Jinli Ancient Street, adjoining the Wuhou Shrine (Temple of Marquis) in Wuhou District, is a 550-meter reconstructed Qing-style street of wooden shopfronts selling Sichuan snacks, folk crafts, Shu embroidery, sugar paintings, and shadow-puppet souvenirs. The street leans heavily toward tourist-oriented goods rather than fine antiques or luxury retail, with a mix of genuine local crafts made by resident artisans and generic mass-produced trinkets sold interchangeably along the stalls, so shoppers should watch demonstrations to judge whether an item is handmade on-site. Small food and craft vendors are more open to light haggling than the sit-down restaurants and licensed shops; cash remains common among smaller stalls, though mobile payment is widely accepted. The street is consistently crowded, especially in the evening when red lanterns are lit, and it is one of Chengdu's most concentrated spots for street snacks like San Da Pao and spicy rabbit heads. The must-visit corners are the riverside stage area for traditional performances, the shadow-puppet workshop stalls, and the connecting entrance beside the Wuhou Shrine.
| Hours | 09:00-22:00 (street), individual shops vary |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Address | No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China |
Weather through the year in Sichuan
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Sichuan.
Location
No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
30.6485, 104.0474 View on map
Highlights
- 550-meter reconstructed Qing-dynasty streetscape
- Adjoins the historic Wuhou Shrine (Temple of Marquis)
- Dense concentration of Sichuan street snacks
- Live sugar-painting and shadow-puppet demonstrations
- Riverside stage with traditional folk performances
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the early evening to see the street lit with red lanterns
- Watch a craft demonstration before buying to judge handmade quality
- Light bargaining is acceptable at small stalls but not at sit-down restaurants
- Expect heavy crowds on weekends and combine the visit with the adjoining Wuhou Shrine
Frequently asked questions
Is Jinli Street connected to the Wuhou Shrine?
Yes, Jinli Street sits directly beside the shrine and is often visited together with it.
What food is Jinli Street known for?
It is known for Sichuan street snacks such as San Da Pao rice cakes and spicy rabbit heads.
Is bargaining expected on Jinli Street?
Light bargaining is common at small craft and snack stalls, though many shops keep fixed prices.