Shopping in Chengdu
Local Specialties and Souvenirs
Pixian Chili Bean Paste(Pixian Doubanjiang郫县豆瓣酱)
Pixian Doubanjiang (Pixian Chili Bean Paste), a specialty of Pidu District in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, is a Chinese geographical indication product and one of the country’s most renowned condiments. Crafted through a unique blend of traditional methods and natural ingredients, it is celebrated for its rich aroma, deep red color, and balanced flavors—achieved without artificial additives. Known for its intense spiciness, glossy oil sheen, chunky chili flakes, and subtly sweet aftertaste, it is a cornerstone of Sichuan cuisine, often called the "Soul of Sichuan Dishes." Its production techniques, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, rely on meticulous fermentation under open-air conditions, involving repeated turning, sun-drying, and aging to develop its signature velvety texture and complex umami.
The distinct qualities of Pixian Doubanjiang are deeply tied to Pidu District’s natural environment. Located in the heart of the western Sichuan Plain, the region spans 437.5 square kilometers between 103°42'–104°2' E and 30°43'–30°52' N, bordered by flat plains except for a small hilly area in the northwest. Its basin-influenced subtropical humid climate offers mild winters, moderate summers, and an annual frost-free period of 282 days, with average temperatures around 15.7°C and rainfall concentrated between May and September. The area’s proximity to Dujiangyan, where cool, moist air flows from the 3,000-meter-high Zhao Gong Mountain, creates a unique microclimate. This interaction between mountain and plain fosters a stable circulation of humid air, nurturing the microbial communities essential for fermentation.
The region’s fertile gray alluvial soil, slightly acidic and rich in organic matter, provides ideal conditions for growing the paste’s key ingredients—red chili peppers and broad beans. Over 98% of the soil is porous and nutrient-dense, supporting robust crop growth. Additionally, Pidu’s water resources, sourced from the pristine, mineral-rich rivers of the Dujiangyan irrigation system, play a critical role. The high-quality groundwater and river networks supply essential minerals that fuel microbial activity during fermentation, enabling enzymes to break down ingredients and develop the paste’s complex flavor profile.
Through centuries of refinement, the production process has harmonized with Pidu’s natural advantages. The paste’s glossy reddish-brown hue, fragrant oil, and balanced spiciness emerge from the synergy of local climate, soil, water, and traditional techniques. This environment sustains a unique microbial ecosystem, which drives fermentation and imbues the paste with its irreplicable depth—a testament to how geography and heritage converge to create a culinary treasure.
Shu Embroidery（Shu Xiu蜀绣）
Shu embroidery, a traditional craft originating from the Sichuan Basin (historically known as Ba-Shu), is recognized as a China National Geographical Indication product. Divided into western Sichuan and eastern Sichuan (modern Chongqing) styles, it stands as one of China’s "Four Great Embroideries," alongside Su embroidery, Xiang embroidery, and Yue embroidery. This art form involves stitching intricate patterns onto silk or other fabrics using silk threads, distinguished by its vibrant yet delicate colors and exquisite, intricate needlework. Renowned for its unparalleled diversity of techniques, Shu embroidery holds a prominent position among its peers.
With a history tracing back to the Sanxingdui civilization (3,000–1,200 BCE) and later celebrated alongside Sichuan brocade as a "treasure of Sichuan" since the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420 CE), Shu embroidery employs soft satin and colored silk threads as primary materials. Its craftsmanship is characterized by precise stitching techniques, even stitches, dynamic variations, and lifelike, three-dimensional effects, developed through a system of 12 major categories encompassing 122 distinct needlework methods.
The artistry of Shu embroidery is vividly reflected in its themes, which range from flora, fauna, landscapes, and mythical creatures to human figures. Drawing inspiration from classical paintings—such as Su Dongpo’s rugged stones, Zheng Banqiao’s bamboo-and-rock compositions, and Chen Hongshou’s figurative works—it also collaborates with contemporary artists to create original designs. Popular motifs include traditional symbols like dragons, phoenixes, ancient coins, and auspicious patterns, as well as folk tales such as the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea or the Phoenix Attracted by a Flute. Themes celebrating prosperity and joy, like magpies among plum blossoms, mandarin ducks in water, or peonies intertwined with phoenixes, are equally cherished. Unique regional designs, such as hibiscus with carp, bamboo groves with pheasants, or pandas in mountain landscapes, have gained international admiration for their cultural richness and craftsmanship.
Over centuries, Shu embroidery has evolved into a harmonious blend of technical mastery and artistic expression, its brilliance rooted in the meticulous interplay of color, texture, and symbolism. From imperial courts to modern global collections, it remains a timeless testament to Sichuan’s cultural heritage and the enduring skill of its artisans.
Zhuyeqing Tea竹叶青茶
Zhuyeqing tea, a flat-shaped roasted green tea produced on Mount Emei in Sichuan Province, was first developed in 1964. The name "Zhuyeqing" (meaning "bamboo leaf green") serves as both the tea variety name and the trademark and company brand. Harvested 3–5 days before the Qingming Festival (around early April), it uses tender single buds or slightly unfurled "one bud, one leaf" as raw materials. After a brief withering process, the leaves undergo traditional steps such as pan-firing, shaping, air-drying, sifting, and final roasting. The finished tea, distinguished by its smooth, flat leaves resembling bamboo foliage, displays a vibrant emerald-green hue with visible silvery tips. Rich in chlorophyll, it offers a refreshing, mellow taste with a lingering sweet aftertaste, earning its reputation as a premium tea that excels in both appearance and quality.
Zhuyeqing Tea竹叶青茶
Zhuyeqing tea, a flat-shaped roasted green tea produced on Mount Emei in Sichuan Province, was first developed in 1964. The name "Zhuyeqing" (meaning "bamboo leaf green") serves as both the tea variety name and the trademark and company brand. Harvested 3–5 days before the Qingming Festival (around early April), it uses tender single buds or slightly unfurled "one bud, one leaf" as raw materials. After a brief withering process, the leaves undergo traditional steps such as pan-firing, shaping, air-drying, sifting, and final roasting. The finished tea, distinguished by its smooth, flat leaves resembling bamboo foliage, displays a vibrant emerald-green hue with visible silvery tips. Rich in chlorophyll, it offers a refreshing, mellow taste with a lingering sweet aftertaste, earning its reputation as a premium tea that excels in both appearance and quality.
The brewed tea reveals a bright pale green liquor with a fresh chestnut-like aroma that remains potent over time. Its flavor profile balances crispness and richness, while the infused leaves stay intact, showing a yellowish-green vibrancy. When selecting authentic Zhuyeqing tea, examine its physical traits: genuine leaves appear flat and straight like bamboo leaves, with a glossy green color, smooth surface, distinct particle separation, and substantial weight. High-quality batches feature uniform, thick leaves free from insect marks. Upon brewing, superior Zhuyeqing yields a clear yellow-green liquor, tender green spent leaves, and a smooth, minimally astringent taste. Lower-grade versions, often made from younger or thinner leaves, may produce bitter notes without the signature sweetness.
Seasonal differences further distinguish Zhuyeqing. Spring-harvested tea boasts plump, pointed buds with even sizing, no pesticide residues, and slow sinking speeds when steeped. In contrast, summer-autumn crops have slender, flatter buds, occasionally showing insect damage or chemical traces. These leaves sink rapidly in water and carry a slight bitterness, lacking the spring tea’s sweet finish. From its meticulous production to its seasonal nuances, Zhuyeqing tea embodies the harmony of craftsmanship and natural bounty unique to Mount Emei’s terroir.
Zhangfei Beef（Zhangfei Niurou张飞牛肉)
Zhangfei Beef, a specialty of Langzhong City in Sichuan Province, is renowned for its rich regional flavor. Named after the legendary general Zhang Fei, whose bold image matches the beef’s charcoal-black exterior and bright red interior, this cured meat has a history spanning over two centuries. First gaining fame during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1736–1795), it was later honored as a "superior food" at the Chengdu Industrial Exposition during the Republican period (1912–1949) and won a silver medal from the Chengdu Industrial Association in the 1940s, solidifying its reputation across and beyond Sichuan.
The beef’s signature features include a dark reddish-brown surface and tightly textured, firm-yet-tender meat when sliced. Balanced in saltiness, it suits both formal banquets and casual dining with drinks. When cut horizontally, the meat reveals a delicate web resembling silver threads or pine needles, rewarding slow chewing with complex, lingering flavors.
Over the years, Zhangfei Beef has earned multiple accolades, including the Ministry of Commerce’s Quality Product Award and a bronze medal at the First China Food Expo in 1998. In February 2024, it was further recognized as part of China’s third batch of “Time-Honored Brands,” cementing its legacy as a culinary treasure that blends historical tradition with enduring craftsmanship.
Chengdu lacquerware(Chengdu Qiqi成都漆器）
Chengdu lacquerware, a traditional Chinese craft renowned for its intricate carvings and distinctive lacquer techniques, is prized for both collection and decorative purposes. Originating in the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c. 1600–256 BCE), this art form matured during the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), flourished in the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), and persisted through the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, evolving continuously over millennia. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, Chengdu lacquerware embodies the enduring skill of Sichuan artisans, blending meticulous craftsmanship with artistic expression.
In 2006, it was officially listed among China’s first batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage by the State Council, cementing its cultural significance. Characterized by glossy finishes, vibrant colors, and layered designs, the lacquerware often features motifs inspired by nature, mythology, and historical narratives. Each piece, whether a decorative screen, jewelry box, or tableware, reflects centuries of refined techniques—from base molding and lacquer layering to carving and polishing—a testament to Chengdu’s legacy as a cradle of Chinese lacquer artistry.
Sichuan Opera Face-changing（Chuanju Lianpu川剧脸谱)
Sichuan opera face-changing, with its vibrant colors and distinctive mask designs, stands as a uniquely symbolic cultural souvenir. As a traditional Chinese theater art, Sichuan opera thrives in central and eastern Sichuan, Chongqing, and parts of Guizhou and Yunnan provinces. Among its many performance techniques, face-changing is a signature stunt that translates abstract emotions—such as hidden thoughts or shifting feelings of characters—into visible, dramatic mask transformations. By swiftly switching between masks, performers turn intangible psychological states into striking visual expressions, making this art both a technical marvel and a storytelling device.
Rooted in Sichuan opera’s long history, face-changing employs hidden silk layers or sleight-of-hand to alter masks in an instant. Each color and pattern carries symbolic meaning: red often signifies loyalty, white suggests cunning, and black conveys integrity. More than mere spectacle, this technique serves as a romanticized method to externalize inner conflicts, allowing audiences to "see" a character’s evolving emotions. From subtle shifts to sudden reveals, the art’s blend of precision and theatricality captures the essence of Sichuan’s cultural creativity, preserving a tradition where craftsmanship and drama converge to enchant viewers across generations.
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Chunxi Road春熙路
Chunxi Road, located in Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, spans approximately 20 hectares. Its boundaries stretch from Beixin Street in the north to Zongfu Road in the south, Hongxing Road in the west, and Dongda Street in the east, encompassing adjacent areas like Nanxin Street and Zhongxin Street. A bustling hub of commerce, it hosts around 700 commercial outlets covering 220,000 square meters, earning its reputation as a model of Chinese-style commercial streets and one of China’s first nationally recognized leisure and tourism districts.
Renowned as a national tourist landmark, Chunxi Road stands out among Chengdu’s commercial areas for its unique blend of modern retail and cultural heritage. It attracts both tourists and local professionals with its concentration of international brand flagship stores and time-honored Chinese shops, alongside large shopping malls and hotels. What truly distinguishes Chunxi Road is its culinary diversity. Here, iconic Chengdu snacks like Zhong Dumplings, Lai’s Sweet Rice Balls, Fuqi Feipian (spicy beef slices), Han’s Steamed Buns, and Long Chaoshou (wontons) share the street with global chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Häagen-Dazs, BreadTalk, and Manchester United-themed cafes. The area also brims with teahouses and local eateries, offering a lively mix of tradition and modernity.
From high-end boutiques to street food stalls, Chunxi Road epitomizes Chengdu’s dynamic urban culture—a place where history, commerce, and daily life intertwine, drawing millions to experience its vibrant energy and flavors.
Red Flag Plaza 红旗广场
Red Flag Plaza is a large multifunction comprehensive shopping center and the largest non-staple food mall in southwestern China, integrating shopping, food processing, accommodation, recreation, advertising and promotion. It is as large as 10,000 ㎡.
Parkson Square 百盛购物广场
The business building of the Parkson Square has seven stories covering an area of 10,000 ㎡. More than 100,000 kinds of commodities are available here, making itself a shopping paradise for customers.
Chengdu Department Store 成都百货公司
It is a large commercial chain store in Chengdu, with an area of 15,000 ㎡. It has command of 6 chian stories and 13 commodity departments selling more than 30,000 kinds of commodities. Its business network extends all through the China.
