Foreign language bookstores are great places to find English city, county, province, and country maps. Naturally there is also a basic selection of contemporary and classic fiction and non-fiction titles. Due east of Tianfu Square and just north of Chunxi Lu is one store at 5 Zongfu Lu. On the second floor there is a wide range of English magazines along the wall and a decent choice of new releases in case you finished your latest read. Spanish, French, German, and Japanese speakers will also find a few titles. English Chengdu city maps cost Y5 here.

At the intersection of the south 1^st ring road (at the junction of the 1^st and 2^nd sections) and Kehua Beilu there is another foreign language bookstore on the corner. This store has a better selection of maps, posters, and music, but less books. Despite what you would think, the staff do not speak English or recognize titles at either store.

On the south side of the North Railway Station you'll find the vast He Hua Chi wholesale market. The market is so big that even cab drivers aren't really sure where to drop you off. The bulk of the stores are on the east side of Renmin Beilu. A few buildings are full of clothing and shoe shops and a number of winding covered markets offer every kind of clothing, houseware, home furnishing, and traditional Chinese souvenir imaginable. Just keep wandering and shopping until you can't take another minute of old-fashioned Chinese bargaining, known as "jiang jia". 

Tucked in a back alley of Chengdu’s bustling business district, you can find a taste of true Chinese culture at the Ran Fang Jie street market. Around the corner you will find plenty of familiar Western brand names. However, if you wish to practice your bargaining skills and find the cheap goods that China is famous for, then empty your backpack and head here. Markets like these are perfect for the budget traveller looking to replace worn out clothes or re-stock on toiletries and cosmetics. Bargain hard as shopkeepers’ eyes light up at the site of a foreigner. Most of the goods here are geared towards females, but men can still find some things to shop for here.

Directions: The market is incredibly close to Tianfu Square.  Walk straight south from Tianfu square and stay on the left side. You will soon see a market down to your left on a pedestrian street called Ran Fang Jie just a few meters from the square. That is the west etrance.