Chengdu Shopping Guide: Best Malls, Streets & Markets

Is Chengdu good for shopping? Yes, it is one of the best shopping cities in western China. You can find luxury malls on Chunxi Road, designer stores in open-air Taikoo Li, and discounted brands at a huge designer outlet. And if you are on a budget the wholesale markets sell clothes for just a few dollars.

Keep reading to learn where to shop in Chengdu, what to buy, how to pay as a foreign traveler, and how to get a tax refund on your purchases.

Is Chengdu Good for Shopping?

Yes, Chengdu is great for shopping. You can buy luxury brands, local crafts, and cheap clothes all in one city. Most of the big malls are in the city center. Also, the budget markets and antique stalls are a short taxi ride away.

What Is the Best Shopping Street in Chengdu?

The best shopping street in Chengdu is Chunxi Road. It has the biggest malls and the most stores in the city. But if you want local crafts and souvenirs, the old-style streets like Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli are better picks.

1. Chunxi Road

Chunxi Road is the main shopping street in Chengdu. It sits just east of Tianfu Square. The area has over 700 shops, including big names like Chengdu IFS, Taikoo Li, Ito Yokado, and Pacific Sogo. You will also find small local shops that have been there for generations.

The street is almost always crowded, and weekends are the worst. Try to go on a weekday morning if you want to shop in peace. Evenings are busy too, but the lights make it a fun place to walk around.

2. Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley)

Kuanzhai Alley is made up of three old lanes with traditional Qing-style buildings. It is free to walk around. You can buy souvenirs, try local snacks, and sit down for tea in a traditional teahouse.

Keep in mind that this is one of the most touristy spots in Chengdu. Prices are often higher than in other parts of the city. If you see the same souvenir somewhere else, you will probably pay less there.

3. Jinli Ancient Street

Jinli is a busy street built to look like it did in the Qing Dynasty. It is lined with shops, teahouses, and street food stalls. It is a good place to buy crafts like paper cuts, embroidery, and panda souvenirs.

Jinli is right next to Wuhou Shrine, so you can visit both in one trip. See the shrine during the day, then walk over to Jinli. The street looks its best in the evening when the red lanterns light up.

4. Wenshu Fang

Wenshu Fang is a pedestrian street near Wenshu Monastery. It has traditional-style buildings and lots of shops selling tea and local handicrafts. It is quieter than Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli. This makes it a nice pick if you want to shop without the big crowds.

About Taikoo Li Chengdu Shopping District

The Chengdu Taikoo Li shopping district is the city’s most stylish place to shop. It is an open-air, low-rise shopping area built around the ancient Daci Temple. It officially opened in April 2015. The temple is about 1,600 years old and was kept as part of the project. So you can shop at designer stores and see a Buddhist temple in the same walk.

Instead of one big building, Taikoo Li is a group of small lanes and courtyards. The shops sit around six restored heritage buildings, including the Daci Temple complex and the Huguang Guild Hall. It feels more like walking through a neighborhood than a mall.

What Brands Can You Find at Taikoo Li?

Taikoo Li is mostly known for luxury and designer brands. You can find names like Cartier, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Valentino, Balmain, Givenchy, Acne Studios, and Michael Kors. There are also more affordable stores like MUJI and popular Chinese brands.

Prices at the luxury stores are usually not lower than in the US. So go for the experience, not for bargains. If you want cheaper designer goods, the outlet mall is a better pick.

Tip: Weekends get very crowded, especially around the main photo spots. If you want a quieter visit, I recommend you go on a weekday.

What Are the Best Shopping Malls in Chengdu?

The best shopping malls in Chengdu are Chengdu IFS, SKP Chengdu, and the New Century Global Center. Each one offers something different.

Chengdu IFS

• Best for: International fashion, beauty brands, and restaurants.
• Don’t miss: The giant panda sculpture climbing the side of the building. It’s one of Chengdu’s most popular photo spots.

SKP Chengdu

• It’s Asia’s largest sunken-style luxury mall. About 99% of it is below ground, so it looks like a park from the street.
• Best for: Luxury brands. It has more than 1,300 of them.
• Don’t miss: The Tower of Life, a giant bamboo-shaped fountain that lights up at night.

New Century Global Center

• It’s one of the largest buildings in the world. You could fit 20 Sydney Opera Houses inside.
• Best for: Families and a fun day out, not just shopping.
• Don’t miss: The Paradise Island Water Park, with an indoor beach and a giant screen showing sunrises and sunsets.

Is There an Outlet Mall in Chengdu?

Yes, Chengdu has a big designer outlet called Florentia Village Chengdu. It is the best place in the city to buy luxury brands at a discount. The mall is built to look like a small Italian town, so it’s a fun place to walk around too.

They say the brands here are discounted by up to 80% year-round but the biggest savings are usually on last season’s styles. Holiday sales like Chinese New Year and Singles’ Day add extra discounts.

How to Get to Florentia Village Chengdu

• Taxi or DiDi: About 80 yuan (around $11) from the city center. This is the easiest option, especially if you plan to carry shopping bags back.
• Shuttle bus: The outlet runs daily shuttle buses from Chunxi Road and from Wangcongci Station on Metro Line 6 (Exit D).
• Metro only: There is no metro station at the outlet. You need to take the metro to Wangcongci and then switch to the shuttle.

Note: Shuttle times can change. Check the schedule on the outlet’s official WeChat account before you go.

Is Florentia Village Worth It for US Shoppers?

It depends on what you want to buy.

• Worth it for: European luxury brands, Chinese designer brands, and items you can’t find back home.
• Maybe not worth it for: American brands like Coach or Michael Kors. US outlets are often just as cheap or cheaper.

Where to Find Cheap Shopping in Chengdu?

The best places for cheap shopping in Chengdu are Hehuachi Wholesale Market, Kowloon Plaza, and the local night markets. You can find beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories for just a few dollars. But don’t expect to find any fancy stores or English signs here.

Hehuachi Wholesale Market

Hehuachi is the go-to place for cheap clothes in Chengdu. It is the largest wholesale market in Southwest China. It sells clothing, shoes, housewares, textiles, accessories and more. 

Many stalls sell to shop owners in bulk but a lot of them will still sell you one or two pieces. You’ll just have to pay a bit more per item. Bargaining is expected here though, so start at around half the asking price and stay polite.

Tip: I recommend going early in the morning. Even though the official hours are 8:00 am to 6:30 pm but many vendors start trading at 6:00 am. The best stock is out early and many stalls start packing up after lunch.

Kowloon Plaza

Kowloon Plaza is an 11-story building with both wholesalers and retailers. You can buy clothing, electronics, suitcases, leather goods, and food here. It is a good option for cheap prices without the chaos of an open market.

Night Markets

Night markets are great for cheap clothes, phone accessories, and street food. One easy option is Fuqin Night Market on Fuqin West Road in Jinniu District. It is open daily from about 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Take Metro Line 5 to Fuqin Station and use Exit B1.

Tip: Bring cash or have Alipay ready since small stalls rarely take cards.

Where to Go for Vintage Shopping and Flea Markets in Chengdu?

As a vintage lover myself, I had to include this part! The best place for vintage shopping in Chengdu is Songxianqiao Antique Market. It is packed with old coins, jade, porcelain, and paintings. If you want something more local, the secondhand markets on the edge of the city are worth a look too.

Songxianqiao Antique Market

Songxianqiao is often called the second-largest antique market in China. You can find jade, porcelain, bronze, calligraphy, and paintings here. There are also fun finds like old Mao memorabilia and vintage money.

The market is near Du Fu Thatched Cottage. It doesn’t really get busy until late morning. It is at No. 24 Huanhua North Road, and it is open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. The closest metro stop is Caotang North Road.

Tip: Bargaining is part of the fun here. Start low and stay friendly. And keep in mind that many “antiques” are actually new copies.

Weekend Flea Markets

If you want to shop like a local, skip the tourist streets and head to a secondhand market. These markets sell everything from old furniture to kitchen tools and small gadgets. You might find vintage radios, retro posters, and old ceramics.

Vintage Clothing Boutiques

Chengdu has a small but growing vintage clothing scene. Most shops are small boutiques run by young owners. They sell secondhand jackets, denim, and retro pieces from Japan, the US, and Europe.

Tip: Vintage shops in China open and close quickly. Search 成都 古着 (Chengdu vintage) on Xiaohongshu to find the newest shops before you go.

How to Pay When Shopping in Chengdu

The easiest way to pay when shopping in Chengdu is with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Almost every store and market stall accepts them. You can link your US credit card to both apps, so you don’t need a Chinese bank account.

Alipay and WeChat Pay With a US Card

• What you need: A US phone number and a Visa or Mastercard. No Chinese bank account or Chinese SIM card needed.
• How it works: Scan the store’s QR code or show your own code at checkout.
• Fees: Payments of 200 yuan (about $28) or less are free. Anything over 200 yuan gets a 3% fee on the whole amount.
• Card fees: Your US card may add its own foreign transaction fee of around 1% to 3%. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees if possible.

Cash

• Use as a backup at wholesale markets, flea markets, and small family-run stalls.

Credit Cards

• Big malls like IFS, SKP, and Taikoo Li usually accept Visa and Mastercard.
• Most small shops and markets don’t have card machines at all.
• Don’t count on tapping your physical card outside the big malls.

Tip: Set up Alipay before you land in China. You will need your passport to verify your account. Linking your card before you fly makes sure the verification text reaches your phone. Make one small test payment at the airport to check that everything works.

Can Tourists Get a Tax Refund When Shopping in Chengdu?

Yes, tourists can get a tax refund when shopping in Chengdu. Since April 2025, you can claim a refund once you spend at least 200 yuan (about $28) in the same tax-refund store on the same day. 

How to do it step-by-step:

1. Shop at a tax-refund store. Look for the Tax Free sign, usually at big malls like IFS and Taikoo Li.
2. Spend at least 200 yuan (about $28) in one store on the same day.
3. Show your passport at checkout and ask for a tax refund form.
4. Get your refund instantly at the store or a nearby refund counter.
5. Verify your purchases at the airport before you leave China. Scan your form at the e-tax refund kiosk. If you skip this step, your refund can be reversed.

Important Note: Keep your purchases unused and in your carry-on. Customs may ask to see them at the airport.

Where to Stay in Chengdu for Shopping?

The best area to stay in Chengdu for shopping is Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li. You can walk to the biggest malls and shopping streets in minutes. If you want a more central base for sightseeing too, Tianfu Square is a great pick. It is only one metro stop from Chunxi Road.

Hotels Near Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li

This area is best for first-timers. You can drop your shopping bags at the hotel and head back out.

• Upper House Chengdu: A luxury boutique hotel inside the Taikoo Li complex, right next to Daci Temple. It is about a 550-meter walk from Chunxi Road metro station. It’s a splurge, but you can’t get closer to Taikoo Li.
• Niccolo Chengdu: A luxury hotel inside Chengdu IFS. It sits in Tower 3 of IFS on Hongxing Road. You can walk straight down into the mall.
• Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li: A good mid-range pick near Chunxi Road. It is a little under 1 km from Tianfu Square, so you get easy access to both areas.

Hotels Near Tianfu Square

Tianfu Square is the center of the city. It’s a smart choice if you want to mix shopping with sightseeing.

• HAZENS Hotel (Chengdu Chunxi Road, Tianfu Square): A highly rated mid-range hotel. It is just 0.21 km from Tianfu Square.
• Fairfield by Marriott Chengdu Tianfu Square: A familiar US brand at a lower price than most international hotels. It is new to Trip.com, so there may be fewer reviews.
• Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Road Tianfu Square: It is about 0.54 km from Tianfu Square Station and has a 9.7/10 rating on Trip.com. Use this one instead of Fairfield if you want more guest reviews.