The Best Things To do in Chengdu: Attractions, Hotels & Food Recommendation
Chengdu boasts both bustling commercial districts and serene, culturally rich historical streets, as well as modern landmarks like the Chengdu Tianfu International Financial Center. It's safe to say that the city's attractions cover most of the classic highlights of urban tourism. Here are some must-visit attractions in Chengdu selected for you, making it easier to plan your trip!
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Popular Chengdu Attractions
Things to do in Chengdu | Kuanzhai Alley
Kuanzhai Alley is a popular tourist attraction in downtown Chengdu, consisting of three historic lanes: Wide Alley (Kuan Xiangzi), Narrow Alley (Zhai Xiangzi), and Well Alley (Jing Xiangzi). These alleys preserve century-old architecture and serve as a testament to Chengdu’s ancient culture.
- 📍Address: Kuanzhai Alley, Jinhe Road Intersection, Qingyang District, Chengdu
- 🚆Transportation: Take Chengdu Metro Line 4 to Kuanzhai Alley Station, or get off at People’s Park Station on Line 2. Both options provide easy access to the area.
Reviews of Kuanzhai Alley
4.6/5
735 reviews
5/5
The perfect place to sample local snacks and tea)
They encourage you to try everything 🤗
Don't be surprised if, after strolling through the two alleys, several vendors add you on WeChat 😂
5/5
Must visit this attractive spot in Chengdu.
5/5
It's very atmospheric and beautiful. You can find souvenirs, dine, and simply enjoy the surrounding beauty.
This place is reminiscent of the Fuqing Night Market, but with a very expensive twist. A must-see if you're in Chengdu.
5/5
We are always searching for a state of being, a state untouched by the passage of time, undiminished by worldly passion. On the road, we found it. It's a perpetually youthful spirit—not youthful in appearance, but youthful in soul, a youth that maintains a constant curiosity and love for the world. When we shoulder our packs and embark on unknown journeys, each departure is a rebirth. We witness the ever-changing light and shadow at sunrise, the vastness of the starry sky, the smiles and kindness of strangers—moments that bring tears to our eyes. Not because of sadness, but because of profound emotion, for we finally understand that the beauty of life lies not in what we possess, but in what we experience. On the road, we shed all pretense and defenses, facing the world with our most authentic selves. We no longer dwell on gains and losses, no longer cling to outcomes, but savor every scene, every encounter. This youthfulness is a love for life, a yearning for freedom, and courage in the face of the unknown. We are forever young because we are forever on the road, forever moved to tears.
4/5
Perfect for a leisurely stroll, sampling street snacks, and experiencing Chengdu’s culture. We bought some of the tea pastry and tea leaves and shop for some panda souvenirs there. We have our lunch in one of the Sichuan cuisine restaurant in the narrow alley which the food is pretty good. There is a cat souvenir shop named Mao Mao Yao which sells lovely handmade ceramic cat product. We bought some fridge magnets before going back to our hotel.
Things to do in Chengdu | Wuhou Shrine Museum
Wuhou Shrine is one of the top ten attractions in Chengdu and the only temple in China dedicated to both a ruler and his subjects. Covering an area of 37,000 square meters, it primarily commemorates Liu Bei, Emperor of the Shu Han Kingdom, his chancellor Zhuge Liang, as well as other loyal officials and brave generals of Shu. The shrine displays numerous statues of figures from the Three Kingdoms period and precious historical materials, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site for tourists interested in Three Kingdoms history.
- 📍Address: No. 231, Wuhou Shrine Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu
- 🚆Transportation: Take Chengdu Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station, and walk about 10 minutes from Exit D.
Things to do in Chengdu | Jinli Ancient Street
Stretching approximately 550 meters, the street is lined with antique-style buildings that reflect the architectural charm of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. It preserves rich Sichuan folk culture and offers more than just shopping opportunities. Here, you can:
- Watch famous Sichuan Opera face-changing performances,
- Savor authentic local delicacies such as bean curd with beef, buckwheat noodles, and stinky tofu,
- Browse shops of traditional artisans for unique souvenirs like clay sculptures, sugar paintings, rice grain engravings, Shu embroidery, and Sichuan lacquerware.
Jinli Ancient Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Chengdu, with a history spanning over 1,800 years. It is part of the Wuhou Shrine complex, so visitors planning to explore Wuhou Shrine should set aside some time to discover this ancient street.
- 📍Address: No. 231, Wuhou Shrine Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu
- 🚆Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 or 5 to Gaoshengqiao Station, then walk about 18 minutes.
Reviews of Jinli Asian Street
4.6/5
616 reviews
5/5
Jinli Street is a vibrant and atmospheric place, especially in the evening when the traditional red lanterns light up. It's quite touristy and crowded, but the historic architecture, local snacks, and souvenirs make it worth a stroll. Come here to soak up the lively nighttime vibe.
4/5
It felt like a marketplace as old as the history of Wuhechi itself. It seemed that the scenery of the Ming and Qing dynasties would not differ fundamentally, except for the goods sold here. There were particularly many panda-related shops. If I hadn't already filled my suitcase with Starbucks mugs and other items, I would have bought more related merchandise. I was very intrigued by the "Fei Chang Bao Da Chong" (large intestine stuffed with raw scallions), so I tried one. It seems China isn't very good at getting rid of the gamey smell from small intestines and large intestines. However, the strong flavor of the raw scallions did manage to mask the odor. Curious about the taste of Chinese oysters, I bought a plate of grilled raw oysters. They contained a lot of garlic, so the garlic flavor was strong. Other items that caught my eye included grilled pig brains, grilled rabbit heads, and grilled rabbits.
5/5
A very atmospheric place, especially when the lanterns are lit 🏮🏮🏮
This location is best combined with the temple.
4/5
Jinli Street is one of those places in Chengdu that’s worth seeing, especially if it’s your first time in the city. The old-style architecture, red lanterns, small shops, food stalls, and narrow streets give it a very different feel from the modern side of Chengdu.It can get busy, so I found it much more enjoyable earlier in the day or later in the evening, when you can actually take your time and look around. The street is quite touristy, but I still enjoyed wandering through the side alleys, stopping for snacks, and taking photos of the details along the way.It’s not somewhere I’d spend an entire day, but it makes for a nice couple of hours combined with the nearby Wuhou Shrine. The lanterns and traditional buildings are especially beautiful after dark when everything is lit up.A good place to wander rather than rush through with a checklist.
5/5
Such a wonderful experience there.
Things to do in Chengdu | Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Located by the Huanhua Stream in the western suburbs of Chengdu, Du Fu Thatched Cottage is the former residence of Du Fu, the renowned Tang Dynasty poet revered as the "Sage of Poetry." Du Fu lived here for four years, during which he composed over 200 celebrated poems, making the cottage a sacred site in Chinese literary history. The site experienced prolonged periods of neglect but was restored and preserved through the efforts of his followers. After multiple expansions and renovations, it eventually evolved into its current architectural style and layout.
- 📍Address: No. 37, Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
- 🚆Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to Caotang North Road Station, then walk about 15 minutes.
Reviews of Du Fu Rhatched Cottage
4.7/5
10827 reviews
4/5
OK for leisure and arts... If you know the history and du fu poems... Huge place for walking aournd... Less crowds
5/5
It’s a lovely place, a lot of people as usual just be chill and patient and enjoy your own vibe. Take your time to read and observe the signs, stories and information they provide, you will get more enjoyment this way.
5/5
Worth the visit
5/5
This place gave me a tranquil mood throughout the entire area. Upon entry, you can immediately unwind with the green lushes of bamboos and well maintained trees. There are lots of background for you to take beautiful pictures and learn about Du Fu. This place is certainly a hidden gem. Do come if you have the opportunity, especially if you are someone that loves green gardens.
4/5
A relaxing place, where you can easily spend 30-60 minutes enjoying the peace and quiet.
Things to do in Chengdu | Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Located in the suburbs of Chengdu, here, you can observe the daily lives of rare animals such as giant pandas, peacocks, and black-necked cranes. Highly recommended experiences include:
- Visiting the newborn panda cub nursery to catch a glimpse of adorable baby pandas;
- Watching the delightful feeding sessions as pandas enjoy their bamboo meals;
- Learning about their habitats and enjoying an in-depth educational journey into the world of pandas.
the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of China's most important institutions for giant panda conservation and research. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the study, breeding, protection, and educational tourism of endangered wildlife. 🐼
- 📍Address: No. 1375, Panda Avenue, Outside North, Chenghua District, Chengdu
- 🚆Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station, then transfer to Bus D025 to reach the base.
Reviews of Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
4.6/5
25221 reviews
5/5
You'll encounter an incredible concentration of adorable pandas, like you've never seen before! November isn't hot (but not cold either), so the pandas were equally active in the morning and afternoon. I wouldn't recommend taking a tour, as it's important to explore this place at your own pace. Plus, there are not only pandas, but also birds, red pandas, and a golden monkey. It took me 4-5 hours (about 15,000 steps) to see all the sights, not taking buses. In my opinion, the western entrance is more interesting than the southern one, as there are fewer people, but the locations are the same, and even more.
5/5
Не торопитесь ехать с утра, панды будут активнее в районе часа
5/5
We had a great time at the Panda Base! We ultilised the shuttle to get around the park as it huge! Once in the park, everyone spread out and it was not too crowded. We got to see adult and juvenile pandas eating and playing together. We particularly enjoyed the red pandas and the snubbed nose monkeys. The park is so big that you are unlikely to be able to cover everything in one day. Our legs were tired by the afternoon and we used the shuttle bus. There were plenty of food choices. The restrooms were clean and there were drinking stations to fill water bottles. We loved walking amongst the lush greenery, especially the bamboo grove. We entered via the west gate at 9am and there were on lines at all.
5/5
Huge and well-maintained facility! For those who are hesitant, the pandas, even though they aren't in the wild, are well cared for. You can see they're healthy and aren't stressed like they are in zoos.
5/5
The park is incredibly beautiful, with lots of greenery and all the pandas in excellent conditions. We arrived just before the opening and left only towards the end, because the grounds are huge and you want to explore everything and see every detail. 😍 Of course, the red pandas are the most active, while the classic ones were mostly sleeping. There weren't many visitors, so we had the opportunity to see all the pandas right next to the enclosure.
Things to do in Chengdu | Jiuzhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture near Chengdu, is a national scenic area and nature reserve listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site! This stunning destination is named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley. The main scenic area of Jiuzhaigou is shaped like a "Y," consisting of three primary valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley, with a total length of over 50 kilometers.
- 📍Address: Zhangza Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
- 🚆Transportation: Take a direct bus from Chengdu's Xinnanmen Station to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, or travel by joining a guided tour or hiring a private vehicle.
Reviews of Jiuzhaigou National Park
4.8/5
21441 reviews
5/5
The natural beauty here is well worth the trip.
5/5
It was so beautiful. The view was amazing. I'll definitely go back again if I have the chance.
5/5
The live footage from November 5th shows that the colorful forests are still in bloom.
5/5
Great value, easy to book.
5/5
Awesome
Best Time to Visit Chengdu
Source from Unsplash
Period | Climate Features | Avg. Temperature (℃) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Recommended Activities & Places |
The best time to visit Chengdu is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather, the most beautiful scenery, and a highly comfortable travel experience.
- Spring (March - May): Pleasant weather with blooming flowers throughout the city. Recommended for leisurely trips to the Panda Base, Mount Qingcheng, and Kuanzhai Alley.
- Summer (June - August): Hot and humid days; advisable to plan early morning outings, evening activities, or private trips to cooler mountain areas like Xiling Snow Mountain.
- Autumn (September - November): The best season for travel. Recommended for in-depth cultural tours: Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, and Dujiangyan.
- Winter (December - February): Damp and chilly weather, perfect for hot springs and hearty hot pot meals. Also ideal for experiencing traditional tea house culture and Sichuan opera.
Chengdu Food Recommendation
What to Eat in Chengdu | Dragon Wonton
Source from Zhihu
Dragon Wonton comes in a wide variety of flavors, with the red chili oil version being the most popular among locals. For tourists who prefer milder options, the seafood or clear broth versions are also excellent choices!
What to Eat in Chengdu | Chuanchuan Xiang (Skewer Hot Pot)
Source from Wenxiaobai
Chuanchuan Xiang is one of Chengdu’s famous local snacks, often described as a "portable hot pot." It is a variation of traditional hot pot and an upgraded version of spicy malatang. When enjoying Chuanchuan Xiang, each customer can personally select their favorite ingredients, skewer them on bamboo sticks, and then cook them in a pot of boiling broth, similar to hot pot. The difference is that customers can directly eat the food off the skewers, dipping them into a variety of sauces for extra flavor.
What to Eat in Chengdu | Sweet Water Noodles
Source from Zhihu
Sweet Water Noodles is one of Chengdu’s iconic dishes, renowned for its unique texture and sweet aftertaste. Despite the thick and sturdy appearance of the noodles, they are surprisingly smooth, soft, and chewy. Topped with crushed peanuts and the aroma of Sichuan pepper, the flavor is mildly sweet with a hint of spiciness that leaves a lasting impression! This dish is often described as the "manly man" of Chengdu snacks due to its bold, chewy noodles.
What to Eat in Chengdu | Couple's Sliced Beef in Chili Sauce
Source from Thermomix
Couple's Sliced Beef in Chili Sauce is a famous cold appetizer in Sichuan cuisine, known for its spicy and numbing flavor. Made primarily with thinly sliced beef offal such as head meat, heart, tongue, tripe, and beef, it is seasoned with Sichuan pepper, chili oil, crushed peanuts, and cilantro. The dish is tender, smooth, and bursting with spicy and aromatic flavors, making it irresistible. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy beef offal!
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What to Buy in Chengdu Must-Have Souvenirs & Products
What to Buy in Chengdu | Sichuan Pepper & Chili Condiments
You can't take the hotpot home, but you can take its soul. Look for high-quality Sichuan peppercorns (hua jiao), both the red and the rare "green ma" variety, chili bean paste (Douban Jiang), and pre-made hotpot base mixes. These are essential for recreating Chengdu's iconic flavors at home.
What to Buy in Chengdu | Sichuan Embroidery (Shu Embroidery)
One of China's four great embroidery styles, Shu embroidery is famous for its vibrant colors, delicate patterns, and soft texture. Common items include silk scarves, handkerchiefs, framed art, and elegant apparel. It's a beautiful and cultural gift.
What to Buy in Chengdu | Bamboo Products
Sichuan is famous for its bamboo. Traditional crafts include woven baskets, tea trays, and even furniture. For a more portable souvenir, look for intricate bamboo weaving artwork or small items like bookmarks and ornaments.
What to Buy in Chengdu | Tea (Especially Jasmine Tea & Junshan Maojian)
Sichuan is a major tea-growing region. Jasmine tea (mo li hua cha) is a classic, where green tea is scented with fresh jasmine flowers. Also look for Zhuyeqing (Bamboo Leaf Green) or Mengding Ganlu from the famous Mengding Mountain. The tea markets are an experience in themselves.
What to Buy in Chengdu | Pu'erh Tea Cakes
While from Yunnan, Chengdu's tea markets are a fantastic place to buy and learn about Pu'erh. The humid climate of Chengdu is actually considered ideal for storing and aging this fermented tea.
Where to Shop in Chengdu: The Best Markets & Streets
Source from Unsplash
Things to do in Chengdu | Jinli Ancient Street & Kuanzhai Alley
- What it is: The most famous tourist streets, beautifully restored.
- What to buy: Perfect for one-stop souvenir shopping. You'll find all the classic items here: embroidery, bamboo crafts, calligraphy, local snacks, and tea. Prices are higher, but the atmosphere and convenience are unmatched.
Things to do in Chengdu | Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li
- What it is: The ultra-modern, bustling heart of Chengdu shopping.
- What to buy: This is for international brands, luxury goods, trendy Chinese designers, and modern concept stores. It's not for traditional souvenirs but for experiencing Chengdu's vibrant, contemporary consumer culture.
Things to do in Chengdu | Sichuan Province Antique & Craft Market
(Often called Song Xian Qiao Antique Market)
- What it is: A huge, multi-floor market dedicated to art, antiques, and crafts.
- What to buy: This is the best place for serious shoppers. You'll find high-quality Shu embroidery, Tibetan handicrafts, calligraphy supplies, ceramics, jade, and fascinating Cultural Revolution memorabilia (be aware of export restrictions for real antiques).
Things to do in Chengdu | Wenshu Monastery Tea House & Market
- What it is: The tea house inside the peaceful Wenshu Monastery is a classic Chengdu experience. Surrounding the monastery are shops selling Buddhist items, incense, and traditional crafts.
- What to buy: Tea sets, incense, prayer beads, and a moment of tranquility.
Things to do in Chengdu | Giant Panda Merch
- Where to buy: The gift shops at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding are the obvious choice. You'll find everything from high-quality plush toys to t-shirts, mugs, and books. The proceeds often support conservation efforts.
- Payment: While major stores accept credit cards, Alipay and WeChat Pay are ubiquitous in China. Have one of these apps set up for the smoothest experience. Cash is also widely accepted.
- Tax Refunds: Tourists are eligible for VAT refunds on certain purchases made in designated stores. Look for the "Tax Free" sign and ask the staff for the required paperwork.
Chengdu Hotel Recommendation
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