Eat Like a Local for 150 RMB: The Ultimate Guide to Chengdu’s Fuqin Night Market
Welcome to Chengdu, a city where the air itself smells of chili and spice. While tourists flock to Jinli or Wide and Narrow Alley, the best food is hidden in local neighborhoods.
If Jianshe Road Night Market is Chengdu’s student-packed food battlefield, then Fuqin Night Market is where long-time locals come for comfort and tradition. It’s quieter, more old-school, and deeply rooted in daily life. There are no flashy decorations here—just decades-old recipes, lively crowds, and the smoky aroma of street food.
With a budget of 150 RMB (about $22 USD), this guide shows you how to eat like a local by following a smart, balanced food route covering 7 iconic stalls, from hearty stews to charcoal BBQ and refreshing desserts. For a full guide to Fuqin Night Market and other Chengdu night markets, check out our comprehensive Chengdu Night Market Guide.
Who Is Fuqin Night Market Best For?
Fuqin is perfect for travelers who:
- Prefer traditional flavors over viral snacks
- Want a slower, neighborhood vibe
- Are curious about what locals actually eat on a regular night
If you enjoy discovering food beyond tourist hotspots, Fuqin will feel instantly rewarding.
Part 1: The 150 RMB Food Map
Core Strategy: Grab queue numbers early for popular stalls, balance spicy with mild dishes, and leave room for one main course.
Route: Start from Fuqin Metro Station, use Heizhu Xiangji as your landmark, and walk in a relaxed loop.
Budget Reality: 150 RMB is generous—many locals feel full spending just 50–80 RMB.
With 150 RMB, you can comfortably enjoy one signature main dish, multiple classic snacks, BBQ skewers, and dessert without rushing or skipping favorites.
Stop 1: Heizhu Xiangji (Signature: Taro Chicken)
- Location: Fuqin North 2nd Alley (the heart of the market)
- What to Do: This is the most popular stall—take a queue number immediately, then explore nearby vendors while waiting. Order the Small Pot of Taro Chicken. The chicken is tender, the konjac silky, and the taro slow-cooked until it melts.
- Cost: ~78 RMB per pot (feeds 2–3 people)
- Per-Person Budget: ~26 RMB
- Note: This is the “main course” of the night—best shared.
Stop 2: Yu Jian Ma Ci (Fresh Milk Mochi)
- Location: Southwest Fuqin Street (bright pink sign)
- What to Order: Signature Fresh Milk Mochi—stretchy, soft, and coated with Oreo crumbs or soybean powder.
- Why It Works: A creamy, non-spicy opener that eases your stomach into the night.
- Cost: ~10 RMB
Stop 3: Dan Bao Yang Yu (Egg-Wrapped Potatoes)
- Location: Mid-market area
- What to Order: Classic Egg-Wrapped Potato—mashed potatoes mixed with pickled radish and herbs, wrapped in a thin omelet.
- Cost: ~12 RMB
- Tip: Ask for “Bu Yao Zhe Er Gen” if you’re not ready for houttuynia’s strong herbal flavor.
Stop 4: Weird Old Man’s Tian Bu La (Sweet & Spicy Fried Skewers)
- Location: Entrance of No. 12 Southwest Fuqin Road
- What to Pick: Liangfen jelly cubes, potato slices, sausage
- Flavor: Fried, then dipped in a nostalgic sweet-and-spicy sauce many locals grew up with
- Cost: ~15 RMB
- Note: The owner is famously blunt—keep orders simple and be patient.
Stop 5: Fuqin No. 1 BBQ (Signature: Beef & Pork Belly)
- Location: South 1st Alley (busiest BBQ stretch)
- What to Order: Tender beef and pork belly skewers
- Cost: ~30 RMB for a satisfying mix
- Tip: Say “Wei La” (mild spicy) if you’re heat-sensitive.
Stop 6: Old Soldier’s Pig Trotters (Signature: White Pea Trotter Soup)
- Location: Mid Fuqin Street (permanent shop, large sign)
- What to Order: Snow Pea Pig Trotter Soup—milky broth, fall-off-the-bone meat
- Why It Matters: A gentle, non-spicy Chengdu classic that soothes your stomach
- Cost: ~18 RMB
Final Stop: Liu Lin Lin Dessert Stall
- Location: Near Fuqin No. 1 BBQ
- Seasonal Picks:
- Summer: Hand-rubbed Bingfen (look for bubbles)
- Winter: Warm Liang Xia or Silver Ear Mushroom Soup
- Cost: ~8 RMB
Part 2: Essential Tips for Travelers
- Getting There: Metro Line 5 to Fuqin Station (Exit A or B). Best time: 6:00–9:00 PM
- Payment: Alipay & WeChat Pay only—cash is rarely used
- Spice Control: Say “Lǎo bǎn, shǎo fàng hǎi jiāo” (Boss, less chili)
- Seating: Small plastic stools are normal—sharing tables is part of the culture
- Be Flexible: If the taro chicken wait is too long, skip it and enjoy more small snacks instead
Summary
For just 150 RMB, Fuqin Night Market delivers a complete Chengdu night market experience—from comforting stews to smoky BBQ and cooling desserts. This isn’t a curated attraction; it’s a living neighborhood where locals unwind after work.
When you visit Fuqin, forget you’re a tourist. Sit on a small stool, breathe in the smoke and spice, and enjoy one of the most authentic nights Chengdu has to offer.
