Where to Shop in Chengdu: A Local’s Guide to the Best Malls & Shopping Streets for Foreign Travelers
- DolphinUnion
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
You’re in Chengdu. You want to buy gifts, try local fashion, or just enjoy a nice shopping day. But where do you go? Many tourists head straight to Chunxi Road (春熙路, Chūnxī Lù). And yes — it’s famous. But it’s also packed.
I remember a Brazilian friend once spent 3 hours in IFS just trying to find a restroom. “Too many people,” he said. “I couldn’t even enjoy the stores.”
Here’s the thing: Chengdu has amazing shopping beyond Chunxi Road. From luxury brands to indie boutiques and family-friendly malls, each district offers something different. This guide shows you exactly where to go — based on what you want to buy, your budget, and your vibe. No crowds. No confusion. Just smart shopping in China’s most relaxed big city.
Chunxi Road: The Heart of Chengdu Shopping (But Know What to Expect)
Chunxi Road is Chengdu’s top shopping zone. It’s been the city’s commercial center since the 1920s. Today, it’s home to IFS (International Finance Square, 成都IFS), Taikoo Li (远洋太古里, Yuǎnyáng Tàigǔ Lǐ), and Wangfujing Department Store (王府井百货, Wángfǔjǐng Bǎihuò).
IFS has luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Its rooftop features the famous giant panda sculpture — perfect for photos. Taikoo Li mixes modern design with old Sichuan-style buildings. You’ll find Apple, MUJI, and local tea shops like Tea Zen (tea tasting included).
But here’s the catch: it’s always busy. Weekends? Forget it. Lines stretch outside every store.
My advice: go on a weekday morning. Or skip the crowds and try other spots. Yes, Chunxi Road is iconic — but it’s not your only option.
Chengdu MixC One (Chenghua District): Best for Families & Trendy Brands
Chengdu MixC One (万象城, Wànxiàng Chéng) is in Chenghua District, northeast of downtown. It’s huge. Two open plazas. Over 300 stores. And 30% of its brands are “first-in-southwest-China” shops.
There’s a massive bookstore (Xinhua Bookstore) with kids’ zones, coffee bars, and art corners. The food court has Sichuan hotpot, Korean BBQ, and vegan options.
A Canadian mom I helped last year loved it. “My kids played in the indoor park while I shopped,” she said. “No stress at all.”
Take Metro Line 4 to Wannianchang Station (万年场站, Wànniánchǎng Zhàn). It’s clean, quiet, and easy to navigate. Perfect if you’re traveling with kids or just want space to breathe.
Chengdu Yintai Centre in99 (High-Tech Zone): Quiet Luxury with a View
Yintai Centre in99 (银泰中心in99, Yíntài Zhōngxīn in99) is Chengdu’s sleek, modern mall in the south. Think glass curves, indoor waterfalls, and soft lighting. Fewer tourists. More locals in business attire.
The rooftop garden offers skyline views of the Twin Towers (Chengdu’s financial district). It’s peaceful. Great for sunset photos.
But the real hidden gem? Inside Bloomington Plaza (布鲁明顿广场, Bùlǔmíngdùn Guǎngchǎng), Building B, Room 508 — a real silk factory outlet.
I took a UK friend there. She bought a silk blouse for ¥580. “Same quality as London,” she said. “But half the price.” They sell silk shirts (¥500–600), dresses (¥800+), and new-Chinese-style vests (¥400–800). All fabrics are mulberry silk or Song Brocade (宋锦, Sòng Jǐn). Staff help you match outfits. No haggling. Just fair prices.
Joy City Chengdu (Wuhou District): For Young Travelers & Anime Fans
Joy City (大悦城, Dà Yuè Chéng) targets ages 18–35. It’s in Wuhou District, near the Wuhou Shrine. The mall has a full anime-themed zone with cosplay shops, manga cafes, and limited-edition figures.
The rooftop has a “Midnight Canteen” (inspired by Japanese dramas) and a garden with live music on weekends.
A German backpacker told me: “I found a rare Demon Slayer hoodie here. Nowhere else in Chengdu had it.”
Take Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station (高升桥站, Gāoshēngqiáo Zhàn). Open until 10 PM. Great for night shopping after dinner.
Longfor Binjiang Tianjie (Jinjiang District): Fun for Young Families
Longfor Binjiang Tianjie (龙湖成都滨江天街, Lónghú Chéngdū Bīnjiāng Tiānjiē) feels like a theme park. The atrium is designed like a rainforest. There’s a space-themed kids’ playground and regular anime conventions.
They host weekend craft markets with local designers. Great for unique souvenirs — like panda-shaped tea sets or bamboo phone cases.
A French couple with a 6-year-old said: “Our son played for 2 hours while we shopped. Best mall for families.”
Take Metro Line 6 to Sanhuan Blvd Station (三环路站, Sānhuán Lù Zhàn). Less touristy. Very local.
Regular Source (Wuhou District): For Art Lovers & Minimalists
Regular Source (Regular源野, Yuán Yě) is not a normal mall. It’s built like an underground park. Raw concrete walls. Natural light from skylights. Hidden courtyards with bonsai trees.
It houses indie fashion boutiques, small-batch coffee roasters, and art galleries. No big brands. Just creativity.
A Japanese designer I met there said: “This feels like Tokyo’s Daikanyama — but quieter.”
It’s near Metro Line 5’s Huagui Road Station (花桂路站, Huāguì Lù Zhàn). Go on a weekday. Bring your camera. Every corner is Instagram-worthy.
Why This Guide Works: Tested by Locals, Loved by Travelers (best shopping malls in Chengdu for foreign travelers)
I’ve lived in Chengdu for 10 years. I’ve walked every mall listed here — often with foreign friends in tow. I know which places are worth your time… and which aren’t.
Chunxi Road is great for luxury. But if you want peace, style, or family fun? Try MixC, in99, or Regular Source.
And that silk shop in Bloomington Plaza? I send every fashion-loving traveler there. It’s my secret weapon.
Real Traveler Stories: “I Found My Perfect Silk Dress!”
“I almost skipped in99,” wrote Emma from Australia. “But your guide led me to that silk store. Bought two blouses. Felt like a Chengdu local.”
Another reader, Luca from Italy, said: “Regular Source was magic. Quiet, beautiful, and full of soul. Not like any mall I’ve seen.”
These aren’t just shopping centers. They’re experiences. And now you know where to go.
Ready to shop like a Chengdu insider? Save this guide. Open Amap or Baidu Maps. Search the mall names in English or pinyin. Most accept Alipay or WeChat Pay — just show your QR code. (best shopping malls in Chengdu for foreign travelers)
And if you want my full Chengdu itinerary (with hotel picks near Chunxi Road and hidden food spots), check my travel planner. Happy shopping!
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