Chengdu Night Markets: Wangping Street & Xiangxiang Alley Guide
Part 2: The New Wave
Along the Jinjiang River, two modern Chengdu night markets stand out. Wangping Street night market is trendy and spacious, while Xiangxiang Alley night market is compact and intimate. Together, they showcase the “new wave” of Chengdu night market culture.
Wangping Street Night Market: A Trendy Riverside Experience
Once a quiet riverside street, Wangping Street has transformed into a modern landmark of Chengdu nightlife. It blends the relaxed charm of old Chengdu with trendy restaurants, indie coffee shops, and craft beer pubs.
As night falls, neon lights reflect on the Jinjiang River, food stalls sizzle, and the street becomes a favorite hangout for both locals and travelers seeking a stylish Chengdu night market experience.
Basic Info
- Address: Wangping Street, Chenghua District, Chengdu
- Transport: Metro Line 2 to Dongmen Bridge Station, Exit D1, a 10-minute walk.
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (varies by shop)
- Price Level: Snacks 15–30 RMB; full meals 80–150 RMB per person.
Food Recommendations at Wangping Street Night Market
| Food Type | Recommendation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asian | Tom Yum Soup | Adjusted for local tastes—spicy, fragrant with lemongrass, and beginner-friendly. |
| Local Specialty | Mildly Spicy Braised Crawfish | Ask for wēi là (low spice). Sweet, rich sauce gives authentic Chengdu flavor. |
| Traditional Dessert | Hongtang Ciba (Brown Sugar Rice Cake) | Crispy outside, soft inside, balanced sweetness. |
| Craft Beer | Local brews from riverside pubs | Unique flavors like Sichuan peppercorn and jasmine. |
| Trendy Snacks | Dan Hong Gao, Tangyou Guozi | Classic Chengdu street food with creative fillings. |
Tips for Visiting Wangping Street
- Explore riverside lanes for hidden food stalls.
- Visit between 5:00–7:00 PM to enjoy both the daytime and the neon nightlife.
- Pair your visit with Xiangxiang Alley night market nearby.
Xiangxiang Alley: Chengdu’s “Little Hong Kong”
Just off Wangping Street lies Xiangxiang Alley, a narrow street less than 100 meters long. By day it’s quiet, but at night, neon signs transform it into a glowing food street. Its nostalgic Hong Kong vibe and global flavors make it one of Chengdu’s most unique night markets.
Basic Info
- Address: 25 Xiangxiang Alley, Wangping Street, Chenghua District, Chengdu
- Transport: Metro Line 2 to Dongmen Bridge Station, Exit D1, an 8-minute walk.
- Price Level: Asian food 60–100 RMB; Western 80–120 RMB per person.
International Food at Xiangxiang Alley Night Market
| Food Type | Recommendation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | Grilled skewers at a Japanese pub | Glazed in a secret sauce, perfect with sake or beer. |
| Mexican | Authentic tacos | Fresh tortillas, juicy fillings, bold salsa. |
| Sichuan Fusion | Hotpot-style noodles | Spicy, fragrant, with customizable heat levels. |
| Thai | Tom Yum Soup | Spicy-sour, aromatic with lemongrass, fresh shrimp. |
| Hong Kong Dessert | Mango Sago with Pomelo | Sweet coconut base with tart grapefruit—refreshing after spice. |
| Craft Beer | Local craft beer | Innovative brews featuring Sichuan peppercorns or jasmine. |
Tips for Visiting Xiangxiang Alley
- The best time to visit is from 6:30–8:00 PM (go earlier to avoid the biggest crowds).
- Visit during “blue hour” after sunset for great photos.
- Many restaurants offer bilingual menus for easy ordering.
Summary
The combination of Wangping Street and Xiangxiang Alley reveals Chengdu’s modern, international side. Less touristy than Kuanzhai Alley and more global than Kuixinglou Street, these two Chengdu night markets strike a balance between local tradition and cosmopolitan flavor—perfect for travelers seeking authentic yet trendy nightlife experiences.
👉 Explore the full Chengdu Night Market Series: Finding the Soul of the City. This overview connects all the city’s top night markets and offers essential tips—when to go, how to pay, spice levels, and more. It’s the perfect guide before diving into each market’s unique story.
Next in the series: “The Artistic Side | A Complete Guide to Yulin ‘Ghost Market’,” where art and culture meet Chengdu night market life.
