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Chengdu, China

Destination Guide

Chengdu

China

Best things to do in Chengdu

34 curated attractions in Chengdu, China. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - June, September - November

Average temp

16°C/61°F

Budget

Budget-friendly

Safety

Very safe

About Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is known for its relaxed lifestyle and spicy cuisine, which has made it a cultural hub in China. The city balances modern developments with traditional tea houses and historic sites, such as Wenshu Monastery and the Chengdu People's Park, where locals enjoy their leisure time. It is also famous for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors come specifically to see those endangered bears in action. Food plays a central role here, with hotpot and Sichuanese dishes that can challenge even the most daring of taste buds. Overall, the pace of life here encourages visitors to linger, whether over a leisurely meal or while exploring the street life. The area surrounding the city offers more, like Mount Qingcheng, but it's the city itself that forms the heart of the experience.

Who it's for

Perfect for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a slower pace. It’s not ideal for anyone in a rush, as the laid-back atmosphere may frustrate those expecting a more fast-paced urban experience. Travellers looking for nightlife or a more modern city vibe might find it lacking.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • The city center is easily walkable, taking about thirty minutes from one end to the other
  • Public transport includes buses and a metro system, both of which are decent but not as frequent as you might hope
  • The Panda Base is a short taxi ride away, while Mount Qingcheng requires more planning to reach efficiently
Taikoo Li

Taikoo Li

Shopping streets & districts
Chunxi Road

Chunxi Road

Shopping streets & districts
Wuhou Shrine

Wuhou Shrine

Monasteries
Wangjianglou Park

Wangjianglou Park

City parks
Jiuyanqiao Bar Street

Jiuyanqiao Bar Street

Entertainment
Eastern Suburb Memory Parking Lot

Eastern Suburb Memory Parking Lot

Cultural
BaiHuaTan Park

BaiHuaTan Park

Natural Wonders
Chengdu Eastern Music Park

Chengdu Eastern Music Park

Live music venues & clubs
Daci Temple

Daci Temple

Religious Sites
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Wildlife sanctuaries
Wenshu Monastery

Wenshu Monastery

Monasteries
Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
IFS Mall

IFS Mall

Shopping
Chengdu People's Park

Chengdu People's Park

City parks
Chengdu Global Center

Chengdu Global Center

Malls & department stores
Chengdu Anshun Bridge

Chengdu Anshun Bridge

Bridges
Mount Qingcheng

Mount Qingcheng

Pilgrimage sites & sacred mountains
Kuanzhai Alley

Kuanzhai Alley

Streets & neighbourhoods
Jinsha Site Museum

Jinsha Site Museum

History museums
Tianfu Square

Tianfu Square

Squares & plazas
Dufu Thatched Cottage

Dufu Thatched Cottage

Historic houses & mansions
Chengdu Museum

Chengdu Museum

History museums
Chengdu Radio and TV Tower

Chengdu Radio and TV Tower

Observation decks & city views
Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Jinli Ancient Street

Jinli Ancient Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Chengdu Happy Valley

Chengdu Happy Valley

Theme parks
Chengdu Sports Center

Chengdu Sports Center

Stadiums & sports venues
Qingyang Palace

Qingyang Palace

Monasteries
Chengdu Culture Park

Chengdu Culture Park

Theatres & opera houses
Chengdu Zoo

Chengdu Zoo

Zoos
Sichuan Science and Technology Museum

Sichuan Science and Technology Museum

Science & natural history museums
Heming Tea House

Heming Tea House

Cultural
Yulin Street Market

Yulin Street Market

Shopping and Markets
Chengdu Botanical Garden

Chengdu Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens

Where to eat in Chengdu

The places worth planning a meal around.

Yulin Alley

Yulin Alley

Sichuan · $$

★ 4.7 · 47 reviews

Heytea

Heytea

Chinese · $$

★ 4.7 · 17 reviews

Things to do in Chengdu

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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