart zone of Chengdu City. Thanks to the advantageous location, it’s undisputedly a transportation hub that is covered by subway, bus and taxi. Meanwhile, Chengdu Museum and Tianfu Square are within walking distance from Chunxi Road. Well-known landmarks like Kuanzhai Alleys and Jinli Ancient Street are also connected with Chunxi Road by fast and convenient public transportation.
By metro — The easiest way
The fastest way is taking Metro Line 2 or Line 3 to Chunxi Road Station. Take Exit C or D. After exiting, it is just a few minutes’ walk to reach your destination.
By Bus or Taxi
- By Bus
Many buses stop in Chunxi Road. The main stops are Chunxilu Nankou (Chunxi Road South Exit for bus lines 66, 56, 55, 51, 48, and 47) and Chunxilu Beikou (Chunxi Road North Exit for bus lines 58 and 98).
- By Taxi
Taxis in Chengdu are easy to get. Booking one in advance through online platforms is more secure, but it’s also fine to hail one directly on the street.
Taking a taxi from the airport to Chunxi Road takes about half an hour (without traffic jam), and the fare is roughly from 25 to 50 RMB.
Accommodation around Chunxi Road
Staying around Chunxi Road means you have selected a wonderful base for your Chengdu travel. The golden location makes Chunxi Road one of the best accommodation spots in Chengdu, offering a wide range of options nearby, from starred hotels to economic chain hotels to apartment-style homestays.
Living nearby, the core shopping plazas are all within walking distance. You can make a flexible plan and find the best moment to take photos of the wall-climbing giant panda on IFS. Hanging around this bustling block is safe even at night, friendly to solo travelers.
No matter where your next destination is, you can conveniently get there. It saves your time a lot!
Hotel Name |
Star Rating |
Reference Price (CNY/night) |
Grand Hyatt Chengdu (Chunxi Road) |
5-Star |
850 -10000 |
The St. Regis Chengdu |
5-Star |
900-7000 |
Atour Hotel Chengdu Chunxi Road |
4-Star / Upscale |
450 -1000 |
Orange Hotel (Chengdu Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street) |
3-Star / Mid-range |
300 – 500 |
Jinjiang Inn (Chengdu Chunxi Road Taikoo Li IFS) |
Budget |
150 -400 |
Wadangwashe Travel Hotel Chengdu Chunxi Road |
Budget / Featured Homestay |
150 – 500 |
Best Time to Visit
- Best months:Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Head to Chengdu in spring or autumn—these are the sweet spots. Chengdu sits in southwest China, and summer here gets really hot and sticky. But how about spring and autumn? Perfect! Temperatures hover between 10°C and 26°C, cool and comfy for walking around. Better yet, you’ll experience less rain than in summer.
- Best time of the day:From 17:00 – 21:00
We highly recommend visiting Chunxi Road around 5 PM on weekdays. Show up then, and you’ll first feel the area’s lively daytime vibe. Wander along the street, and you’ll slowly notice the shift from day to night. Once the sun sets, all the building lights on Chunxi Road flip on. That’s when the place really comes alive—even busier and more vibrant than before.
Essential Travel Tips
Here are our top practical tips for a smooth, enjoyable day at Chunxi Road—stick to these, and you’ll have a stress-free visit!
- Wear comfy shoes
You’ll likely spend 1 to 2 hours walking around Chunxi Road. Don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes before you head out. Your feet will thank you!
- Luggage storage
Free storage is available in three convenient spots: Basement Level 2 of IFS, the 5th floor of Parkson, and the 1st or 2nd floor of Wangfujing. Plus, paid storage points sit right at subway station exits. Pricing is totally transparent, and their hours are flexible for late or early travelers.
- Stay safe in crowds
Chunxi Road is thronged with crowds every day. Keep a close eye on your valuables at all times. Try to avoid overly packed areas to make sure you stay safe and relaxed.
- Navigation makes your trip easier
All major shopping malls have physical floor guide maps you can grab. Electronic maps work greatly here too. Just open your phone’s map app, search for your destination, and let it lead the way.
Nearby Attractions
- Kuanzhai Alley:This is a charming Sichuan-style pedestrian block lined by plenty of specialty shops. Pick up unique cultural souvenirs or stop to taste authentic local snacks. It’s about 3 kilometers from Chunxi Road—subway is the easiest way to get there.
- Jinli Ancient Street:This ancient-style pedestrian street has a small river running through it. Red lanterns hang everywhere, making the night view extra magical. It’s a hit with tourists from home and abroad. The street is about 4 kilometers from Chunxi Road, roughly a 30 minutes’ ride by subway.
- Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum:It’s one of China’s most famous well-preserved Three Kingdoms cultural sites. It was originally built to honor the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang. Inside, you’ll find lots of precious cultural relics that represent Shu-Han culture. It’s around 4 kilometers from Chunxi Road. You can get there in 30 minutes by
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