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 through world-class boutiques or cutting-edge designer stores 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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- Best Shopping Areas
- What to Buy
- Budget for Chengdu Shopping
- Shopping Tips
- Travel with China Xian Tour
- Faqs
Best Shopping Areas in Chengdu — Where to Shop in Chengdu
Chunxi Road – Taikoo Li – IFS Core Shopping District — Chengdu’s Top Shopping Hub
- Address: Jinjiang District
- Main projects: IFS, Taikoo Li, Wangfujing
- How to get to: metro line 2 or 3: Chunxi Road Station
Located right in the city center, Chunxi Road is the oldest and most influential core business district in Chengdu. Here, you can find almost all top international brands, and also 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 and IFS are the most representative shopping centers here.
Taikoo Li: This is an open and low-density block-style shopping center that is built around a thousand-year-old temple, Daci Temple. It is widely considered the top destination of top luxury goods, avant-garde fashion and high-quality lifestyle in Chengdu.
IFS: This super complex is famous for the highly concentrated luxury brands, a comprehensive range of goods, and the city landmark – the giant wall-climbing panda on the exterior wall of the mall.
Get up close with adorable giant pandas at the breeding center, savor fiery Sichuan cuisine, and explore Chengdu's laid-back teahouse culture and ancient streets.
SKP & New Century Global Center
- Location: Tianfu Avenue, Wuhou District
- How to get to: metro line 1: Jincheng Plaza Station; metro line 18: Jincheng Plaza East Station
As the largest sunken building in Asia, SKP boasts the most comprehensive luxury brands in Chengdu. Numerous global first-tier brands have been introduced. At night, the bamboo-themed LED light show – “Tower of Life” – has become a newly emerged landmark.
New Century Global Center is a super urban complex renowned as the world’s largest single building. All categories, from international fast fashion, large supermarkets, parent-child brands to digital home appliances, catering and entertainment, are covered here.
Besides, it boasts the Paradise Island Ocean Park, which features Asia’s largest indoor artificial wave pool and coastal beach landscapes. So it is positioned as a one-stop entertainment and lifestyle consumption center for all customer groups.
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 Alley 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 hustle and bustle.
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: Hengjie Street, 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 Tibetan 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.
Eastern Suburb Memory
- Address: No. 4, South Jianshe Road, Chenghua District
- Main projects: ARTE MUSEUM, East District Super Music Live, No.3 Warehouse
- How to get to: metro line 8: Dongjiao Memory Station
Unlike common shopping districts, Eastern Suburb Memory is a fashion, creative and cultural park transformed from the original site of a factory.
After stepping into the district, you will find that the Soviet-style red-brick factory buildings, 100-meter-tall chimneys, rusted pipelines and green train carriages are all well-preserved. Meanwhile, it integrates fashion brands, vintage shops, creative and cultural product stores, and trendy toy stores like Pop Mart.
Besides, there are also music performances. With such abundant experiences, it has been quite popular among the younger generation.
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 more accessible, 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.
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.
Get up close with adorable giant pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, then explore Jinli Street for authentic Sichuan cuisine and Wuhou Temple.
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.
- Estimated Cost: CNY 50 – 500+/USD 7 – 74+
Unique Intangible Cultural Heritage Crafts
Chengdu is home to several prestigious intangible cultural heritage crafts.
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.
Lacquerware is crafted by applying layers of natural raw lacquer onto wood, bamboo, or linen bases and achieving a mirror-like, jade-smooth finish. Lacquer paintings and jewelry boxes are popular souvenirs.
Bamboo weaving uses ultra-fine bamboo filaments that are as thin as hair to wrap porcelain vessels seamlessly, creating an exquisite artwork. You can buy some cultural and creative ornaments.
- Where to buy: You can buy them in the intangible cultural heritage shops in some cultural attractions, like Jinli Street. If time permits, visit Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum, where you can appreciate the delicate exhibits and purchase the genuine Shu brocade and Shu embroidery.
- Estimated Cost: CNY 50 – 800/USD 7 – 118
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 Wuhou Shrine provide tea of guaranteed quality and tea sets.
- Estimated Cost: CNY 100 – 400+/USD 15 – 59+
Sichuan Spicy Food Souvenirs — Hot Pot Base & Chili Products
Want to bring the spicy taste back home? The hot pot 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.
- Estimated Cost: CNY 15 – 100/USD 2 – 15
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.
- Estimated Cost: CNY 50 – 400+/USD 7 – 59+
How Much Should You Budget for Shopping in Chengdu?
It depends on what you will purchase. Refer to the table below for detailed information.
Budget |
What to Buy |
CNY 100 – 300/USD 15 – 44 |
Small souvenirs & everyday finds, such as panda souvenirs, smaller Shu embroidery pieces, silk scarves, tea, fridge magnets, postcards, hotpot base, and Pixian douban paste |
CNY 300 – 800/USD 44 – 118 |
Premium gifts & designer pieces, including mid-range Shu embroidery brocade scarves, boutique tea sets, casual wear or footwear from Taikoo Li / IFS mid-tier brands. |
CNY 1,500 +/USD 221+ |
Luxury brands and high-end crafts, collector-grade Shu embroidery panels; exquisite lacquerware |
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 tips before 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: An instant tax refund can be claimed if a single purchase at one tax-refund store reaches CNY 200/USD 29. Now, about 300 merchants support the policy and most gather in major shopping malls, such as Taikoo Li and IFS. Besides, you can also follow the traditional procedure to apply for tax refund at the port of departure. The documents needed include Tax Refund Application Form, Original Sales Invoice and unopened goods.
- Delivery: The tax-refund goods can only be taken out of China by the purchaser as carry-on or checked baggage, so they can not be delivered. For other items, you can choose DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS or SF Express. EMS or SF Express are Chinese courier companies, so it is easy to find the service points. You need to present your passport and an item declaration list in the destination country’s language when delivering the goods.
Volunteer at a panda base caring for China's beloved bears, then explore the Taoist sanctuary of Mount Qingcheng and the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha carved into a cliff.
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.
FAQs about Chengdu Shopping
Can foreigners use credit cards when going shopping in Chengdu?
Credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex, usually can be used when you go shopping at international brands, large shopping malls, tax-refund shops, and most commercial districts. However, they may not be accepted at street stalls.
Is Chengdu good for shopping?
Absolutely. From top luxuries to local souvenirs, all kinds of commodities can be found. And most major shopping districts offer tax refund service. It is very friendly to foreigners.
Is shopping cheaper in Chengdu than in Shanghai?
For creative and cultural products, local souvenirs and everyday spending, Chengdu offers lower prices than Shanghai. But for luxury brands, the two cities do not differ a lot.
