Chengdu Shopping

Though not as famous as Hong Kong, Chengdu, too, is a shopping paradise characterized by the ancient culture of Shu which presents visitors a truly local flavor.

 

What to buy

 Shu Brocade and Embroidery
The Chinese character Shu means silkworm breeding and mulberry growing. As early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Shu brocade was exported overseas to Japan and as far as Persia and in the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-280). It was a financial resource for the military. Shu Brocade features various colors and a unique technique for extracting colors from plants. Several hundred designs are used by the minority nationalities in southwest China. Silk-woven, but durable, the brocade has a soft feel.

As the other local craft from silkworm breeding and mulberry growing, Shu Embroidery has enjoyed a reputation for superb craftsmanship. With a unique technique and elegant colors, the products look like Chinese ink and wash paintings embroidered on satins. One masterpiece in the Great Hall of the People is called the Cottonrose Hibiscus and the Carp. Functional as well as artistic, Shu embroidery appears on quilts covers, pillow cases, clothes, shoes etc.

Shu Brocade
Shu Brocade
Shu Embroidery
Shu Embroidery

Lacquer wares
With a history dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (475B.C.-221 B.C.) and the Warring States Period (221B.C.-207 B.C.), Chengdu lacquer ware is renowned for its ability to resist corrosion and aging, and for its unique gloss. When the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs were uncovered in 1972, a large number of exquisite Chengdu- lacquer ware pieces were discovered. Visitors are astonished that their brilliant appearance has remained for over 2,000 years. However, its durability doesn't come accidentally. Originally using wood as its roughcast base with the addition of plastic, bamboo and paper later, the complicated technique of lacquer-ware making has remained nearly unchanged to this day. No lacquer-ware piece is finished until 72 procedures are taken, not to mention the fact that the roughcast must have been in storage for 30-40 years before lacquering.

Lacquer ware
Lacquer ware
Lacquer ware
Lacquer ware
 Silver Inlaid Products and Bamboo Products
Chengdu silver inlaid products is made with silver threads no thicker than 3mm (0.1 inch) inlaid on silver background. As a traditional area for silver inlaid technology, Chengdu shares its reputation with Beijing, which is famous for the applied weaving technique. Delicately shaped, the silver inlaid products appear on screens, tea wares and vases.

Bamboo can actually be woven around porcelain roughcast. This amazing technique can be seen in Chengdu; in various bamboo products, such as bamboo sticks, baskets and fans. With the warm climate and fertile lands stimulating the growth of bamboo, Chengdu bamboo products are not only household necessities but also decorations.
 

Local Products
Chinese alcohol, tea and local food also deserve a try. Wuliangye, Luzhou Lao Jiao, Quanxing Da Qu and Jiannanchun are all top-ranking alcohol brands. Jasmine tea, Maofeng tea, hot pickled mustard tuber, mix-flavoured horsebean, Lao Cheng Du (Old Chengdu), Dengying (shadow) dried beef (so thin that light can shine through it), Liu Yang Gou dried beef, etc, can be gifts for friends back at home. In particular, there is something special about Dengying dried beef. More than 80 years ago, a Mr. Liu made a living by selling picked beef. When his business dragged, he was forced to create new products. Thus a thin sliced dried beef came into being. Mr. Liu set up a stall, placing a lamp behind his sliced dried beef. This attracted people and the crispy hot beef became popular. (*Check your country's Customs restrictions before buying foods to take home.)

If you are a fan of Chinese dishes, do not forget the soul of Sichuan Cuisine- thick broad-bean sauce from Pixian County.
 

Where to buy

The city's shopping centers converge at Chunxi Road, Zongfu Road and Luomashi Area. Here you can shop for a huge range of wares, with everything from souvenirs and street stall items to supermarket and department stores goods on offer.

Shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and especially small stands are widely scattered in the areas around Chunxi Road offering products ranging from souvenirs to living and travelling necessities. The following list may help you to have a pleasant shopping experience.

Going to Chengdu without visiting Chunxi Road is like going to Paris without visiting Champs Elysees, New York without 5th Avenue, or more locally, Beijng without Wangfujing, or Shanghai without visiting Nanjing Road. With a history of 70 years, Chunxi Road boasts the most typical and prosperous commercial pedestrian street in the city. Department stores, boutiques, modern cafes, a spacious square and pretty local girls will leave you pleasant memory about Chunxi Road.

Next to Chunxi Road is Yanshikou commercial circle. People's Department Store, Chengdu Department Emporium, and Renhe Spring Department Store and more are all concentrated here.

Local food specialties can be found at Hongqi Department Store, Shudu Avenue. You can buy Shu brocade, bamboo-woven crafts, preserved ham and alcoholic beverages such as Jiannanchun and Quanxing Da Qu.

Special recommendations:

Handicrafts
Shu Brocade Factory
Address: No. 1, Caotang East Road

Sichuan Antiques Shop
Address: No. 6, Shaocheng Road, Shudu Avenue

Bamboo-weaving Arts and Crafts Factory
Address: No. 12, the 1st Section of Jiefang Road

Sichuan Arts and Crafts Store
Address: Sichuan Exhibition Hall, No. 16, Renmin Middle Road.

Lacquer wares Factory
Address: No. 81, Jinhe Street

Hehuachi (Lotus Pool) Distribution Center
Location: third section of Erhuan (the 2nd Ring) Road

Classics Bookstore
Address: the south end of the North section of Chunxi Road
- Last updated on Jun. 14, 2024 -
Questions & Answers on Shopping in Chengdu
Asked by CHIEWCWOOI | Nov. 01, 2018 09:55Reply
I'd booked Chengdu Buddhazen Hotel for my family trip end of this month.
Any comments for this hotel, eg. location, services, nearby attractions...etc...?
Answers (2)
Answered by Vava from USA | Nov. 04, 2018 23:19
00Reply


It is located at the yard B6-6, Wenshufang Historic Reservation, Qingyang District. Many customers admired its good environment and service. It is about 15-minute walk to Far Eastern Department Stores, about 5-minute taxi ride to Tianfu Square and about10-minute taxi ride to Red star road pedestrian street. Its nearby attractions include Zhuge Liang Memorial Hall, Broad and Narrow Alley, and Jinli Ancient Street.
Answered by CHIEWCWOOI | Nov. 05, 2018 17:27
00Reply


Thanks.
Asked by Julian from INDONESIA | Oct. 07, 2018 11:23Reply
where is the best place to find toys and souvenirs for Children in Chengdu?
Preferably where it has a wide selection of products.
Answers (3)
Answered by Vida from USA | Oct. 11, 2018 19:54
00Reply


Lotus pool market is the biggest in this city and you can go there to have a look. The address is No.28 East One Road North Station, Jinniu District.
Answered by hernan from PERU | Aug. 22, 2019 05:08
00Reply


Do you have the address in chinese? is it near to any subway station?
Answered by Blake from USA | Aug. 22, 2019 22:51
00Reply


It is 成都市荷花池批发市场: 金牛区北站东一路28号
The nearest metro station is North Railway Station (metro line 1 and 7), about 650m from the market.
Asked by Chit from MALAYSIA | Jun. 21, 2018 22:25Reply
What is the nearest metro station to Chengdu Xiyue Hotel? Can I walk from the hotel?
Answers (1)
Answered by Nancy from NETHERLANDS ANTILLES | Jun. 24, 2018 21:26
00Reply


The nearest hotel is Shuangliu Square Station the distance is about 650m. Of course you can walk from the hotel since it’s not so far.
Asked by Tamas Radnoti from HUNGARY | Nov. 21, 2017 19:20Reply
Do you know where we could buy small red lanterns and also paper kites in Chengdu?
My wife really likes them.

Thanks in advance.
Answers (1)
Answered by Nicole from AUSTRIA | Nov. 21, 2017 21:38
10Reply


There are lanterns in Hehuachi Market in 46 Si Lane, Xiaojia Village, Jinniu District. As for paper kites, I think you can go to some shops for children, like Xingjili Children Shopping Mall in 1 Tidu Street, Qingyang District.
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