Chengdu is a beautiful city and it has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions, culture, and gastronomy. Also, Chengdu is a great city for shopping. If you’re passionate about shopping or you’re just looking for places to shop for souvenirs in Chengdu, you are in the right place.
In this article, I will walk you through the hottest and trendiest shopping districts in Chengdu, as well as the best streets for souvenir shopping in the city. One thing is sure: if you’re wondering where to shop in Chengdu, you’re in the right place. There are options for any budget!
To read more about the must see tourist attractions in the city, click here.
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1. IFS
Chengdu International Finance Square or IFS was opened in 2014 and is now one of the trendiest Chengdu shopping districts. With many luxury brands (Dior, Prada, Lane Crawford and many others), IFS also has an ice skating rink, an IMAX cinema and plenty of restaurants.
Even if you are not interested in luxury shopping, you should visit IFS for the giant panda hanging outside the mall. Slowly, this panda became a major tourist attraction and a meeting point for locals. If you are looking for the best shopping places in Chengdu, IFS is definitely one of them.
Check out 10 amazing day trips from Chengdu here.
2. Taikoo Li
A cool place for hanging out, Taikoo Li is one of the best shopping places in Chengdu if you have a medium budget. Here you will find an artsy atmosphere but with a traditional touch and endless shopping opportunities. From local boutique shops to international brands, Taikoo Li has something for everyone.
I loved the architecture of this place and the cool art pieces. It’s a nice place to spend the evening.
While you are wondering around Taikoo Li, take a few minutes to visit the Daci Temple nearby. To read more about this temple and other amazing tourist attractions in Chengdu, click here.
Other popular things to do in Chengdu:
- Take a day trip to Mount Emei – click here
- Visit the panda breeding center – click here
- Take a food and beer tour in Chengdu – click here
3. Jinli Street
If you are looking for the best shopping streets in Chengdu, Jinli Street is certainly one of them. Packed with street food and souvenir shops, Jinli Street is perfect to buy some gifts for the loved ones back home.
Here you can find stores selling the famous Shu embroidery, beautiful ceramics, and panda-themed souvenirs. You can’t leave Chengdu without buying a panda fridge magnet or a panda stuffed animal.
Also, on Jinli street you can buy the famous Chengdu masks. Chengdu is known internationally for face-changing – if you attend a Sichuan Opera, you will notice that the actors are changing their face painting in a matter of milliseconds which is truly incredible. The red mask represents anger while the black one represents extreme furry.
Read about the best photography locations in Chengdu here.
4. Kuan Zhai Alley
Another popular shopping area in Chengdu is the Kuan Zhai Alley. If you are looking for the best Chengdu souvenirs, you have to visit these two streets. Eat some rice cookies to feel energized and then start walking through the hundreds of shops and tea houses.
Tea is a very important part of China’s culture and it can be a perfect gift for your friends and family.
If you are looking for something else, here you can find jade, Chinese figurines, jewelry, handicrafts, wood souvenirs and of course, panda-themed souvenirs. The Kuan Zhai Alley is one of Chengdu’s best shopping streets so be prepared to spend a few bucks here.
5. New Century Global Center
Nothing can prepare you for this huge mall – New Century Global Center. Actually, this building is the largest building in the world in terms of floor surface so do wear comfortable shoes when shopping here. Even though it is situated a bit outside the city center, the New Century Global Center is shopping heaven.
Here you will find anything you’re searching for: clothes, souvenirs, jewelry and accessories. After all that shopping, you can relax at the IMAX cinema or at the ice skating rink – this mall is a city itself!
Where to stay in Chengdu
I’ve searched for the best accommodation in Chengdu, for each budget. Here are my recommendations:
- Budget – Together Hostel – good location, clean rooms, brand new hostel
- Mid Budget – Lia Hotel – excellent location, spacious & clean rooms, English speaking staff
- Luxury – Minyoun Hotel – excellent location, breakfast included, modern & elegant rooms, excellent services & staff
If you were looking for things to buy in Chengdu and the best shopping locations in the city, I hope that you’ve found the answers in this blog post. Chengdu is a beautiful city and a shopping paradise for those searching for clothes, accessories, or home decor.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to let me know in the comments section below.
May the travel bug bite you!
Disclaimer: I was welcomed in Chengdu by Go Chengdu. As always, all opinions are my own and they reflect my true, unbiased experience.
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!