Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province, offers a rich cultural experience and a variety of unique souvenirs. If you’re visiting Chengdu for the first time, you might wonder what souvenirs to buy in Chengdu and where to find them. This “What to buy from Chengdu” guide will help you discover the best souvenirs and the top places to purchase them. Let’s explore the treasures Chengdu has to offer!
1. Traditional Handicrafts
Chengdu is known for its exquisite traditional handicrafts, which make perfect souvenirs. These handicrafts reflect the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of the region. They are ideal for those who appreciate art and tradition. You will find a variety of items, from intricate textiles to beautifully woven bamboo products.
Shu Brocade and Embroidery 成都蜀绣和蜀锦
Shu Brocade and Embroidery are famous in Chengdu. These beautiful textiles feature intricate designs and vibrant colors, representing centuries-old craftsmanship. They are perfect for those who appreciate fine art and traditional Chinese culture. Shu Brocade and Embroidery make for a stunning and meaningful souvenir to bring home.
- Where to Buy: Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum
- Location: 68 Qintai Road
- Why Buy: Unique and high-quality craftsmanship
Porcelain-Bodied Bamboo Weaving 瓷胎竹编
Porcelain-bodied bamboo weaving （瓷胎竹编） , also known as “fine thread crafts,” is a distinctive traditional craft unique to Chengdu and a well-known Sichuan specialty. Originating in the mid-Qing Dynasty, these pieces were initially made as tribute items. Over time, the craft nearly disappeared but was revived in the 1950s. This craft is famous for its intricate techniques, including carefully selected materials, ultra-fine bamboo threads, tight adherence to the porcelain base, hidden thread ends, and vibrant colors.
Only produced in Sichuan, these porcelain-bodied bamboo crafts are cherished as unique souvenirs for both local and international visitors. Popular items include compact, portable pieces like 5 cm and 7 cm decorative vases and kung fu tea sets, highly favored by tourists. These crafts also make ideal gifts for diplomatic events, international travel, and large domestic gatherings. Many Japanese and Southeast Asian visitors purchase these items not only as decorative pieces but also as functional tableware, appreciating them for both display and tea ceremonies.
2. Must-Try Chengdu Delicacies to Bring Home
Sichuan cuisine is world-renowned, and Chengdu is the best place to buy authentic Sichuan food products. These food items capture the bold flavors and unique spices that make Sichuan food famous. Perfect for food lovers, these souvenirs allow you to bring a taste of Chengdu back home and share it with others.
Chengdu Royal Pastries 成都宫廷糕点
Crafting Chengdu royal pastries involves a meticulous process. Every step, from selecting ingredients to perfecting each detail, is held to high standards. The main ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil—are baked through multiple steps, creating a golden color and delicate texture.
These pastries are both crispy and melt-in-your-mouth. They’re sweet without being overly rich, leaving a memorable aftertaste. Among the most iconic are walnut crisps, Napoleon cakes, and custard cakes. Their light sweetness has won over many food lovers.
Pixian Doubanjiang (Broad Bean Paste)
Pixian Doubanjiang （郫县豆瓣酱） is a spicy bean paste used in many Sichuan recipes. It’s perfect for bringing the taste of Sichuan back home. This paste is essential for making authentic Sichuan dishes and is a staple in the local cuisine. It’s an excellent souvenir for anyone who enjoys cooking with bold flavors.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets or specialty stores
- Location: Wide and Narrow Alleys
- Why Buy: Essential for authentic Sichuan cooking
Hot Pot Seasoning 火锅底料
Nothing beats the rich, spicy, and aromatic flavors of Chengdu-style red oil hot pot seasoning. Perfect for making authentic Sichuan hot pot or spicy mala soup at home.
You can also use it for mala stir-fry or street-style spicy skewers (mala tang). Popular brands like Xiao Long Kan and Shu Da Xia (如小龙坎、蜀大侠）)guarantee restaurant-quality taste.
Zhang Fei Beef & Shredded Lantern Beef 张飞牛肉和灯影牛肉丝
- Zhang Fei Beef 张飞牛肉: A classic Sichuan-style dried beef snack with a bold five-spice and mala (spicy-numbing) flavor. Each piece is tender yet chewy, making it a great on-the-go snack. Individually packaged for easy storage and travel.
- Shredded Lantern Beef 灯影牛肉丝: Known for being paper-thin and crispy, this beef jerky is an intangible cultural heritage delicacy. Every bite bursts with a fragrant, spicy, and umami-rich taste. It’s a true Chengdu specialty.
Cold-Eaten Rabbit & Hand-Torn Roasted Rabbit 冷吃兔和手撕烤兔
- Cold-Eaten Rabbit: A famous Chengdu-style spicy rabbit dish, slow-cooked and seasoned with a savory mix of Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and secret spices. The meat is succulent, spicy, and incredibly addictive.
- Hand-Torn Roasted Rabbit: A smoky, tender, and flavorful treat, roasted over a low fire for hours to lock in its natural juices. It comes vacuum-sealed, making it easy to pack and bring home for a taste of Chengdu anytime.
Ready to spice up your snacks? These Chengdu specialties make perfect gifts—or a tasty treat for yourself!
3. A Taste of Chengdu: Exploring Its Rich Tea Culture
Chengdu is famous for its tea culture. Bringing back some local tea can be a delightful souvenir. The region produces high-quality teas known for their distinct flavors and health benefits. These teas are perfect for tea enthusiasts and make thoughtful gifts that offer a taste of Chengdu’s rich tea heritage.
Emei Zhuyeqing Tea
Zhuyeqing (峨眉竹叶青), a type of green tea, is one of the first teas that comes to mind when people think of Sichuan tea. It’s widely known across China. The Emei Mountain region, with its ideal climate and geography, is perfect for growing tea trees. According to historical records, tea cultivation and production in this area began as early as the Tang Dynasty. However, the famous Emei Zhuyeqing tea was only created after the founding of modern China.
Thanks to its distinct character and exceptional quality, Zhuyeqing has become one of China’s premier green teas. On April 20, 1964, Marshal Chen Yi, one of China’s founding leaders, personally gave it its name.
Mengding Mountain Tea
Mengding Mountain Tea （蒙顶甘露） is a high-quality green tea from Sichuan. It’s known for its fresh taste and aroma, making it a popular choice among tea lovers. This tea is grown in the Mengding Mountain area, which is renowned for its ideal tea-growing conditions. Mengding Mountain Tea is a refreshing and aromatic souvenir.
- Where to Buy: Chengdu Tea Market
- Location: Southwest Tea Market, Wuhou District
- Why Buy: Renowned for its quality
4. Panda-Themed Souvenirs
Chengdu is home to the giant pandas. Panda-themed souvenirs are a fun and memorable choice. These items celebrate the beloved symbol of Chengdu and make perfect gifts for friends and family. From plush toys to clothing, panda-themed products are adorable and uniquely Chengdu.
Panda Plush Toys
Panda plush toys are a hit with tourists. They are adorable and perfect for all ages, making them a popular choice for souvenirs. These soft and cuddly toys are available in various sizes and designs. Panda plush toys are an excellent way to bring a piece of Chengdu’s charm back home.
- Where to Buy: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Location: 1375 Panda Road
- Why Buy: Authentic and supports panda conservation
Panda-themed Clothing and Accessories
You can also find panda-themed clothing, bags, and accessories. These items are stylish and playful, perfect for showing off your love for pandas. From T-shirts to hats, panda-themed clothing and accessories are fun souvenirs that can be worn or used daily. They are a great way to remember your trip to Chengdu.
- Where to Buy: Wide and Narrow Alleys
- Location: Qingyang District
- Why Buy: Unique and fashionable souvenirs
5. Unique Chengdu Souvenirs – Creative Sanxingdui Gifts
Sanxingdui Cultural Creations三星堆文创
Sanxingdui, an ancient Shu civilization, is known for its mysterious bronze artifacts. Now, you can take home a piece of its history in stylish, modern designs!
- Bronze Mask Bookmarks 青铜面具书签 – Inspired by the iconic Sanxingdui bronze masks, these intricate metal bookmarks blend history with functionality. They make a perfect keepsake for book lovers and history enthusiasts.
- Bronze Mask Fridge Magnets青铜面具冰箱贴– Add a touch of mystery to your kitchen with Sanxingdui-themed magnets. Featuring miniature replicas of ancient bronze masks, these magnets are both artistic and cultural, making them a fantastic gift or a stylish home accessory.
With these creative items, you get a blend of ancient mystery and modern craftsmanship—a perfect reminder of your Chengdu adventure!
6. Cultural Artifacts
Chengdu has a rich history, and cultural artifacts make excellent souvenirs. These items reflect the city’s heritage and artistic traditions. Whether you’re looking for traditional clothing or beautiful artwork, cultural artifacts from Chengdu provide a meaningful connection to the city’s past and present.
Hanfu (Traditional Chinese Clothing)
Hanfu is traditional Chinese clothing. It’s beautifully designed and represents Chinese culture, making it a significant and elegant souvenir. Wearing Hanfu connects you with Chinese history and fashion. Hanfu clothing is a unique and stylish reminder of your visit to Chengdu and its rich cultural heritage.
- Where to Buy: Jinli Ancient Street
- Location: Wuhou District
- Why Buy: Cultural significance and beautiful designs
Calligraphy and Paintings
Traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings are great for art lovers. They capture the essence of Chinese culture and are perfect for decorating your home. These artworks are created by skilled artists and often depict beautiful scenes or meaningful characters. Calligraphy and paintings are exquisite souvenirs that celebrate Chengdu’s artistic traditions.
- Where to Buy: Jinsha Site Museum
- Location: 2 Jinsha Yizhi Road
- Why Buy: Unique and artistic souvenirs
7. Modern Souvenirs
Modern souvenirs reflect Chengdu’s vibrant and contemporary culture. These items are perfect for those looking for something trendy and fun.
From colorful opera masks to fashionable T-shirts, modern souvenirs capture the dynamic spirit of Chengdu and make great keepsakes.
Chengdu Opera Masks
Opera masks are colorful and symbolize different characters in Sichuan opera. These masks are artistic and vibrant, making them perfect souvenirs. They are a unique way to remember Chengdu’s performing arts. Opera masks are not only decorative but also a great way to learn about Sichuan opera’s rich history.
- Where to Buy: Sichuan Opera Theater
- Location: 54 Huaxing Street
- Why Buy: Colorful and symbolic souvenirs
T-shirts and Magnets
T-shirts and magnets featuring Chengdu landmarks or panda designs are popular. These items are affordable and easy to carry, making them ideal for tourists. T-shirts and magnets are practical souvenirs that can be used daily. They are perfect for remembering your trip to Chengdu and sharing a piece of your adventure with others.
- Where to Buy: Tourist shops in Chunxi Road
- Location: Jinjiang District
- Why Buy: Affordable and easy to carry
8. Shopping Tips and Recommendations
Customs Restrictions
- Meat products must be vacuum-sealed.
- Sauces and liquids must meet airline regulations (each bottle ≤100ml for carry-on).
Where to Buy
- Specialty Shops: Found in Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Street, Chunxi Road 春熙路 , and other tourist areas.
- Supermarkets: Try Ito Yokado 伊藤洋华堂 or Hema Fresh 盒马鲜生 for hot pot seasoning and doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste).
- Cultural & Creative Stores: Visit the Sanxingdui Museum Gift Shop 三星堆博物馆店 or the Panda Base Official Store for unique souvenirs.
Recommended Gift Box Combo
A mix of hot pot seasoning 火锅底料, doubanjiang 豆瓣酱, tea, and panda-themed souvenirs makes a thoughtful and culture-rich gift.
Pro Tip!
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport has a specialty shopping area where you can grab most of these items in one stop. They even offer international shipping for added convenience!
Chengdu offers a wide variety of souvenirs, from traditional handicrafts to modern memorabilia. Whether you’re looking for cultural artifacts, panda-themed items, or delicious local food products, Chengdu has something for everyone.
Hope this “What to Buy from Chengdu” guide will help you research and plan your shopping in Chengdu. Enjoy your time in Chengdu and bring home some wonderful memories!
More Chengdu Travel Guides
Plan your Chengdu Tour? Our “Chengdu Travel Guide“ section offers essential advice to help you navigate the city like a pro. Welcome to the Chengdu Travel Guide, your ultimate resource for exploring the vibrant heart of Sichuan Province. Known as the home of the giant pandas and the birthplace of spicy Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu is a city where ancient traditions meet modern life.
