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!

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.

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.

Wuhou Shrine Museum: Latest Tickets Price

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Traditional museum

From AU$12.1

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Time to Visit Chengdu

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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!

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

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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