Chengdu is not only the paradise of special food, but also an ideal place for shopping. As a traditional area for silver inlaid technology, Chengdu shares its reputation with Beijing, which is famous for the applied weaving technique. And Chengdu is abundant in Shu Brocade and Embroidery. As the other local craft from silkworm breeding and mulberry growing, Shu Embroidery in Chengdu has enjoyed a reputation for superb craftsmanship. Besides, there is a great variety of commodities, for example, lacquer ware, Wuliangye, Luzhou Lao Jiao, Quanxing Da Qu and so on.
Shu Brocade This brocade, soft in feel and flamboyant in color, has a history of over two thousand years, and it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.
Developed over more than twenty centuries, over several hundred types have evolved and brocade has become an integral part of the ornament of women in the ethnic groups from southwestern China. However, handmade brocade has given way to modern textile industries and there is only one factory lremaining in the city that specializes in making Sichuan Brocade.
Bamboo Production Since Chengdu is home to the panda, the area is also home to bamboo. Apart from food for the bears, bamboo is used to make covers and mats for vases, teapots, bowls, caskets etc. Only a special type of bamboo is used to make these pieces.
This kind of stuff is very fashionable in the west at the moment and the Chengdu Bamboo Weaving Factory, is the most famous factory making bamboo products in Chengdu. The prices here are much more reasonable than in the west too!
Silverware Chengdu has long been famous for its silverware. Chengdu silver is produced from extremely thin and fine threads of metal, which are as thin as hair. The delicate pieces are welded together and made into jewelry, wall decorations, table decorations and other pretty pieces. Silverware is widely available throughout Chengdu. Try the Arts & Crafts Service Department Store.
Laquerware Chengdu is one of the major producers of lacquer ware. The Chinese name the different types of laquerware according to the method of production. Many different types of laquer product are produced in Chengdu including wall decorations and screens. Some pieces are covered with flax, paper or plastic before they are painted to avoid the wood rotting. The main factory producing these exquisite pieces is the Chengdu Lacquer Craft Factory at 81 Jinghejie.
Silk Tapestry Silk tapestry are hand made rugs which use silk and spun silk as materials. After the tapestry has been spun by machine, the pattern is delicately woven by hand. This is a popular wall hanging. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy. China exports this product to the west and southeast Asia and this makes a lovely souvenir.
