Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, a city of over 20 million people famous as the global home of giant panda conservation, the birthplace of fiery Sichuanese cuisine and mala hotpot, and a relaxed teahouse culture that stands in contrast to China's faster-paced coastal metropolises. Landmarks range from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to the historic Kuanzhai Alleys and Jinli Ancient Street beside the Wuhou Shrine.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Shu brocade (Shu jin) and Shu embroidery (Shu xiu) textiles, one of China's four classical embroidery schools with roots over 2,000 years old
Sichuan opera face-changing masks, sold as miniature painted replicas or wearable silk versions
Panda-themed plush toys, ceramics, and stationery, sold throughout Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, and the panda base gift shop
Sichuan pepper (huajiao) and chili-oil condiment sets, packaged for travel and sold in food markets and supermarkets
Bamboo weaving handicrafts from the Yanshikou and Kuanzhai areas, including baskets, fans, and tea accessories
Shadow puppets (piying) and sugar paintings (tanghua) from Jinli Ancient Street, traditional folk-art souvenirs unique to Sichuan
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
Chengdu's largest and oldest pedestrian shopping street, with over 700 shops including department stores, flagship international brands, and local boutiques
Where: Jinjiang District, city center
Hours: Shops generally 10:00-22:00; street is open 24 hours
Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu
Open-air luxury and lifestyle retail complex built around the Daci Temple, blending Tang-dynasty-style architecture with international designer boutiques and dining
Where: Jinjiang District, next to Chunxi Road
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Chengdu International Finance Square (IFS)
High-end shopping mall famous for the giant panda sculpture climbing its exterior wall, plus luxury fashion, department store floors, and rooftop views
Where: Jinjiang District, adjacent to Taikoo Li
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Kuanzhai Alleys
Three restored Qing-dynasty alleyways (Wide, Narrow, and Well) selling Sichuan handicrafts, tea, souvenirs, and snacks in a preserved courtyard-house setting
Where: Qingyang District, near Kuanzhai Alley metro station (Line 4)
Hours: Open 24 hours; shops and restaurants typically 09:00-22:00
Jinli Ancient Street
550-meter Qing-dynasty-style street adjoining the Temple of Marquis, known for Sichuan snacks, folk crafts, sugar paintings, and shadow puppets
Where: Wuhou District, beside the Wuhou Shrine
Hours: 09:00-22:00 (street), individual shops vary
Yanshikou Shopping District
Local, youth-oriented fashion hub with bargain clothing, accessories, Shu brocade textiles, and bamboo weaving handicrafts
Where: Jinjiang District, adjacent to Chunxi Road and Tianfu Square
Hours: 10:00-22:00, varies by store
Chengdu New Century Global Center
One of the world's largest buildings by floor area, combining a shopping mall, indoor water park, ice rink, cinema, and hotel under one roof
Where: Wuhou District, near Jincheng Plaza metro station (Line 1)
Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Paradise Island Water Park 10:30-20:00)
Luodai Ancient Town
China's best-preserved Hakka settlement, selling Hakka handicrafts, embroidery, and local specialty foods along a Qing-era streetscape
Where: Longquanyi District, about 18 km east of downtown Chengdu
Hours: 09:00-18:00, varies by shop
Songxianqiao Antique and Art Market
Sprawling curio and antiques bazaar for Tibetan jewelry, calligraphy, jade, old coins, ceramics, and Sichuan folk art
Where: Qingyang District, next to Huanhuaxi Park and the Sichuan Provincial Museum
Hours: 09:00-18:00
SKP Chengdu
Asia's largest sunken luxury shopping complex, opened in 2022, with more than 1,300 brands across five underground floors topped by a landscaped rooftop park
Where: Wuhou District, across from the Global Center on Tianfu Avenue
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Raffles City Chengdu
Steven Holl-designed mixed-use complex with a four-level mall of international and domestic retail, connected directly to the metro
Where: Wuhou District, above Sichuan Gymnasium metro station (Lines 1 and 3)
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Chengdu MixC
China Resources-operated mall complex with four shopping zones, an Ole' supermarket, and mid-range to upscale international brands including Apple, Lululemon, and Abercrombie & Fitch
Where: Chenghua District, at Shuangqing Road and the Second Ring Road
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Haggling is expected and normal at antique markets like Songxianqiao, souvenir stalls on Jinli and Kuanzhai, and independent street vendors, but not in malls, department stores, chain shops, or restaurants where prices are fixed
Start an offer at roughly 30-50% of the asking price at tourist-facing craft stalls, then negotiate toward the middle; sellers expect back-and-forth and rarely take the first counteroffer
Buying more than one item, or paying in cash, often earns a better price than card payment at small stalls
A polite smile and willingness to walk away are the most effective bargaining tools; aggressive or loud haggling is not the local style
Compare prices at two or three stalls selling the same souvenir (sugar paintings, opera masks, embroidery) before committing, since quality and asking price vary widely