As a gateway to Tibet, the start of the southern Silk Road and an important center of commerce and trade, Chengdu City has a good selection of souvenirs and things to buy. Chengdu has been a center for commerce for centuries, Marco Polo even mentioned it. Shu Brocade is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship. Exclusive to Chengdu and available throughout the city, is a wealth of Bamboo craft-work including table mats, chairs, vases and other pretty pieces. Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries. 

---

What to buy in Chengdu ?

Bamboo Weavings Lined with Porcelain
Bamboo Weavings Lined with Porcelain is a unique specialty. Just as its name implies, it is weaved by thin and soft bamboo thread, with porcelain as the embryo, which need sky-high weaving craft. It can by shaped into jardinière, dishware, tea set, stationery and so on with all the colors of the rainbow. 

Lacquer Wares
As one of the four producing area of lacquer ware in China, lacquer wares of Chengdu is characterized for good looking, clarity like water, as well as brightness like mirror. It mainly produces folding screen, duplicate of unearthed cultural relic, lacquer pictures, etc.. The price is about RMB80-200. 

Qingcheng Silk Blanket
With silk and floret as the raw material, the craft-work is made by traditional processing handicraft. It features smooth surface, non-lose color, soft and stretch texture. The price is about RMB 100-300 

Shu Brocade
As one of the four best and most famous brocades in China, the Shu Brocade has a history of over two thousand years. it is soft in feel and flamboyant in color. Brocade has become an integral part of the ornament of women in the ethnic groups from southwestern China. Its price is about RMB 100-300. 

Sichuan Embroidery
One of the four embroideries of China. Its pattern is on the base of Chinese Ink and Wash painting, featured with simple and elegant color, as well as flowing line. 

Yinsi Art Articles
Chengdu has been famous for its Yinshi Art Articles for a long time. It is produced from extremely thin and fine threads of metal, which are as thins as hair. The delicate pieces are welded together and made into jewelry, wall decorations, table decorations and other pretty pieces. Yinsi Art Articles are widely available throughout Chengdu. 

---

Where to buy in Chengdu ?

Night Market
The best place to pick up all these souvenirs is at the night market near Jinjiang Hotel. The market offers all kinds of weird and wonderful goods from embroidered silk to statues of Chairman Mao. Don not forget bargain. Prices are not set in stone and quoted prices will be much higher than what the stall owner will accept.

Chunxi Road Shopping District
Chunxi Lu Shopping District is the most hip and popular district. It is quite large and its main street is on a north, south axis. Chun Xi Lu is a pedestrian street, which means that no vehicles are allowed on it making it a safe place to stroll and do a bit of window shopping. On either side of Chun Xi Lu are tall and modern shops selling modern fashions, electronics, and jewelry. There are also many restaurants and small snack stands that sell Chengdu's famous local cuisine.

Sichuan Specialty Market
Situated in the crossing between Xinhua Street and Hongxiang Road, about 10 minutes walk from Chunxi Lu, it is the largest market of Sichuan Specialty, offering almost everything from craft-works to the local cates. Its price is reasonable.

He Hua Ci Wholesale Shopping District
The He Hua Ci shopping district is organized into categorized sections, so finding things is fairly easy. It does not have name brand items, but what it does have is quite affordable. It is a bargainer's paradise. The first price quoted is usually far higher than the shop keeper would accept. Usually the more items you purchase, the lower the price accepted becomes. The general rule is to offer less than half of the quoted price and work up from there. Since the market is organized into sections many it is easy to shop for prices. It is always a good idea to shop around to make sure that you get the best prices.

Jinli Ancient Street
Jinli Ancient Street is designed in the style of the Qing Dynasty. Many shops, tea-houses, bars, and restaurants along the street are designed with traditional architectural style. In the evening, it is the time when Jinli really comes to life. The streets are lit with traditional red lanterns and the locals come out to walk the street and do some window shopping. It is an excellent place to purchase arts and crafts unique to Chengdu.

Ren Min Market
It is a old time market with long history and high reputation. It is situated in the golden business circle, very popular by tourists. 

Ask Questions ?