Travel | A Stylish Family Outing: A Day at Chengdu's "Cosmic Center"
As a native Chengdu local, the question I get asked most often is:
"Xiao Yao, can you recommend some fun places in Chengdu?"
"I'm bringing my baby to Chengdu during the National Day holiday; where should we stay for convenience?"
These questions are indeed hard to answer, because every old-school Chengdu local has a private map drawn from life, time, stories, and memories. When it comes to spots for cultural vibes, iconic attractions, and local street food, a thousand people have a thousand different answers. But if we talk about a one-stop trendy check-in spot, one place that absolutely cannot be missed is "Chengdu IFS".
"Just like when mentioning Paris, you might not know 40 Boulevard Haussmann, but you surely know Galeries Lafayette. Chengdu IFS is that kind of landmark for Chengdu. Especially for locals who dislike memorizing street names, few may know the road beneath IFS is called Section 3 of Hongxing Road. When we make plans, we just say: 'See you tomorrow at Chengdu IFS!'
Recently, a follower plans to take their kids to Chengdu during the National Day holiday. Today, I'll take you along with my 'born fashionista' — Miss Du — for a day at Chengdu's 'cosmic center', Chengdu IFS, to give you some great travel tips for the holiday.
10:00 AM
"A girl should be two things:
classy and fabulous."
——Coco Chanel
The 3-year-old trendy girl quietly went into my dressing room before leaving and picked a white headband, then applied lip balm to herself. Today we're buying her new clothes for the season change. An excited Miss Du showed up right at 10 AM at the entrance of Chengdu IFS, waiting for the doors to open. The children's wear brands here range from top luxury brands like Burberry Kids, Givenchy Kids, Bonpoint to JNBY, NIKE Kids, Petit Bateau, Mothercare, etc., including many first stores in central/western China or southwest China. It's truly the best shopping spot for stylish kids.
Stella McCartney Kids
The eponymous brand of British talented designer Stella McCartney. Her designs are full of sweetness and romance, yet with a British rock vibe. She brings a free-spirited and natural character into the children's line, with whimsical designs and colorful hues full of childlike fun. In the past, whenever I traveled abroad or shopped online and saw Stella McCartney Kids, I couldn't resist buying for Miss Du. Now its first southwest China store has opened at Chengdu IFS, making it much more convenient.
Stella McCartney Kids' designs are perfect for trendy babies.
Du Du is immersed in the joy of matching outfits herself.
Moncler Children's Store
Moncler, a luxury brand originating in 1952, has its only store in the entire southwest region at Chengdu IFS. Moncler is a world-leading top brand in the outdoor down jacket industry. Their down jackets are both fashionable and warm. In winter, Du Du only needs to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath, so the child doesn't feel bulky and has less restriction.
Is it too early to buy a down jacket in early autumn? Of course not, because Moncler's popular styles sell out very quickly, and being the first store in the southwest, many styles are out of stock well before winter.
11:00 AM
Baby's Happy Hour
One of Miss Du's regular activities here is first riding the little train and then going to the children's playground. Both of these are free for young children, requiring only a receipt of any amount from the mall to enter. Although free, the facilities are very clean, and hand sanitizer is provided at the entrance, with staff guiding the queue, so parents can feel safe letting their kids play.
12:00 PM
The "Wall-Climbing Panda" at Chengdu IFS is already famous. Every day on the 7th-floor sculpture square, it takes photos with tourists from all over. Actually, this giant panda art installation, created by internationally renowned artist Lawrence Argent, has a name: "I AM HERE" (Chinese: 《我在这里》) . It aims to break the barrier between serious commercial spaces and people, making us reflect on our own existence and the prosperous development of the city.
?PizzaMarzano
I strongly recommend this restaurant where you can take a perfect photo with the panda without queuing. It actually has a big story: it was founded in 1965 in London, UK, as the hugely popular "PizzaExpress" across Europe. After coming to China, it was renamed "PizzaMarzano 比萨玛尚诺", which can be called the Hermès of pizza. Italian cuisine is very popular in Europe and Australia. I've tried many trendy restaurants, but few are truly delicious. I've tried many dishes at Marzano and never had a bad one; the taste is really excellent.
They specialize in thin-crust pizzas with lots of toppings and crispy crust, perfect for kids who don't like thick crusts and ladies on diets. The lemon roast chicken is tender and flavorful, so delicious you'll lick your fingers. Every time Du Du comes to Chengdu IFS, she insists on eating here, watching the panda while enjoying the meal.
It rained on the day we ate, so we couldn't dine outdoors.
After the meal, the rain stopped, and we probably took 100 photos here.
1:00 PM
Parent-Child Reading Space
Yan Ji You is a cultural名片 of Chengdu. It integrates a physical bookstore, coffee culture, creative products, and salon culture. It's found in many comprehensive malls and is one of my favorite bookstores. The Yan Ji You on B2 of Chengdu IFS, though located in the busiest city center, is a "spiritual haven" in the material world. The moment you step through its door, the hustle and bustle outside miraculously fades away.
Yan Ji You has a wide selection of children's picture books. Du Du can sometimes stay here for three hours. I have always focused on cultivating my child's reading habits and guiding her ability to think independently. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" — this simple educational method is often obscured by parents' own filters. We unconsciously impose our adult thinking and understanding of the world onto our children. I often remind myself of this, to give her free thoughts. I hope to instill proper behavioral habits through teaching by example.
Seeing the whole wall of picture books, the little girl's joy was beyond words. Then came Mom's regular activity at Chengdu IFS: Du Du and Sister Wu continued to play and rest here while I went shopping and pampering myself.
2:00 PM
La Maison VALMONT
A spa space like an art gallery
Friends who have seen my empty-bottle sharing videos know that I've been using VALMONT products for several years. This century-old Swiss brand is dedicated to finding effective beauty methods to help people resist the signs of aging. I first learned about this brand from my cousin who lives in Paris. Her skin can be described as flawless. She introduced VALMONT to me like this: 'I've studied VALMONT's active ingredients; only this 'biochemical weapon' truly works against early aging.' Sometimes a woman's heart is moved by just one sentence in an instant.
Today I booked a hand treatment at La Maison VALMONT. This store at Chengdu IFS is the first flagship store in China. In addition to the VALMONT skincare line, it also features the L'Elixir Des Glaciers line and the Storie Veneziane perfume line. The store display is beautifully arranged. Besides experiencing VALMONT products and services, you can also appreciate signature artworks by contemporary artists from Switzerland or internationally, carefully selected by brand founder Didier Guillon, who are supported by the VALMONT group.
I had a hand treatment using the Prime Renewing Pack; it was super comfortable. Afterwards, my hand skin felt like it was glowing. Next time I have enough time, I plan to have a facial SPA here. I heard that the professional 'Butterfly Massage' technique is extremely relaxing. By the way, I recommend the VALMONT moisturizing and soothing products I've been using recently. They feel really great on my dry, sensitive skin. However, I suggest consulting the counter before buying. The sales assistant recommended the soothing and repairing mist based on my skin type, and it's perfect for me.
From left to right: Moisturizing Boost Serum, Soothing Skin Repair Mist, Hydrating Cream, Moisturizing Mask
Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin once said: "No matter what kind of woman, when she puts on high heels, she becomes sexy." Especially a pair of red-soled high heels. From Patty Labelle to Angelina Jolie, from Anggun to Mariah Carey, they are all fans of Christian Louboutin heels. Every year, half of the shoes on major red carpets are almost exclusively his. Jennifer Lopez even wrote a song called "Louboutins," about a woman who, after being heartbroken, puts on her Louboutins and moves on.
As the first Christian Louboutin store in western China, the interior is filled with charming vintage flair, making you feel like you've traveled back to Paris.
Studs are also a design feature of Christian Louboutin.
Elegance can also be rock 'n' roll; people have more than one side.
Lane Crawford
Lane Crawford, Asia's leading international designer boutique, integrates fashion, art, architecture, and more. It not only sells trendy items but also knows how to 'sell' a stylish lifestyle. I still remember the surprise I felt ten years ago when I first visited Lane Crawford at Times Square in Hong Kong. I realized that a store could be arranged like a design museum. Since then, every time I go to Hong Kong, I always drop by Lane Crawford. Many niche designer brands I discovered through Lane Crawford. After its opening, every time I come to Chengdu IFS, I do a round to see what's new.
Left: Rosantica, Right: Alexander Wang
The reason Lane Crawford never gets boring to browse is that there's always a new surprise. This time, the Lifestyle department has undergone a complete upgrade, adding a designer zone and a multi-functional showroom. WEWOOD high-end solid wood furniture, V-ZUG appliances, ALCAROL resin furniture, HÄSTENS beds, FORNASETTI art zone, and TOM DIXON's first southwest exhibition — all sorts of lifestyle精品 are included. The first and exclusive brands jointly create an 'Ideal Home'! As a home enthusiast, I couldn't move from the FORNASETTI art zone alone.
TOM DIXON Concept Pop-up Store
Lane Crawford's Platinum VIP Room is very elegant and comfortable, a private space to freely enjoy the fun of trying on clothes. The VIP room displays some boutique styles for VIP clients and offers exquisite refreshments. Shopping in such an environment and with this level of service is truly comfortable.
By now, Miss Du had successfully reunited with me. Her behavior in the Platinum VIP Room already revealed the genes of a blogger. First, she tasted a sip of panda latte, then picked her favorite Maison Michel dark green ear-flap hat, and finally took a selfie in the mirror.
4:00 PM
COVA's Sweet Time
I heard that COVA, an Italian dessert shop with a long history, has opened its first store in Chengdu. It is the only high-end dessert shop under LVMH, dating back to 1817. As a dessert lover, how could I not check it out immediately? The store features European vintage décor. When tired from shopping, we can buy some desserts in the mall's atrium, feeling like we're not shopping in Chengdu but perhaps in trendy Hong Kong, Bangkok, or Paris.
The mango cream cake at COVA is absolutely delicious.
6:00 PM
Tomacado 花 厨
As soon as Huachu opened, my social media feed was flooded with it. Being there in person felt even more beautiful than the photos online. This flower-themed restaurant features a pink and green color scheme that surprisingly works perfectly, not at all 'country style'. Paired with French archways, it exudes refinement and luxury. Upon entering, you immediately feel surrounded by flowers, an ethereal vibe that instantly ignites your girly heart.
Huachu is not just a pretty face of a trendy restaurant. We ordered the classic duo set meal. The Huachu rainbow rolls, vanilla roasted three-yellow chicken, and osmanthus curry pork cartilage were all delicious. The drink 'Blue Butterfly' is a must-order; the moment you add lemon juice, it changes color, so beautiful and healing.
Thai 泰式料理
Another recommendation is my favorite Thai restaurant — Thai, located next to the 7th-floor sculpture courtyard. This restaurant just opened recently, but being a huge fan of Thai cuisine, I've already been twice. The flavor has truly conquered me. The fresh shrimp sashimi is a must-order; bite off the tail and swallow it whole — the mouthful of sour, spicy, crunchy, and refreshing sensation is incredibly satisfying. The yellow curry crab has a rich, creamy milk flavor and good crab quality; paired with rice, it's heavenly. The hot pot whole fish (Pla Kaphong) is totally my dish: tender fish, sour and spicy with a hint of sweetness, deeply satisfying the taste buds. Also, the grilled pork neck and Thai drinks here are worth trying.
8:00 PM
Until September 27th, if you happen to be at Chengdu IFS on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, be sure to go up to the 7th-floor sculpture courtyard. On weekends, this place transforms into a night high-altitude market, featuring specialty stalls, creative markets, band performances, an outdoor cinema, and customized camping tents.
Taking photos and shopping at the market, it feels like we've traveled to Thailand again. But nowadays, Chengdu is already very fashionable and fun; we don't need to go abroad for enjoyable shopping and entertainment. We can vacation right at our doorstep.
On the square, we also ran into special employees — 'Pineapple's Family', seven golden retrievers whose main job is explosive detection. Every day from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM, they take turns on duty at the sculpture courtyard for photos with visitors. 'Pineapple' and the 'Green Dog' sculpture by Zhou Chunya behind him were perfectly synchronized—so fun!
From now until December 31st, visitors can present travel tickets/orders with a destination of Chengdu within the past 7 days to receive a ONE-DAY PASS gift pack, enjoying the 'One-Day VIP Pass' shopping benefits plan exclusive to Chengdu IFS.
Gift pack contents: Free direct access to popular attractions, exclusive offers from 40 brands, hot restaurant discounts, exclusive shopping vouchers, and tax refund services for foreign nationals and Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan compatriots.
