Chengdu Night Markets: Dive into the Energy of Xipu & Liulangwan Night Markets
Part 6: The Chengdu Night Markets Students Love the Most
Away from Chengdu’s city center, two of the most youthful and energetic Chengdu Night Markets shine: Xipu Night Market and Liulangwan Night Market. With Xipu’s endless late-night eats and Liulangwan’s creative street food, these markets offer the ultimate student night market experience in Chengdu, combining affordability, fun, and authentic local flavors.
Xipu Night Market Chengdu: Affordable Late-Night Street Food
Located in the westside university district, Xipu Night Market Chengdu is a lifeline for students and young professionals thanks to its low prices and long hours. Stalls open around 4 PM and serve customers until 3 AM, satisfying cravings for late-night street food in Chengdu.
Here, flavors from across China meet local Sichuan specialties. Xipu Night Market not only delivers authentic Chengdu street food, but also introduces creative dishes from other provinces, reflecting the city’s inclusive food culture.
Basic Info
- Address: Xichi 1st and 2nd Street, Pidu District, Chengdu
- Transport: Metro Line 2 or 6 to Xipu Station, then walk about 10 minutes
- Hours: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Price Level: Extremely affordable; full meals for about 20 RMB (~$3 USD)
Must-Try Foods
| Food Type | Recommendation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Skewers | Leshan Bobo Chicken | Many skewers for as little as 15 RMB (~$2.11 USD). Choose mild spicy if preferred. |
| Traditional Dessert | Zhang’s Ice Jelly | 6 RMB (~$0.84 USD). Hand-rubbed ice jelly with fermented rice and brown sugar, perfect for cooling down. |
| Meat | Wang’s Grilled Rabbit | Chengdu specialty. Half a rabbit costs 35 RMB (~$4.92 USD), braised then grilled for crispy skin and tender meat. |
| BBQ | Assorted Skewers | Cheap, plentiful, perfect with beer. |
| Main Dish | Fried Rice/Noodles | Large portions at budget-friendly prices. |
Practical Tips
- The last metro trains run late, making it easy to return downtown.
- Most food is spicy—say “shǎo là” (less spicy) or “bù là” (not spicy) when ordering.
- The market is next to a university, filled with youthful energy.
- The vibe changes throughout the night, offering a unique atmosphere late in the evening.
Liulangwan Night Market Chengdu: Trendy Student Street Food
Rising as a hotspot in Chengdu’s night market scene, Liulangwan Night Market Chengdu is loved by students for its wide variety and affordable street food. With hundreds of options—from local snacks to international bites—it’s one of the trendiest student night markets in Chengdu.
The market bursts with creativity. Young vendors constantly invent new internet-famous snacks, reflecting the innovative spirit of Chengdu Night Markets.
Basic Info
- Address: Liulangwan North 1st Street, Wenjiang District, Chengdu
- Transport: Metro Line 4 to Yangliu River Station, Exit C, then walk 10 minutes
- Hours: 7:00 PM – late night
- Price Level: Very affordable; most dishes about 10 RMB (~$1.41 USD)
Must-Try Foods
| Food Type | Recommendation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Skewers | Creative Fried Skewers | Young vendors make fried skewers with secret sauces for crispy, bold flavors. |
| Taiwanese Dessert | Taro Balls with Grass Jelly | Large dessert with plenty of toppings—sweet but not too heavy. |
| Snacks | Grilled Tofu | Crispy outside, soft inside, topped with scallions and chili powder; great vegetarian option. |
| Innovative Drinks | Creative Fruit Teas | Colorful, photo-friendly teas with refreshing flavors. |
| Local Specialties | Assorted Regional Snacks | Popular foods from across China in one place. |
Experience Tips
- Best visited 8–10 PM when most stalls are open.
- Expect a lively, youthful vibe with many students and young vendors.
- Many foods are Instagram-worthy—bring your camera.
- Share dishes with friends to sample more flavors.
Market Comparison
| Feature | Xipu Night Market | Liulangwan Night Market |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Practical, no-frills, late-night | Young, trendy, creative |
| Price | Extremely affordable | Very affordable |
| Specialty | Traditional snacks | Creative, innovative foods |
| Experience | Functional, budget-friendly | Fun, modern, social |
Exploring Advice
- At Xipu Night Market, try local specialties like braised rabbit head—popular with locals and worth the experience.
- At Liulangwan Night Market, don’t miss creative snacks that highlight Chengdu’s youthful street food culture.
Summary
Xipu Night Market and Liulangwan Night Market showcase two sides of Chengdu Night Markets: one practical and traditional, the other modern and creative. Both deliver affordable street food in Chengdu with youthful energy, making them top picks for students, locals, and budget-conscious travelers.
Though both markets are far from the city center (metro rides over an hour), they’re well worth the trip for anyone seeking authentic student night markets in Chengdu.
👉 Explore the full Chengdu Night Market Series: Finding the Soul of the City to connect all the city’s top night markets and get essential tips—when to go, how to pay, spice levels, and more.
👉 For further exploration, check out Jiuyanqiao Night Market and Jianshe Road Night Market for more late-night eats in Chengdu.
