Written by Candice Zhao |
Are you searching for places to go shopping in China? Welcome to Chengdu! It is a shopping paradise that perfectly blends ancient crafts and modern luxury. Here, you can discover exquisite handicrafts and authentic local snacks in Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Alley or browse in world-class boutiques or cutting-edge design in IFS or Taikoo Li. So for the Chengdu shopping, it is not just for goods, but for the experience.
This guide will be the key for you to navigate Chengdu’s diverse retail landscape, whether you seek high-end fashion, special local designs, or authentic Sichuan souvenirs. Continue reading to enjoy the unique shopping tour in Chengdu with us.
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- Is Chengdu Good for Shopping? — Why Shop in Chengdu
- Best Shopping Areas in Chengdu — Where to Shop in Chengdu
- Best Shopping Malls & Centers in Chengdu
- What to Buy in Chengdu — Best Souvenirs & Local Products
- Chengdu Shopping Tips for Tourists
- Plan a Chengdu Tour with China Xian Tour
Is Chengdu Good for Shopping? — Why Shop in Chengdu
If shopping is not only purchasing goods for you, but also a journey to explore the city’s life and characters, Chengdu is definitely an underestimated destination. Shopping in Chengdu can fulfill all your imaginations for international luxuries, meanwhile leading you into the bustling marketplace at the corner. The seamless connection between high-end shopping and the marketplace is hard to be replicated by other cities. In brief, it is famous for the luxury of an international metropolis, the “fun” of civil life, and the charm of an “inclusive” personality.
In Beijing, shopping experience is always centered on iconic business circles, such as Wangfujing, carrying a sense of solemnity and ceremony. In Shanghai, Nanjing West Road and Huaihai Road are leading the trend of refinement and modernity. While in Chengdu, shopping is more like a way of leisure integrated into daily life.
Besides, its diverse shopping options attract all kinds of consumers, including high-end commercial facilities, characteristic blocks, and innovative commercial streets. The nightlife shopping is also increasingly popular. In conclusion, Chengdu can meet the demands of all kinds of consumers, making it a good place for shopping.
Best Shopping Areas in Chengdu — Where to Shop in Chengdu
Chunxi Road Shopping District — Chengdu’s Top Shopping Hub
- Address: Jinjiang District
- Main projects: IFS, Taikoo Li, Wangfujin
- How to get to: metro line 2 or 3: Chunxi Road Station
Chunxi Road is right in the city center, it is the oldest and most influential core business district in Chengdu. What is unbelievable is that it even attracts tourists all over China. It has been the preferred choice of many international brands to open their first store or flagship store. Here, you can find almost all top brands.
Besides, it also gathers many designers’ stores and local avant-garde trend brands. So both luxury goods enthusiasts and young trendsetters regard it as a treasure trove. Tourists who want to go shopping in Chengdu can not miss it.
Taikoo Li Chengdu — Best Luxury & Lifestyle Shopping Area
- Address: Jinjiang District
- Main brands: Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Tiffany, Ralph Lauren
- How to get to: metro line 2 or 3: Chunxi Road Station
Chengdu Taikoo Li is an open and low-density block-style shopping center and is built around a thousand-year-old temple, Daci Temple. The design perfectly integrates the blue-tiled slope roof of the western Sichuan style with the modern glass curtain wall.
Now, it is considered the birthplace of top luxury goods, avant-garde fashion and high-quality lifestyle in Chengdu. The densely distributed flagship stores and distinctive standalone retail spaces are the main features. It is mainly divided into Dongli Area (luxury avenue), Nanli Area (fashion and lifestyle), and Xili Area (refined life and dining). For luxury consumers and fashion seekers, it is definitely a paradise.
Tianfu Square – Traditional Shopping Area
- Address: Renmin South Road, Qingyang District
- Main projects: Far Eastern Department Store, Maoye Plaza, Buynow
- How to get to: metro line 1or 2: Tianfu Square Station
Compared with the above two shopping areas, Tianfu Square is more down-to-earth. Its position is popularization, catering to all customer groups and focusing on cultural experience. So there are more traditional department stores, which sell electronic products, clothing, and specialty souvenirs, etc. The needs of daily life can be met here. This shopping destination is well-suited for families.
Another outstanding feature is its profound cultural atmosphere. With Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, Sichuan Provincial Library, Chengdu Museum and Sichuan Grand Theatre surrounding it, the shopping tour can be easily combined with a cultural stroll.
Kuanzhai Alley — Cultural Consumption Experience
- Address: Jinhe Road,Qingyang District
- Main projects: teahouses, original design stores, snack bars
- How to get to: metro line 4: Kuanzhaixiangzi Alleys Station
Among all Chengdu shopping destinations, Kuanzhai Alley will make you feel like paying for cultural experiences. It is the most representative historical and cultural protection block and open-air cultural consumption museum in Chengdu. Here, you will enjoy an immersive shopping experience. When strolling around, you can see historical architecture, encounter intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, taste local snacks, watch folk performances and savor tea in tea houses leisurely.
With the aim of recreating the life aesthetics of old Chengdu, Kuanzhai Alley avoids introducing chain brands, but in favor of various unique, locally-owned boutiques. If you prefer slow-paced shopping, it will not let you down.
Jinli Ancient Street — Best Place to Buy Local Souvenirs
- Address: Wuhou Shrine Street, Wuhou District
- Main projects: snacks, souvenirs, folk culture
- How to get to: metro line 10: Wuhou Shrine Station
If Kuanzhai Alley is elaborately restored, Jinli Ancient Street is designed as a pure antique folk custom commercial street. Its position is very clear, an open museum and food court and displaying the traditional folk culture and special products in Chengdu. And its atmosphere is more like a traditional temple fair, full of bustle and hustle.
You will taste several kinds of famous local snacks here, such as sweet Three Guns treats, spicy Sichuan skewers, Zhangfei Beef, etc. It is also the gathering place of souvenirs. Panda-related toys, Sichuan embroidery, Shadow puppets, tea all can be found easily. On the streets, the folk artists usually display sugar-blowing, dough figurine making and paper-cutting to tourists.
Wuhou Shrine Shopping Street — Culture + Handicrafts
- Address: HengjieStreet, Wuhou District
- Main projects: snacks, souvenirs, folk culture
- How to get to: metro line 3, 5 or 10: Gaoshengqiao Station
Wuhou Shrine is a special themed street with Tibetan culture as the core, so it is renowned as the Barkhor Street in Chengdu. It is formed due to the establishment of the Chengdu office of the Xizang Autonomous Region and Ganzi Prefecture, as well as the settlement of Tibetan students. Now, it has been a living community full of Tibetan ethnic customs.
Most stores here are operated by the Zang people and sell unique handicrafts, religious objects and clothing. It provides a window for tourists to have a close contact and purchase authentic Tibetan artefacts without travelling all the way to Xizang. It is a perfect place for tourists who are interested in Tibetan culture.
Chengdu Airport Shopping — What to Buy Before You Leave
After your Chengdu tour ends, the Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport are the last stops for you to complement the things you need. The two airports have slight differences. Shuangliu Airport offers abundant duty-free shopping choices in T2 terminal. Over 200 international brands are gathered, such as La Mer, Estee Lauder, etc. It also sets specialty stores, but the goods are fewer and the price is higher than downtown area.
Tianfu Airport provides a better shopping experience and more souvenirs. The T2 terminal features a centralized specialty market. The variety of goods is more diverse. You may also find the latest trend products such as Sanxingdui cultural and creative products and panda-themed products, etc.
Best Shopping Malls & Centers in Chengdu
New Century Global Center — Biggest Shopping Mall in Chengdu
- Location: Tianfu Avenue, Wuhou District
- How to get to: metro line 1: Jincheng Plaza Station
New Century Global Center is not a traditional business circle we usually think of, but a super urban complex renowned as the world’s largest single building. In the aspect of shopping, it is positioned as a one-stop entertainment and lifestyle consumption center for all customer groups.
The Paradise Island Ocean Park here boasts Asia’s largest indoor artificial ocean and beach, the absolute core for attracting people. So the shopping experience has been deeply bound with a strong entertainment experience. Comprehensiveness is its main feature. All categories from international fast fashion, large supermarkets, parent-child brands to digital home appliances, catering and entertainment are all covered. It is a real “city within a city”. For families, it has been a classic shopping destination in Chengdu, where they can spend a whole day.
IFS Chengdu — Landmark Luxury Shopping Mall
- Location: No. 1, Section 3, Hongxing Road, Jinjiang District
- How to get to: metro line 2 or 3: Chunxi Road Station
IFS is a super complex that integrates luxury goods, art and urban landmarks. The most iconic sign must be the giant wall-climbing panda on the exterior wall of the mall. It has been a must-visit landmark. Besides, there are always art exhibitions and installations. The sculpture courtyard and rooftop garden on the 7th floor are excellent places for rest and photography.
It is also one of the shopping malls in Chengdu with the most concentrated luxury brands and the most complete range of goods. Almost all top luxury brands can be found here, like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Cartier, Hermès. To meet the all-round needs of high-end customers, it is also equipped with a five-star hotel, high-end dining, boutique markets, etc.
MixC Mall Chengdu — Popular Modern Shopping Center
- Location: No. 8, Shuangqing Road, Chenghua District
- How to get to: metro line 4 or 8: Shuangqiao Road Station
As the largest commercial complex in the main urban area, the Mixc Mall is composed of a central square and four halls connected by space corridors. Each hall features a distinctive position:
- Hall A: Light Luxury Products;
- Hall B: Women’s Fashion Aesthetics Space;
- Hall C: High-Quality Lifestyle Experience Area;
- Hall D: Dynamic Trend Destination.
A total of 640 brands open their store here, including luxury brands, clothing, shoes and bags, fine dining, children’s and baby products, etc. Besides, the dining options vary from authentic Sichuan cuisine to global flavors. And frequent art and fashion activities are held every year. All tourists can enjoy shopping here.
Cosmo Shopping Mall Chengdu — Local Lifestyle Mall
- Location: No. 6, Daye Road, Jinjiang District
- How to get to: metro line 1: Jinjiang Hotel Station
For the young generation who seek a shopping destination in Chengdu, Cosmo is one of the most recommended places. This mall is a model of “non-standard business” and it targets the youth. So there are trendy retail, art exhibitions, live music performances, etc.
It utilizes the original industrial relics to create a unique cyberpunk space, offering a striking visual shock. Also, the second and third floors together are transformed into a giant theme space without partition walls, called “INNERCO”. To follow the trend of youth culture, it specializes in introducing the domestic independent designer brands, trendsetter brands and local brands, etc.
What to Buy in Chengdu — Best Souvenirs & Local Products
Panda Souvenirs — Chengdu’s Iconic Gifts
If you want to purchase souvenirs during Chengdu travel, the panda souvenirs, as the cutest city card, are the must-buy gifts when you go shopping in Chengdu. From lovely toys, exquisite keychains, practical stationery to creative products, you can buy anything you want. These souvenirs are not only full of childlike fun, but also carry the beautiful memories of the national treasure and this “Panda Capital”.
- Where to buy: the preferred place must be the official cultural and creative store inside the Panda Base. The Panda Post in downtown area is another choice. In most scenic areas, there are also panda-themed stores.
Shu Brocade and Shu Embroidery
Shu Brocade and Shu Embroidery are treasures of traditional handicrafts in Sichuan with a history of more than 2,000 years. Shu brocade features resplendent patterns and a strong but pliable texture. Shu embroidery is renowned for its fine stitches, bright colors and strong three-dimensional effect. The common products include ties, silk scarves, handkerchiefs, wallets, etc. All are practical and artistic.
- Where to buy: Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum, where you can appreciate the delicate exhibits and purchase the genuine Shu brocade and Shu embroidery. If you do not have time to visit there, you can also buy it in the intangible cultural heritage shops in some cultural attractions, like Jinli Street.
Sichuan Tea & Tea Sets
As one of the birthplaces of tea in China, Sichuan also has a profound tea cultural charm. What can you buy? The Ganlu Tea and Huangya Tea from Mengding Mountain and the Bamboo Leaf Green Tea and Piaoxue Tea from Mount Emei are all famous local teas. Then pair it with an exquisite tea set. No matter you use it by yourself or send others as a gift, it is a good choice.
- Where to buy: the Great Southwest Tea City and Wukaishi Tea Market are large markets that sell varieties of tea and tea sets. The famous tea shops and teahouses near Chunxi Road and Wushou Shrine provide tea of guaranteed quality and tea sets.
Sichuan Spicy Food Souvenirs — Hot Pot Base & Chili Products
Want to bring the spicy taste back home? The hot pose base and chili products are the best choices. From the classic hot pot base with thick butter and a spicy, fresh and fragrant flavor to seasonings like Pixian bean paste and chili sauce, you can easily replicate the authentic Sichuan taste at home.
- Where to buy: large chain supermarkets, like Freshippo or Ole, are the most cost-effective place to purchase well-known hot pot bases with clearly marked prices and guaranteed quality.
Sanxingdui Cultural and Creative Products
The Sanxingdui culture from the mysterious ancient Shu civilization provides endless inspiration to the design of cultural and creative products. The unique culture relics, bronze mask, divine tree, sun wheel, are transformed into fashion and interesting toys, stationery and daily necessities. All are distinctive souvenirs with rich cultural connotations and collection value.
- Where to buy: China’s first Sanxingdui-themed cultural and creative experience center is in downtown Chengdu and offers both immersive experiences and various products. The cultural and creative store in the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan sells over 2,000 types of products.
Chengdu Shopping Tips for Tourists
- Bargaining: Though the cost for Chengdu shopping is usually affordable, in the wholesale markets, street stalls inside the scenic areas and night markets, bargaining is common. Learn some bargain and shopping tipsbefore you go there.
- Payment: Also, mobile payment has been fully popularized, but it is still necessary to prepare some cash. The most important thing is that 21 overseas electronic wallets can be used directly in Chengdu, including Kakao Pay, Touch ‘n Go, etc.
- Best Time for Shopping in Chengdu: the common promotion time is during the E-commerce Promotion Season around Jun. 18 and Nov. 11, and National Day Golden Week on Oct. 1.
- Tax refund: A tax refund can be applied for if the single purchase reaches CNY 200, and over 170 merchants support instant tax refund.
Plan a Chengdu Tour with China Xian Tour
In Chengdu, tourists can enjoy not only a shopping tour, but also historical and cultural experience, and food adventures. No matter you want to have an in-depth tour in one aspect or experience its complete charm, China Xian Tour can recommend suitable itineraries or tailor a trip for you. To improve your travel experience, we will also include the hotels, meals and tickets. It will be a carefree tour. Just contact us now to plan your tour together.
