Chongqing Shopping
As a large metropolis, Chongqing boasts rich natural resources and local specialties, making it a good place to do some shopping.
What to Buy
Due to the fact that Chongqing is surrounded by mountains, there are many rare Chinese traditional herbal medicines in these parts including the rhizome of Chinese goldthread (huanglian), Gastrodia elata (tianma) and the bark of eucommia (duchong). The fertile land here is also ideal for the fruit growing, such as orange, pear, pomelo and persimmon.
Chongqing also has a long history as a major tea producing area. Chongqing Tuo Tea, Cuiping Silver Needle Tea and Xinong Maojian Tea all enjoy high prestige both at home and abroad.
Gourmets are also well catered for Old Sichuan translucent beef slices, Peiling mustard tuber and Hechuan preserved pear slices are all unusual things to try.
Folk handicraft in Chongqing has long been highly regarded.Since the Southern Song Dynasty, Shu Embroidery (also known as Sichuan Embroidery) has been ranked among the four most famous styles of embroidery in China, along with Suzhou Embroidery, Hunan Embroidery and Cantonese Embroidery. Rongchang paper fans have also been exported since the Qing dynasty.
Click for more details about Chongqing Specialities.Where to Buy
Though not as famous for shopping as Hong Kong, Chongqing is considered a shopping heaven in Southwest China. Great shopping centers offer special local products, accessories, antiques, traditional clothes, and even high-tech gadgets.
Below is the list of top shopping centres that tourists shouldn’t miss:
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
This street offers exceptional shopping experience. Having several high-end shopping malls and upscale hotels like Howard Johnsons, the Hilton, and J.w Marriot, it is definitely one of the busiest places in Chongqing City . Some of the large shopping malls that can be found there are MeiMei department sotre, Chongqing Deparment store, Oriental Women Square and New Century Shopping Mall.
In average, there are about 30,000 people who visit the area every day. This number increases significantly during weekends and public holidays.
From local food to paintings to modern gadgets, everything can be found here. Don’t forget to buy tea as Chongqing prides itself for its great local tea. You can also buy souvenir items, traditional clothes, and even branded items.
Chaotianmen Market
This is the biggest market in Chongqing which main product is garment wholesale. It is very difficult not to find what you’re looking for here. Tourists take the time to visit the place for branded and imported products, locally-grown tea, and local delicacies such as Sichuan beef slices, Peiling mustard tuber, and preserved pear slices.
Handicrafts such as embroidered goods that are made locally are also available here. But the best finds you’ll be able to buy here are stylish clothes, which are very affordable. Different fabrics can also be found here. Don’t forget to bargain, as sellers would usually quote higher prices at first.
Other things you can buy include handbags, shoes, teapots, Christmas decoration, plastic ware, candles, and everyday knick-knacks. For souvenirs, your great choices are Rongchang Paper Fan, Three George Ink Stone, and Shu embroidery.
Rongchang Paper Fans are embroidered, decorated, painted and made from all kinds of materials like wood and straw. Three George Ink Stone, on the other hand is a special stone taken from Jialing River. It is delicately engraved using intricate patterns. Lastly, Shu embroidery features elegant colors, smooth needlework, graceful easy lines, and Chinese painting styles.
Chongqing Antique Market
This is one of the largest antique districts in China that features several stalls selling all types of antique products. In here, you’ll find quality jade carvings, ancient currencies, calligraphy work, Buddha statues, paintings, porcelain dishes, traditional Chinese good luck charms, wind chimes, and several carvings. Aside from great products, the place also offers local snacks fresh off rack.
Bargaining is expected here as the first price is usually higher compared to want buyers typically expect. So, practice your bargaining skills before you go here. Shop for friends, family members, or buy something for your home. Just keep in mind that some items found here may not be original. Lastly, expect large crowds during the weekends.
Flea Markets
Zhongxing Lu Flea Market.中兴路跳蚤市场 This market features different street stalls, so don’t be surprised to find everything what you’re looking for. On the both side of the street, you’ll find different merchandise placed on tables. Most of the things that you’ll see at first are mundane products. But stay for a while and check all the stalls and you might be able to discover rare finds at affordable prices.
Sanggangyi Lu Flea Market 三钢一路跳蚤市场. This one focuses mostly on second-hand or pre-loved clothing. If you take the time to look at every stalls, you may find original, branded clothing at a fraction of the original cost. You can also find pre-loved shoes and accessories here.
Wenhua Jie 文化街跳蚤市场. This flea market offers pre-loved clothing and accessories as well. You can find casual wear and Chinese traditional costume for very low prices. Products sold here are generally cheap but check the quality before buying.
