Chengdu, China
Best places to shop in Chengdu
5 markets, malls and shopping districts in Chengdu — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-09
1. Jinli Ancient Street
Photo: Vincent Tan · Pexels License · source
The reconstructed Qing-style street beside Wuhou Shrine — Sichuan opera masks, shadow puppets, silk, tea and a long snack alley.
Where: BazaarMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 09:30–22:00Cost: Budget–Mid
2. Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow)
Photo: Daderot · CC0 · source
Three restored Qing lanes — teahouses, craft shops, ear-cleaning, calligraphy and design boutiques in courtyard buildings.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–22:00Cost: Mid-range
3. Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li
Photo: dave chen · Pexels License · source
The central shopping district — department stores along Chunxi Road and the open-air luxury quarter of Taikoo Li beside the Daci Temple.
Where: LuxuryMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–22:00Cost: Mid–Luxury
4. Qingshiqiao Market
Photo: Blackcurrant Great · Pexels License · source
The city's spice and dried-goods market — Sichuan peppercorns, chilli varieties, doubanjiang and pickles, sold by the sackful.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 07:00–18:00Cost: BudgetTip: Sichuan peppercorns and Pixian doubanjiang are the two things to take home. Buy peppercorns whole and sealed; ground ones lose their numbing quality quickly.
5. Songxianqiao Antique Market
Photo: Kenny Foo · Pexels License · source
The city's antiques and curio market — jade, ceramics, coins, bamboo carving and Tibetan pieces.
Where: Flea MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 09:00–18:00, largest at weekendsCost: Budget–MidWatch out As at every Chinese antique market, treat everything as reproduction. Genuine antiquities cannot legally be exported without a permit.
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