Chongqing Shopping Guide
Carry Chongqing’s Spirit Home
Chongqing, the vibrant “Mountain City,” offers a mix of bustling commercial districts and historic streets. From spicy hotpot soup bases to handmade pottery, here’s your guide to shopping for unique Chongqing memories!
Must-Buy Specialties
① Spicy Flavors: Hotpot and Noodle Treats
Hotpot Soup Base (¥15–50/bag)
· Brands like “Dezhuang” and “Xiaolongkan” are popular. Choose “mild spicy” for foreign visitors. Available at supermarkets or hotpot restaurants.
· Hidden gem: Handmade hotpot bases in Ciqikou Ancient Town (freshly cooked, ¥30/bag).
Chen’s Twist Donuts(¥10–20/bag)
A century-old snack in Ciqikou, crispy and sweet in flavors like honey or salted pepper. Great for gifts.
Jiangjin Rice Puffs (¥8–15/box)
A classic sweet snack with sesame and peanuts, widely available in supermarkets.
② Traditional Crafts: Bring Home Intangible Culture
Rongchang Pottery (¥50–500/piece)
One of China’s four famous potteries. Buy teacups or vases at Hongya Cave’s “Chongqing Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall.”
hu Embroidery/Xiabu Linen Products (¥80–300/piece)
Lightweight Xiabu linen scarves and handkerchiefs with Chongqing stilt house designs. Find them at Jiefangbei’s “Chongqing Gift Shop.”
Dazu Rock Carving Souvenirs (¥30–100/piece)
Mini Buddha statues or bookmark reliefs from Dazu Rock Carving Scenic Area or city cultural shops like Sisyphe Bookstore.
③ Chongqing Vibes: Creative Souvenirs
3D City Fridge Magnets/Postcards (¥15–30/set)
Models of Hongya Cave and Liziba Light Rail Station. Available in Ciqikou and cultural stores.
Hotpot-Themed Gadgets
Keychains or chopstick holders shaped like hotpot pots (¥20–40/unit), found at KKV in Jiefangbei.
Top Shopping Spots
Jiefangbei Commercial District: Trendy and Convenient
Chongqing’s busiest commercial area, with malls, supermarkets, and souvenir shops (metro Lines 2/6 to Jiefangbei Station).
Must-Visit:
- New Century Department Store: Supermarket sells hotpot bases and Chen’s Twist Donuts (accepts WeChat Pay/Alipay/Visa).
- Bayi Food Street: Eat spicy noodles while shopping for hotpot-themed T-shirts (“Chongqing, Spicy and Cool,” ¥50–80).
Ciqikou Ancient Town: Old Chongqing Charm
Historic stone streets with handmade shops and snacks (metro Line 1 to Ciqikou Station).
Must-Visit:
- Chen’s Twist Donuts Main Store: Watch fresh batches being made – try mixed flavors (¥15/bag).
- Shu Embroidery Workshops: Customize name-embroidered handkerchiefs (¥100/piece, ready in 1 hour).
Hongya Cave: Souvenirs in Stilt House Architecture
11 floors of shops in iconic stilt houses, magical at night (metro Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station).
Must-Visit:
- 4th Floor “Bayu Folk Street”: Buy Rongchang pottery teacups (¥80/unit) and leaf vein bookmarks (¥20/unit with city maps).
- Top-Floor Souvenir Shop: 3D paper carving lamps (¥150/unit, featuring Hongya Cave’s night view) – perfect for photos.
Optics Valley Shopping Park: Young and Trendy
Modern malls with indie brands (metro Line 5 to Chongguang Station).
Must-Visit:
- “Gorilla Bunker” Boutique: Local streetwear with “This is Fog City” prints (¥200–300/sweatshirt).
- “Yanji You” Bookstore: Chongqing-themed notebooks and pens (¥50–100/set) in the cultural section.
Practical Shopping Tips
Payment
Malls/big stores: WeChat Pay, Alipay, Visa/MasterCard.
Small shops: Mobile payments preferred
Navigation & Bargaining
Use Google Maps for English names (e.g., “Ciqikou Ancient Town”).
Bargain politely: “Any discount for cash?” often gets a 10% discount.
Packaging
Ask supermarkets to vacuum-seal snacks .
Fragile items like pottery will be bubble-wrapped by shops; buy airport boxes for extra safety.
Ready to explore Chongqing?
From fiery hotpot bases to delicate Shu embroidery, shopping in Chongqing is an adventure. Whether hunting for souvenirs in historic lanes or trendy malls, each item tells a story of this bold, vibrant city. Happy shopping!