Chongqing Shopping Guide: Where Locals Actually Shop (Not Tourist Traps!)
- cometodolphinunion
- Sep 27
- 5 min read
You’ll see travel blogs say “go shopping in every district” of Chongqing. But here’s the truth: as a local who’s lived here for 30 years, I only shop in four places: Jiefangbei, Guanyinqiao, Daying Longfor Times City, and Xiejiawan MixC. The others? Not worth your time.
Last month, my American friend went to Shapingba Pedestrian Street. He walked for 3 hours and came back empty-handed. “I saw nothing unique,” he said. “Just cheap clothes and fake brands.”
If you want to shop like a local in Chongqing, this guide is for you. I’ll show you where to go, what to buy, and how to save time. Whether you need gifts, tech, or fashion—this Chongqing shopping guide for foreign travelers will help you spend your time right.
1. Jiefangbei CBD (解放碑中央商务区) （Chongqing shopping guide for foreign travelers）
1.1 What Is Jiefangbei?
Jiefangbei (Jiěfàngbēi) is Chongqing’s oldest shopping area. It’s in Yuzhong District, right in the city center. It has big malls like Wangfujing, Department Store, and Chongqing World.
I grew up going to Jiefangbei with my mom. Back then, it was the only place to shop. Now it’s still busy, but more for locals who work downtown.
It’s great if you want big-name brands, luxury items, or quick city-center shopping.
1.2 What to Buy Here
Buy international fashion brands (Zara, H&M, Uniqlo), luxury goods (Louis Vuitton, Gucci), and Chongqing souvenirs (spicy snacks, red oil dumplings in jars).
The Department Store has a food floor with local gifts like la douban (fermented chili paste) and ma la seasoning. These are easy to pack and bring home.
My UK friend bought a Chongqing-themed T-shirt and some spicy tofu snacks. He said, “These are perfect gifts for my coworkers.”
1.3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time
Don’t wander into small side streets. Most shops are fake or overpriced. Stick to the main malls.
Go before 6 PM. After that, many stores close. Also, avoid weekends—too crowded.
Take Metro Line 1 or 2 to Jiefangbei Station. All exits lead to shopping. No need to walk far.
2. Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street (观音桥步行街)
2.1 What Is Guanyinqiao?
Guanyinqiao (Guānyīnqiáo) is in Jiangbei District. It’s the most popular shopping area for young locals. It has Starfield, Longfor, and New Century malls.
I go here every weekend. It’s lively, modern, and has great food.
It’s perfect if you like trendy fashion, street style, and youth culture.
2.2 What to Buy Here
Buy local fashion brands, streetwear, and Korean-style clothes. You’ll find cool designs at Starfield Mall.
For gifts, try Chongqing-themed phone cases or spicy snack boxes in gift shops.
My Canadian friend bought a black Chongqing skyline hoodie. He said, “It’s unique and not something you see everywhere.”
2.3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time
Skip the small street stalls. Most sell the same cheap items.
Go to Starfield Mall’s 3rd floor—that’s where the best local brands are.
Take Metro Line 3 or 6 to Guanyinqiao Station. Exit 9 goes straight into Starfield.
3. Daying Longfor Times City (大坪龙湖时代天街)
3.1 What Is Daying Times City?
Daying Longfor Times City (Dàpíng Lóngfó Shídài Tiānjiē) is in Yuzhong District. It’s one of Asia’s largest malls—4 connected buildings, 8 floors total.
I go here when I want to shop, eat, and watch a movie in one trip. It’s like a small city inside.
It’s best for families, long shopping trips, or rainy days.
3.2 What to Buy Here
Buy kids’ clothes, home goods, and mid-range fashion. It has Uniqlo, Muji, and Watsons.
There’s also a bookstore (Ximalaya) with Chongqing art books and Chinese-English phrase cards. Great for language learners.
My Brazilian friend bought a Muji suitcase and some Chongqing poetry books. He said, “I spent 4 hours here and didn’t even feel tired.”
3.3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time （Chongqing shopping guide for foreign travelers）
Don’t try to walk the whole mall in one go. It’s too big. Pick 1-2 sections.
Go on weekdays between 10 AM - 3 PM. Less crowded.
Take Metro Line 1 or 18 to Daying Station. Follow signs to Building A.
4. Xiejiawan MixC (谢家湾万象城)
4.1 What Is Xiejiawan MixC?
Xiejiawan MixC (Xièjiāwān Wànxiàng Chéng) is in Jiulongpo District. It’s a high-end mall with luxury brands and designer stores.
I go here when I want to buy something special, like a new laptop or designer bag.
It’s ideal for luxury shopping, tech, and quiet, clean spaces.
4.2 What to Buy Here
Buy Apple products, Samsung phones, and high-end fashion (Coach, Michael Kors).
The electronics floor has official Apple and Huawei stores—safe and reliable.
My French friend bought an iPhone 15 here. He said, “No haggling, no fakes—just fast service.”
4.3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time
Don’t go if you want cheap deals. This mall is for quality, not discounts.
Use the self-checkout kiosks to skip lines.
Take Metro Line 2 to Xiejiawan Station. Exit 3 leads to the mall.
Where to Buy Electronics in Chongqing
If you need laptops, phones, or cameras, go to Xiejiawan MixC or Chongqing Computer City (Chóngqìng Diànnǎo Chéng) near Jiefangbei.
MixC is safer and easier for foreigners. All staff speak basic English.
Chongqing Computer City has more options but can be tricky. Some shops sell fake parts.
My German friend went to the computer market and got a cheap SSD. But it broke in 2 weeks. I told him: “Next time, just go to MixC.”
For safe, fast, and easy tech shopping, choose Xiejiawan MixC.
Final Thoughts: Shop Like a Local, Not a Tourist
As a local, I only shop in Jiefangbei, Guanyinqiao, Daying Times City, and Xiejiawan MixC. I’ve taken over 100 foreign friends to these places. They all left happy.
The others? Not worth it.
Exclusive Tips (Only for Readers):① Taxi Phrase Card: Say “Take me to MixC Xiejiawan” (谢家湾万象城) or “Guanyinqiao Starfield Mall” (观音桥星光68). Drivers know these names.② Best Time to Shop: Weekdays 10 AM - 3 PM. Fewer crowds, better service.
Last week, a Dutch reader messaged me: “I skipped Shapingba and went to Guanyinqiao. I found a cool jacket and great coffee. Thank you for saving my time!”
If you want to shop smart in Chongqing, grab our DolphinUnion Chongqing City Guide. It has real local tips, maps, and phrase cards—no tourist traps.
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