Shopping in Chengdu – a cultural experience

Sichuan, renowned as the “Land of Abundance”, is filled with natural resources, cultural heritages and local crafts. Shopping in Chengdu makes your Sichuan tour more interesting. Not only valuable goods indulge travelers, the traditional Chengdu shops with their exquisite buildings and dazzling arrays of chic products attract the visitors deeply. All Sichuan souvenirs in this blog should be on your shopping list, all shopping places such as Jinli Street should be your destinations if you travel to Chengdu. Follow this and catch the taste of these local flavors.

Shu brocade and Shu embroidery are traditional silk products with high reputation. Shu brocade is a kind of hand-woven silk fabric, which can be dated back to the Spring and Autumn Period. Well-known for the exquisite craftsmanship and gorgeous pattern, Shu brocade features various colors and a unique technique for extracting colors from plants. Silk-woven, but durable, the brocade is soft and comfortable. On the other hand, the Shu embroidery is one of the four famous embroidery styles in China, which enjoys high followings since the Han Dynasty. With superb workmanship, smooth and bright in quality, Shu embroidery is said as “fine and smooth needlework, simple and elegant colors, graceful and easy lines and the traditional Chinese paintings’ style”. Quilts, sheets, slippers or clothes may be embroidered in the Shu style, giving color and beauty to the wearer.

Two other recommended Chengdu crafts are lacquer wares and bamboo products. Lacquer wares are famous for their longevity, ability to resist corrosion and unique gloss. The history of Chengdu lacquer dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (475 B.C.-221 B.C.) and the Warring States Period (221 B.C.-207 B.C.). With a tough 72 procedures, Chengdu lacquer has a refined and pretty surface, profound and plain pigmentation, and rich and colorful ornamental techniques. The bamboo sea is a top attraction in Sichuan and the bamboo products are also of high value. The bamboo has been used for household items and as an art form for centuries. Using a special technique, producers can intertwine bamboo and porcelain to create ornate designs and decorative pieces. Traditional bamboo products like vases, coffee sets, tea sets, bowls and jewelry boxes are perfect for home decor.

Jinli Street, located to the east of the Wuhou Memorial Temple of Chengdu, it is an ideal place for shopping in Chengdu. Paved with green flagstones, wood winds for a length of 350 m. (about 1,149 ft.), Jinli Street is full of buildings which are modeled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Province. Strolling down the narrow street, you can find yourself surrounded by beautiful Shu brocade, Shu embroidery, lacquer wares, bamboo products and folk handicrafts. All stores in the Jinli Street have one common feature: no matter how busy the street is, the stores are peaceful and relaxing. Some folk artisans are creating handicrafts like paper-cuts and clay figurines and you can get one in a few minutes. You can also enjoy the tasty Sichuan cuisine here. Besides Jinli Street, you can shop in Chengdu in many other places such as: Chengdu Lacquerware Factory – No. 81 Jinhe Street, Sichuan Antiques Shop – No. 6 Shaocheng Road near Shudu Avenue.