Shopping and Souvenirs

Inspired by the mountains and rivers surrounding Chongqing, numerous great artists come here, making Chongqing a great place to shop for watercolors and calligraphy. The scenery of the Yangtze and the Three Gorges has long been the subject matter of Chinese paintings. The area around the Liberation Monument has numerous galleries selling everything from large scrolls to painted fans and screens; many of these stores take credit cards.

For those who seek more assurance before making a purchase, there are several large department stores also near the Liberation Monument as well as high-end hotel gift shops. The galleries tend to be much cheaper and unlike the department stores, prices are negotiable. Paying half the offered price is reasonable, though this rule doesn't always apply.

Sichuan handicrafts are also good buys, check out the local brocade; common motifs include flowers, turtle shells and animals. Other local specialties include folding fans, lacquer ware and painted bamboo curtains.

A good place to start your browsing is the Wanzi Qianhong Shangchang at the Chaotianmen dock.