Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street is located in Jinjiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, starting from Zongfu Road in the north, ending at Dongda Street in the south, connecting Qingnian Road in the east, and facing Yanshikou in the west. As a national 4A-level tourist attraction, it covers an area of about 20 hectares, consisting of the main street of Chunxi Road and connected areas such as Hongxing Road Pedestrian Street and Zongfu Road. The main street is about 1.1 kilometers long, with a daily pedestrian flow of over 300,000, and more than 500,000 during holidays. It is the most representative commercial center in Chengdu, integrating modern commerce and historical culture. The architectural style mainly combines Western Sichuan dwellings from the Republic of China period with Western styles, featuring modern commercial complexes such as IFS and Taikoo Li, while retaining time-honored buildings like Hengdeli Watch Shop and Fengxiang Tower, forming a unique landscape of "integration of ancient and modern."
History and Culture
The history of Chunxi Road can be traced back to 1924, built under the supervision of Yang Sen, the then Governor of Sichuan Province. It was named "Chunxi" (meaning "spring breeze is gentle, and people come happily") from the phrase "The spring breeze is gentle and the people are happy." implying "gentle spring breeze and happy people." Originally a gravel road with arcade-style shops on both sides, it was one of the earliest commercial districts in Chengdu. In 1935, Chunxi Road was expanded, becoming the commercial center of Chengdu and even the Southwest, gathering various shops such as silk stores, teahouses, and restaurants.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chunxi Road underwent multiple renovations. In 1992, it was named a "Chinese Characteristic Commercial Street"; in 2001, the government launched a comprehensive renovation project, demolishing some old buildings, introducing modern commercial elements, and adding pedestrian street leisure facilities to form a "cross-shaped" commercial district. In 2014, Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li opened, connecting with IFS International Financial Center, further enhancing the commercial level and cultural atmosphere of Chunxi Road, making it a modern commercial district integrating shopping, dining, entertainment, and culture.
Chunxi Road is not only a commercial landmark but also carries the urban memory of Chengdu. The preserved Republic of China-era buildings on the street, such as Jinhua Hall and Zhengkejia Alley, have witnessed the development of Chengdu's commerce. In addition, Chunxi Road is the birthplace of Chengdu's fashion culture, having led the clothing and entertainment trends in the Southwest, and remains a representative of Chengdu's trendy culture today.
Main Attractions
Chengdu IFS International Financial Center
With a total construction area of about 760,000 square meters, it consists of two towers and a podium. The main tower is 239 meters high, one of the landmark buildings of Chunxi Road. The mall gathers over 200 international brands, and its rooftop garden's 15-meter-tall "Climbing Panda" art installation has become a popular check-in spot, receiving over 20 million visitors annually.
Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li
Covering an area of about 66,000 square meters with a construction area of about 100,000 square meters, it consists of 22 low-density buildings, adopting the design concept of "Fast Lane" and "Slow Lane." The "Fast Lane" gathers international fashion brands, while the "Slow Lane" focuses on culture, art, and characteristic catering, featuring cultural spaces such as Fangsuo Bookstore and Guangdong Guild Hall, with an annual passenger flow of over 30 million.
Zhongshan Square
Located at the intersection of Chunxi Road and Zongfu Road, covering an area of about 3,000 square meters, with a Sun Yat-sen bronze statue in the center. It is the core landmark of Chunxi Road and an important gathering place in Chengdu, with many time-honored shops around, such as Lai Tangyuan and Zhong Shui Jiao.
Jinhua Hall
Built in 1914, it is the best-preserved Republic of China-era building complex in Chunxi Road, composed of three two-story brick-wood structure buildings with a construction area of about 1,500 square meters. Now transformed into a cultural and creative district, it displays Chengdu's history and culture and hosts various art exhibitions.
Zhengkejia Alley
About 200 meters long, it is one of the oldest streets in Chunxi Road, once the center of Chengdu's silk industry. Most of the existing buildings are in the Republic of China style, preserving the ruins of time-honored brands such as "Fengxiang Tower" and "Baocheng Silver Building." Now it serves as a characteristic commercial district focusing on jewelry, clothing, and other formats.
Food
Zhong Shui Jiao (Zhong's Dumplings)
Founded in 1893, the classic Hongyou (red oil) Zhong Shui Jiao uses lean pork filling with specially red oil, garlic paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings, featuring a sweet-salty and slightly spicy taste with tender meat. It can be tasted at the time-honored "Zhong Shui Jiao" shop in Chunxi Road, with an average consumption of about 20 yuan per person.
Lai Tangyuan (Lai's Tangyuan)
Started in 1894, the tangyuan has a glutinous skin and sufficient filling, with various flavors such as black sesame, peanut, and fresh meat. The black sesame tangyuan is the most famous, with a sweet and non-greasy filling and clear, delicious soup. The Chunxi Road main store sells over 3,000 servings daily, with an average consumption of about 15 yuan per person.
Long Chaoshou (Long's Wonton)
Known for its thin skin, tender filling, and delicious soup, it comes in various flavors such as original soup, red oil, and seafood. The original soup chaoshou uses pork bones and chicken frames to make the soup base, paired with fresh meat filling, fragrant and rich. The "Long Chaoshou" restaurant in Chunxi Road is a classic check-in spot, with an average consumption of about 25 yuan per person.
Sandapao (Three Cannon Shots)
A traditional Chengdu snack, named because the glutinous rice balls make three "bang bang bang" sounds when slapped on the chopping board. Coated with soybean powder and drizzled with brown sugar juice, it has a soft and sweet taste. It is sold in Chunxi Road snack streets and surrounding stalls, priced at about 10 yuan per serving.
Tangyou Guozi (Sugar Oil Fruits)
Made from glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, fried until golden and crispy, it is crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, sweet but not greasy. It is a common street snack in Chengdu, sold at shops around Chunxi Road for about 5 yuan per string.
Surrounding Food
Around Chunxi Road, there are also Shujuxiang Hot Pot (Taikoo Li Branch), famous for its spicy pot base and fresh tripe, with an average consumption of about 120 yuan; Mawangzi Chuan Cuisine (Taikoo Li Branch), specializing in creative Sichuan cuisine, recommending Gongbao Eggplant and Shrimp Balls, with an average of about 80 yuan; and Maojiaohuola Skewers on Kuixinglou Street, with an average of about 60 yuan, about 2 kilometers from Chunxi Road, accessible by Metro Line 2.
Tickets
Free admission. Shopping and dining in malls are paid according to actual consumption.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours. Shops usually operate from 10:00 to 22:00, restaurants until 23:00, and some bars and night markets extend until 1:00 in the morning.
Tour Route
Visitors can enter from the north entrance of Chunxi Road main street, first visiting Zhongshan Square and surrounding time-honored shops, tasting snacks like Zhong Shui Jiao and Lai Tangyuan. Then go to Chengdu IFS International Financial Center, check-in the rooftop "Climbing Panda," and browse international brand stores. Next, walk to Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li, visit Fangsuo Bookstore and Guangdong Guild Hall, experience cultural and artistic spaces in the "Slow Lane" area, and choose a characteristic restaurant in Taikoo Li for lunch. In the afternoon, go to Jinhua Hall to learn about Republic of China architecture and Chengdu's history, then visit characteristic shops in Zhengkejia Alley. In the evening, taste snacks like Sandapao and Tangyou Guozi in Chunxi Road snack street, and choose a surrounding hot pot or Sichuan restaurant for dinner. At night, enjoy the light night view of Chunxi Road or visit the night market on Hongxing Road Pedestrian Street. The entire tour is recommended to arrange for 1 day.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Chunxi Road Station (Exit E1) to reach the core area of the pedestrian street directly; or take Metro Line 3 to Chunxi Road Station (Exit D) and walk for about 5 minutes.
- Bus: Covered by multiple bus stops such as Chunxi Road North Station, Chunxi Road South Station, and Zongfu Road Station, with bus routes including No. 4, 58, 81, 98, etc., which can be chosen according to the departure place.
- Self-driving: There are underground parking lots such as IFS and Taikoo Li around Chunxi Road, with about 5,000 parking spaces. The charging standard is 10 yuan per hour. It is recommended to find a parking space in advance during peak hours (10:00-22:00).
Must-visit Attractions
- Chengdu IFS International Financial Center: A 239-meter landmark building, the 15-meter "Climbing Panda" on the rooftop has an annual check-in volume of over 20 million, integrating shopping, art, and sightseeing.
- Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li: A 66,000-square-meter low-density commercial complex, integrating Western Sichuan dwellings and modern design. Cultural spaces such as Fangsuo Bookstore and Guangdong Guild Hall are must-visit, with an annual passenger flow of over 30 million.
- Zhongshan Square: The core landmark of Chunxi Road, surrounded by Sun Yat-sen bronze statue and Republic of China buildings, with concentrated time-honored snacks around, experiencing Chengdu's commercial history.
Tour Tips
- Arrive before 10 am to avoid peak crowds, and prioritize check-in the IFS panda sculpture and Taikoo Li street view for better photos.
- Carry a light backpack for convenient shopping; wear comfortable shoes as the pedestrian street is over 1 kilometer long and requires long-time walking.
- Food is concentrated on both sides of the main street and the basement floor of Taikoo Li. It is recommended to dine at off-peak hours, and popular restaurants like Mawangzi need to queue 30 minutes in advance.
- After 6 pm, the lights of Chunxi Road turn on, and the night views of IFS and Taikoo Li are highly atmospheric, suitable for shooting urban night scenes.
- If time permits, you can visit surrounding attractions such as Kuanzhai Alleys (4 stops by Metro Line 2) and Chengdu Museum (15-minute walk) together.
Notes
- Chunxi Road has a large daily pedestrian flow, especially during holidays. Pay attention to protecting personal belongings and avoid crowding and pushing.
- Smoking is prohibited in malls such as IFS and Taikoo Li. Some shops have dedicated smoking areas, and regulations must be observed.
- Time-honored snack shops like Zhong Shui Jiao and Lai Tangyuan have long queues during meal times. You can choose off-peak hours or take them away.
- The pedestrian street has stone floors, which are slippery in rainy days. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and carry rain gear.
- Parking lots around Chunxi Road are highly charged, and spaces are tight during peak hours. It is recommended to prioritize public transportation.