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
822 reviews
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.
5/5
It feels like an ancient city that has been renovated to be modern. There are beautifully decorated restaurants and cafes, each competing to create unique gimmicks to attract customers. The prices are only slightly higher than usual, despite being in a popular location.
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
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
648 reviews
4/5
If you find yourself in Chengdu, be sure to stroll down this street!
It has a truly unique atmosphere.
5/5
The old walking street has so many things to buy as souvenirs, and there's a wide variety of food too. It's beautifully lit up at night, and there are so many diverse shops. I really want to go back again!
5/5
We are always searching for beauty, believing it lies hidden in some distant landscape, waiting to be discovered. But as we embark on our journeys, traversing path after path, we gradually realize that beauty has always been around us; we simply haven't taken the time to appreciate it. Those unexpected moments that touch us on our travels, the warmth and kindness we feel in unfamiliar surroundings, the companionship and encouragement we receive in moments of loneliness—they may not have glamorous appearances, but they possess the most moving power. We begin to learn to feel the world with a tender heart, to discover the beauty that has been overlooked. We understand that beauty isn't placed somewhere, but rather engraved in our hearts. The emotions and growth we gain on our journeys become the most precious treasures in our lives. They make us stronger and gentler, allowing us to maintain our yearning and pursuit of beauty even when facing life's storms.
5/5
We are always searching for beauty, believing it lies hidden in some distant landscape, waiting to be discovered. But as we embark on our journeys, traversing path after path, we gradually realize that beauty has always been around us; we simply haven't taken the time to appreciate it. Those unexpected moments that touch us on our travels, the warmth and kindness we feel in unfamiliar surroundings, the companionship and encouragement we receive in moments of loneliness—they may not have glamorous appearances, but they possess the most moving power. We begin to learn to feel the world with a tender heart, to discover the beauty that has been overlooked. We understand that beauty isn't placed somewhere, but rather engraved in our hearts. The emotions and growth we gain on our journeys become the most precious treasures in our lives. They make us stronger and gentler, allowing us to maintain our yearning and pursuit of beauty even when facing life's storms.
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.
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
10508 reviews
5/5
Ms. Yang gave an excellent presentation. She led the tour and the craft activities very well. She is very patient with the children and is a very dedicated and responsible teacher!
5/5
This is my second time in Chengdu. I missed it the first time, but this time I finally fulfilled my wish. Turns out, what is now Chengdu's first ring road used to be the Du Fu Thatched Cottage in Chengdu's western suburbs. I'm speechless!
4/5
Not that much to see except the cottage and scenery. The museum part was mostly in Chinese to it was a bit annoying to translate everything. Though did they have a lot of nice staff and small stalls for drinks and food so overall a good experience
5/5
This place is exceptional, you MUST go there if you are passing through Chengdu.
5/5
A very beautiful park with museum locations. We walked around it for about two hours. Squirrels live in the park and love to pose for the camera. You can eat and drink tea on the premises, with a fairly wide selection.
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
25180 reviews
5/5
Marina is such a good tour guide and a lovely person! We are so happy to have met her. Thank you Marina for a wonderful tour and morning. We will carry this experience back with us to South Africa!
5/5
A must visit place for Chengdu if you like animals and aren't afraid of crowds. It took us 5h to do everything at a normal pace, watching the pandas more than a few seconds for pictures. We walked opposite the Chinese groups and crowd to be rewarded by close up meeting with red pandas 🤗
5/5
If it rains, the pandas might not be in the outdoor area, or if it's too hot, they might not be there either. Anyone with binoculars should bring them, as there are some interesting and unusual birds. I wanted to see the baby pandas, but missed out. It would be better if there were details about when you can see baby pandas; you need to be extremely lucky. I liked the museum; it was well-done and very interesting.
5/5
This place is a must-see. It's really best to arrive at opening time, as by 12 noon the pandas have already retired for a rest, making it virtually impossible to see them in their natural habitat. At that time, you can only see the cubs in their glass enclosures. We arrived at 8:30, which was plenty of time to see both giant and red pandas. The grounds are huge and well-maintained, making it a pleasure to stroll around. There are plenty of cafes for a snack, and there are clean restrooms everywhere. We couldn't find the Coffee Base cafe, which people often talk about (saying you can drink coffee and watch pandas). It's not on the map. Actually, there is one, with beautiful coffee with pandas, but it's just on the grounds. So, you won't be able to sit and sip coffee while watching the pandas. Shuttles run around the grounds if you don't feel like walking. Tickets can be purchased using a QR code at the bus stops or from the staff. It costs ¥30 per person. There is a lake with swans and fish, which you can also feed; food is sold.
4/5
The reservation is legal; we entered through the West gate and exited through the South gate. It was the best choice, as there were many more people at the south entrance. It looks like a zoo, where you can see the pandas through the glass and only a few in the outdoor area. The ticket to enter the park costs 55 yuan per adult; the rest is the cost of the souvenir, which isn't worth it (a magnet or something smaller and more useful than a massager and stamp would be better). Unfortunately, it's not possible to buy just the regular ticket through Trip; the cheapest option is the one with the souvenir (which takes up a lot of space and isn't very interesting).
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
19242 reviews
4/5
Beautiful, but unfortunately it was cloudy. And there were so many people, so it's better to leave early. I didn't have time to see everything; there was a hiking portion, so I didn't have enough time.
5/5
Jiuzhaigou is a place that will amaze you no matter when you visit.
5/5
You can enter simply by submitting your passport, and although the line is long, you can catch the shuttle bus quickly. The price is also reasonable.
5/5
Van driver drive carefully along the journey. Thank you
5/5
The water was clean everywhere, and it was cool and very pleasant (July). The lunch area was also spacious and nice. The only complaints were the queue to enter and the difficulty in figuring out where to line up. Once inside, however, it was easy to catch the bus multiple times.
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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