Vijaywada has been an important handicrafts centre. Kondapalli toys are delicately hand-sculpted figures if gods,  animals and birds, people and other village scenes. Another art form is Kalamkari printing of textiles at Machilipnam. Hand-printed exquisite designs, silk cotton saris upholstery, slingbags and dresses are prized even today. MG Road, Governor Pet, Besant Road and Eluru Road are the main shopping areas where the largest emporia are located.