Besides the local teahouses, snack bars and bazaars (also known as free markets) are still popular places for tourists. One can either taste the typical Sichuan cuisine, local wine, or tea; set out to shop for local specialty products such as Shu embroidery pieces, bamboo-woven porcelain ware and lacquer ware; or become acquainted with local folklore and customs.

Some vendors sell their wares in large open air markets which contain many stalls. This creates a de facto supermarket with a variety of products being sold in one area. Other vendors sell from open walk-in storefronts along the streets of Chengdu. However, many of the local food markets are set up right on the sidewalks in order to entice people to look over the available fresh produce as they go about their day's routine.