Pro Tips
Best gifts to bring/buy from Chongqing
1 Sept 2025
Best gifts to bring/buy from Chongqing
Hello there, future Chongqing adventurers!
When you visit our incredible mountain city - Chongqing, you're going to make a lot of amazing memories. But wouldn't it be great to take a little piece of Chongqing home with you, or share its unique charm with your loved ones? Absolutely!
So, as a born and raised Chongqing native, let me tell you what truly represents our city and where you can find the best gifts. Forget those generic trinkets – we're going for authentic Chongqing!
1. Chongqing Hotpot Seasoning (重庆火锅底料)
You absolutely cannot come to Chongqing and not experience our legendary hotpot. It's not just food; it's a way of life! And guess what? You can bring the fiery, numbing, and utterly delicious flavors of Chongqing hotpot right into your own kitchen.
Why it's a great gift: It's iconic, delicious, and a fun way to recreate a core Chongqing experience. Plus, everyone loves a good food gift! You can use the hotpot seasoning in many other dishes too, not just hotpot. For example, if you want your stir fry to have some kick, cut a small cube of the seasoning and add it in your pan/wok, bang! Your dish is suddenly Chongqing flavored!
Where to buy: You'll find a huge variety of brands in any local supermarket (like Carrefour, Chongbai supermarket, or any smaller local grocery store). For a more premium selection or gift sets, check out specialty food stores in shopping malls like Jiefangbei or Guanyinqiao.
2. Sichuan Pepper (花椒)
If you love the numbing sensation (麻, "má") in Chongqing cuisine, then you'll want to take home some authentic Sichuan pepper. This is the star ingredient that gives Chongqing dishes their distinctive kick. Trust me, it's different from anything you've tasted!
Why it's a great gift: It's an essential ingredient for any aspiring Chinese cook and a direct taste of Chongqing's unique flavor profile. You can sometimes find them in asian supermarket in your country too, but the selection and freshness is not comparable with the ones you can find in Chongqing.
Where to buy: Easily found in any local supermarket or traditional farmer’s market.
3. Shu Embroidery (蜀绣)
While Chengdu is more famous for Shu Embroidery, Chongqing, as part of the broader Sichuan cultural sphere, also has stunning examples of this intricate craft. Known for its delicate stitches and vibrant silk threads, Shu embroidery often depicts natural scenes like pandas, birds, and flowers.
Why it's a great gift: It's a beautiful, traditional art form that showcases incredible craftsmanship. Perfect for someone who appreciates fine textiles and handmade goods.
Where to buy: Look for dedicated embroidery shops in upscale shopping districts, or art and craft markets. Sometimes you can find smaller, more affordable pieces like embroidered sachets or small framed artworks in tourist areas.
4. Ciqikou's Treasures (磁器口宝藏）
When you visit the charming Ciqikou Ancient Town, don’t miss trying out those snacks.
Ma Hua (麻花 - Twisted Dough Fritters): These crispy, sweet or savory fried dough twists are a delightful snack. They come in many flavors, and it's super common to see people walking around Ciqikou with bags of freshly made Ma Hua.
Ginger Candy (姜糖 - Jiāng Táng): This handmade candy has a warming, spicy kick from ginger, balanced with sweetness. It's believed to be good for you too!
Where to buy: You guessed it – Ciqikou Ancient Town is the place to buy them! You'll see numerous stalls selling them, often offering samples. My tip: try a few different vendors before you decide which ones to buy in bulk!
A Little Local Tip!
When you're out shopping, don't be afraid to try a little polite bargaining, especially in smaller markets. It's part of the experience! And remember, many shopkeepers are happy to let you sample food items before you buy.
So there you have it, my friends! A few ideas for fantastic gifts and souvenirs to bring home from your Chongqing adventure. Each of these items carries a bit of our city's spirit and culture.
I can't wait for you to explore Chongqing and find your own treasures. If you have any questions or need more recommendations, just ask!
See you in Chongqing!
Warmly,
Hanghang, Your Chongqing Expert at Explore Chongqing with Li
