The Silk Road was a major route of travel during the Silk Road era. Chengdu, the massive capital of Sichuan Province, is a shopping mecca—these days because of a proliferation of innovative fashion and design spaces. Converted Qing-dynasty factories are now sold in gleaming malls. Tiny shops in residential areas sell ceramic tea sets, bespoke paper fans and other items. History is all around, from Song Xian Qiao Art City in central Chengdu to the ever-cool Temple HouseThe Jinjiang District has, which offers contemporary rooms and suites with black-and cream colors. The hotel overlooks Taikoo Li – a shopping paradise for local and international designers, and a unique destination in itself.
Next gen
The Cosmo Mall, an eight-story complex of boutiques with tiny sizes, is home to some of China’s most promising talents. Streetwear brand is a must-see RandomeventThe Beijing-born label Yoikadakada produces elaborately silhouetted, punk-inspired clothes. The Location concept store is a treasure trove of secondhand items from the Y2K era. Vapour Blue in Lanqing Pang offers gender-neutral designs that are reminiscent of qipao dress and silver jewelry. Store manager Xing Yulei is the designer behind these pieces.
Cabinet of curiosities
Song Xian Qiao art city market attracts shoppers who are looking for traditional art, unique curios, vintage Mao era paraphernalia and bronze Buddhist figurines. They also like the mammoth vases made of porcelain. Second-floor ateliers are filled with small ateliers that allow artists to create calligraphy and stamps made from jade. On weekends, the courtyard is awash with mah-jongg tiles and sellers selling Tibetan prayer beads, family treasures and rare stones.
Hiding in plain sight
The House of Elements is a concept store, teahouse and natural wine bar located in a nondescript building between auto shops. You can browse its collection of handmade clothes and other accessories made by Chinese ateliers. These include buttery leather footwear from Hengshu, monochrome clothing for women by Zhang Da, and soft knitwear from Norlha in the Gannan Prefecture.
The minimalist to the max
