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
925 reviews
4/5
There’s lots to see and do — I enjoyed people-watching. It was very crowded, but definitely a must-do when in Chengdu.
5/5
I booked a hotel 10 minutes away
I come here almost every day
I find something new every time
5/5
I took some time in the evening to visit Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu. Here I would like to share with you my feelings about visiting Kuanzhai Alley.
Diegejia: I'm from Hunan, and I feel that Kuanzhai Alley is similar to Taiping Street in Changsha. This street just looks older, and the shops inside are either chain stores or homogeneous handicraft shops.
Gain: It turns out that Kuanzhai Alley is two alleys, a wide alley and a narrow alley. After everyone came out of the subway station, they entered Kuan Alley.
1. Fun: I think you can take photos here, that's all, there are no interesting shops or unique projects. There are many teahouses and ear cleaning shops on this street (not very recommended)
2. Drink: First of all, let’s go to the teahouse. I won’t comment on it until I go in. But I don't think locals would go there. Then there are the specialty tea drinks. There are some shop assistants in front of the shop trying to attract customers. Please pay attention, if you take their tea, they may ask you to come into the shop and sit down to help them complete the task of attracting customers. Those who are thin-skinned may find it difficult to refuse.
3. Eat: When you come to Chengdu, you must eat Changsha stinky tofu! Sorry, I didn't find anything worth eating here. And some friends said that eating here is more expensive.
5/5
A famous tourist attraction in Chengdu, the ancient town is great for photo taking, but there are a lot of people. Also be careful of street performers who ask for money if you take photos with them. After I took the photo, he took out the board and asked for around NT$100. There are a lot of delicious food along the way! I ate a big skewer of lamb and drank bamboo tube milk tea. The lamb skewers were delicious, but the bamboo tube milk tea is not recommended. The cream is very thick and oily.
5/5
Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley is a historical and cultural district full of western Sichuan style. It consists of "Kuan Alley", "Zhai Alley" and "Jing Alley", which combines ancient blue brick and tile houses with modern trendy elements. There are not only authentic Chengdu delicacies, such as skewers, three big cannons, and sugar-coated fruits, but also special teahouses, cultural and creative stores and Sichuan opera face-changing performances, showing a strong Bashu culture. Take a leisurely stroll during the day to feel the city style of old Chengdu. At night, the lights are brilliant, and the bars and special shops create a different atmosphere. This is a great place to experience the slow life and cultural charm of Chengdu.
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
740 reviews
5/5
Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu, China, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich history with vibrant culture. Dating back over 1,800 years to the Qin Dynasty, Jinli was once a bustling hub for brocade trading, earning it the title "First Street of the Shu Kingdom." Restored in 2004 to reflect the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty, the 550-meter-long pedestrian street is adorned with traditional wooden structures, upturned eaves, and intricate carvings.
5/5
Jinli Street is a charming blend of ancient culture and vibrant street life nestled in the heart of Chengdu. Walking through its lantern-lit alleys feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops at every turn. The aroma of Sichuan street food fills the air—try the spicy skewers, sweet rice cakes, and dumplings for an unforgettable taste!
5/5
I have been to Jinli countless times, but this is the first time I comment on it.
Compared to other tourist attractions, which charge dozens or even hundreds of tickets, I personally think that Jinli in Chengdu is doing well, after all, it is still free for tourists to visit...
Compared to several months ago, Jinli appeared in front of me tonight with a brand new look. It shows its unique attitude, especially stable and calm...
Several new artistic singing bars have opened. Since I was in a hurry to go home with my children to sleep, I would go in to listen to the pleasant songs and enjoy the tranquility of the downtown area...
5/5
Jinli Street is a vibrant and historic spot in Chengdu, perfect for experiencing traditional Sichuan culture. With its beautifully preserved architecture, bustling markets, and delicious street food, it offers a charming blend of the old and new. Whether you're shopping for unique souvenirs, savoring spicy local snacks, or watching Sichuan opera performances, there's always something to enjoy. The lively atmosphere, illuminated lanterns, and rich heritage make it a must-visit destination.
5/5
Everyone, I would like to say that if you travel in Chengdu and don't go here, you've missed out. Jinli Street is an ancient street with a lot of food and souvenirs. I personally think it's more worthwhile than going to Kuanzhai Alley (but I would recommend going to both). Next to it is Wuhou Temple, which is the Three Kingdoms Temple. If you like the Three Kingdoms, I think you will definitely like this temple. It's really beautiful.
Recommended food: Squid with sauce and Sichuan original mala on a stick as shown in the picture.
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
9884 reviews
5/5
The place is nice and warm. Expereince traditional chinese house style. Du Fu is a famous person in Chinese history. Can take metro line 13. The station exit is right in front of the museum.
5/5
Arriving at Du Fu Thatched Cottage was a very pleasant experience overall 🌿
The park is beautiful and tranquil, with plenty of greenery, making it incredibly relaxing to walk around in, and it exudes a strong cultural atmosphere. As you stroll and observe, you can slowly learn about Du Fu's past and daily life, gaining a sense of peace and tranquility.
The park is quite large, with many things to see and do, so it doesn't feel monotonous and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Overall, it's a great place to bring children for a visit; it's relaxing yet meaningful, making it a wonderful family-friendly attraction.
5/5
Прекрасное место для прогулки и релакса. Но очень много людей в выходной день, сложно насладиться парком
4/5
It’s a well organized museum , enjoyable and informative .
5/5
Wonderful place. Good price. This park is a must-see.
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
24949 reviews
4/5
It was lovely to see the pandas live.
5/5
A beautiful and very large park. I can confirm that from early in the morning there are many people queuing to see the pandas feeding on bamboo. It's definitely worth seeing.
4/5
We came in the afternoon and didnt see too many pandas. The park cart in the west end had to walk very far and many steps to get to the other end to hop to the other parts of the park. Be aware of this. As we had one person couldnt walk well, it was not very good.
5/5
Very cute. Very quiet.
5/5
Really amazing experience! Cooler than expected.
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
4.7/5
17746 reviews5/5
You can exchange your passport for a ticket before entering the national park, it's super convenient. The park itself is incredibly beautiful, words can't describe it. We went during Songkran, so the water level was quite low, haha, but it was still beautiful.
5/5
awesome place❤️❤️
5/5
Will visiting again soon!
5/5
It was a shame that it rained, but Jiuzhaigou was the best as always. Personally, I want to come back on a sunny day.
5/5
Excellent, very beautiful, worth the money.
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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FAQs about Chengdu Travel
What is Chengdu famous for?
Chengdu is famous for being the "Hometown of Giant Pandas" and for its distinct Sichuan cuisine, which is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy known for its spicy, flavorful dishes like hot pot. It is also celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture with unique art forms like Sichuan Opera, a relaxed lifestyle, and as an important transportation hub in western China.Where should I stay in Chengdu?
Where should I stay in Chengdu? It's recommended to stay at hotels along Chengdu's second ring road. Travelers frequently decide to stay close to the following locations: Taikuli, Wenshu Monastery; Kuanzhai Alley; People's Park; and Jinli.How can I travel to the city from Chengdu Airport?
Subway lines three and ten. best.... bus on line 1. Travel to Minshan Hotel 2 via bus from Chengdu Airport T1 or by taxi. From Chengdu Airport (CTU), take a taxi to Chengdu, which is 18.2 kilometers away.What is the best time to visit Chengdu?
The best time to visit Chengdu is during spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather. Spring is ideal for seeing blossoms and young pandas, while autumn offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage like golden gingko leaves. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold and damp, though it can be a good time for indoor cultural activities.
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