Chunxi Road is not just a place for shopping, but the true pulse of the city, its calling card, and the center of modern life in Chengdu. Located in the very heart of the capital of Sichuan Province, in the Jinjiang district, this famous pedestrian street attracts millions of visitors year-round. With more than 700 stores, including large department stores, boutiques, and supermarkets, Chunxi Road is rightfully considered the city`s main shopping artery and one of China`s leading shopping streets.
History of the "Golden Street"
The history of Chunxi Road spans more than a century. The street was founded in 1924 by military governor Yang Sen and originally bore the name "Senwei" in honor of his military title. However, after Yang left power, the street was renamed Chunxi Road — a name taken from the Taoist classic text "Tao Te Ching," meaning "people who rejoice and enjoy life."
This poetic image perfectly reflects the lively and joyful atmosphere that reigns here to this day. Interestingly, Chunxi Road became the first street in Chengdu to receive the status of a "road."
In 2002, after a large-scale reconstruction, Chunxi Road was revived as a modern pedestrian street, significantly expanding and merging with the neighboring Yanshikou shopping district. In 2005, an authoritative magazine named it the third most significant shopping street in China, second only to Hong Kong`s Causeway Bay and Shanghai`s Nanjing Road.
Modern Appearance and Main Attractions
Today, Chunxi Road is a huge pedestrian area covering about 20 hectares. Here, old traditions and the latest trends harmoniously intertwine. At the center of tourists` attention is the bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, installed in 1928 in the "Garden at the Crossroads" — the intersection of the street`s four main segments.
In recent years, particular popularity on Chunxi Road has been gained by the IFS mega-mall with its famous giant sculpture of a panda climbing a 15-meter-high wall. Taking a photo with this "climbing panda" has become a mandatory ritual for every visitor to the city.
In the neighboring Taikoo Li area, ancient traditional buildings with tiled roofs surprisingly combine with luxury brand boutiques, creating a unique contrast between past and present. Here you can also see a futuristic 3D screen at the main intersection, where hyper-realistic images "come to life" in the evening.
Food and Shopping
The local cuisine on Chunxi Road impresses with its diversity no less than the shops. Here you will find both legendary "century-old" brands offering Sichuan delicacies and modern cafes and restaurants. This is a place where you can try practically everything that Sichuan cuisine is famous for.
Among the main gastronomic symbols of Chunxi Road is the famous restaurant "Lai Tang Yuan," founded in the 1860s. Its signature dish is dandanmian — spicy noodles served with a savory sauce, minced meat, and peanuts.
Another legend is "Zhong Shui Jiao," operating since 1893. This place is famous for its pork-filled dumplings served in a spicy chili and oil sauce. Passed down from generation to generation, the secret recipe keeps the dumplings incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Another iconic spot is "Han Baozi," where they serve famous steamed buns with meat filling. They look like ordinary Chinese buns, but their secret lies in a special dough recipe that makes them tender and fluffy, and in the original filling that combines pork with Sichuan pepper. Here you can always see a queue of locals, which serves as the best recommendation.
When and How to Visit Chunxi Road
The street is open 24 hours a day, but its true spirit reveals itself in the evening, when thousands of LED lights are lit, and futuristic 3D screens create an atmosphere from a science fiction film. On Friday and Saturday evenings, it is especially crowded and lively here. The easiest way to get to Chunxi Road is by metro, Chunxi Road station on lines 2 and 3.
Chunxi Road is the ideal place to spend time combining shopping, gastronomic discoveries, and getting to know the culture of Sichuan. The street is open 24 hours a day, but it is especially beautiful in the evening when the lights are lit. Getting here is most convenient by metro, Chunxi Road station on lines 2 and 3.
