Sichuan Cuisine Museum

What are the most recommended things to do in Sichuan Cuisine Museum?

Explore the museum's interactive exhibits on Sichuan cuisine, participate in cooking classes to learn how to make traditional dishes, and enjoy tasting authentic Sichuan food at the on-site restaurant.

Introducing Sichuan Cuisine Museum

The Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum is located in Gucheng Town, Pi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, in the western suburbs of Chengdu. It is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national third-level museum.

The Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum is the world's only living theme museum that showcases culinary culture. It encompasses important parts of Sichuan's local culture: Sichuan cuisine, Sichuan wine, Sichuan tea, Sichuan opera, Sichuan architecture, Sichuan gardens... The scenic area covers an area of about 40 acres and has more than 6,000 collections. The residential buildings in western Sichuan form a new style of classical garden scenery.

The Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum boasts a wealth of tourism resources, encompassing five main categories: ethnic culture and its carriers, historical sites and architecture, cultural tourism, shopping, and leisure and entertainment. The museum is divided into a collection hall, an interactive demonstration hall, a tea tasting and leisure hall, a Kitchen God Temple, and an exhibition area featuring Sichuan cuisine processing tools and ingredients.

Climate and best time to travel

Climate characteristics

Pidu District has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature is 16°C, with January and August average temperatures around 5°C and 26°C, respectively. The annual maximum temperature is 35.3°C and the minimum temperature is -4°C. Precipitation is 979.4 mm, and sunshine is 1,014 hours. The Chengdu Plain's unique advantage of being upwind and upstream means southeasterly winds are the most frequent throughout the year. The area is characterized by early spring, long summers, autumn rains, mild winters, a long frost-free period, abundant rainfall, foggy winters, low sunshine, and distinct four seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Collection Hall

Covering 12,000 square meters, the exhibition showcases over 3,000 Sichuan cuisine utensils dating from the Warring States period to the present day. These items are categorized by function, including cooking utensils, serving vessels, wine vessels, dining utensils, and tea sets. They are also categorized by material, including bronze, ivory, pottery, porcelain, iron, wood, and bamboo. The collection also includes texts, books, and illustrations related to Sichuan cuisine.

Sichuan cuisine raw material display area

Visitors can learn about a variety of Sichuan cuisine ingredients, as well as pollution-free, green products like vegetables and poultry. The museum also features Pixian Douban, the "soul of Sichuan cuisine," exclusively handcrafted using methods dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Visitors can experience the traditional Pixian Douban production process, which boasts over 300 years of history.

Kitchen King Temple

Worshiping the Kitchen God at the Kitchen God Temple is an integral part of Sichuan folk culture. In folklore, the Kitchen God is responsible for "speaking good things to the heavens and ensuring peace in the world below." Honoring the Kitchen God encourages respect for food and drink, appreciating the hard-earned value of every meal, cherishing life, and living in harmony with nature and society.

A street of old Sichuan restaurants

The "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" of Sichuan cuisine. Visitors will experience the architectural style of western Sichuan residences while touring the streets and customs of ancient Sichuan. They can also personally experience the authentic Sichuan cuisine in private rooms.

Sichuan cuisine raw material processing tool display area

The exhibition showcases a series of Sichuan cuisine processing tools used by our ancestors, giving you a glimpse into their daily lives. Visitors can also try out the traditional cooking techniques themselves.

Interactive Demonstration Hall

Live demonstrations of Sichuan cuisine's knife skills, cooking temperature, and cooking process are core elements of its intangible cultural heritage. These dynamic, experiential, and artistic elements can only be displayed through demonstrations. Visitors can participate in interactive cooking activities and experience the charm of Sichuan cuisine through their taste buds. They can also learn about the various dining styles of Sichuan cuisine: casual dining, private dining, and banquets. Visitor interaction has become an integral part of Sichuan cuisine culture today, and visitor participation has shaped today's dining experience. Unlike typical restaurants that hide their kitchens, the Sichuan Cuisine Museum places the kitchen front and center, showcasing Sichuan cuisine's intangible cultural heritage through interactive demonstrations and participation.

Tea and Leisure Hall

Sichuan cuisine is a gathering culture, integrating banquets, entertainment, and leisure. Tea drinking is an integral part of Sichuan cuisine. The Tea and Leisure Center embodies the characteristic of Sichuan cuisine: "tea and food go hand in hand, and food and drink are interdependent." Sichuanese people enjoy tea in diverse ways: in spring and autumn, they drink tea under the sun; in midsummer, they enjoy tea in the shade of the trees; and in teahouses, tea is enjoyed year-round.

After the Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum opened, Wang Fei specially recorded a music video for the museum titled "Sichuan Cuisine Museum". The music video is set against the backdrop of the museum and mainly introduces the museum and Sichuan cuisine culture.

Tickets

60 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

9:00--18:00

Most Popular FAQs for Sichuan Cuisine Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Sichuan Cuisine Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and rich diversity of Sichuan cuisine, which is famous for its bold flavors, particularly the use of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. It serves as an educational hub to promote Sichuan food culture globally.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The museum is located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It can be reached by taxi or public transport (bus or metro). The nearest metro station is "Wuhouci Station," followed by a short taxi ride.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially in the mornings when it is less crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is approximately 60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the museum entrance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak seasons or holidays to ensure entry.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum, especially if you plan to participate in a cooking class or enjoy the food tastings.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Must-see highlights include the history of Sichuan cuisine exhibition, interactive cooking stations, the traditional ingredient hall, and the tasting area where you can sample famous Sichuan dishes.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and there are audio guides in English and Mandarin for self-guided tours.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are at the historical exhibits and near the cooking areas where vibrant spices and ingredients are displayed.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the history of Sichuan cuisine exhibit, followed by a visit to the ingredients hall, then proceed to the cooking classes or tasting area. End your visit at the gift shop to purchase culinary souvenirs.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, night visits and light shows are not available, but special food culture tours or cooking classes are offered during the day.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum tends to be less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and public holidays see the most visitors.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum offers clean toilets, a restaurant serving Sichuan dishes, a water refill station, and a souvenir shop selling local food-related items.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are facilities for elderly and children. Some areas may require a bit of walking, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Cash and credit cards are also accepted at the ticket counter and restaurant.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the museum, there is a restaurant serving a variety of Sichuan dishes. Nearby, you can find other local eateries offering hotpot and street food.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available, but vegan and halal options may be limited inside the museum. Nearby restaurants may offer more variety.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels in the area, including mid-range options like the Chengdu Marriott and budget choices like local guesthouses.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and the Sichuan Opera for a face-changing performance. These can be easily combined with your visit to the museum.