Chengdu

What are the most recommended things to do in Chengdu?

  • Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see pandas up close
  • Explore Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street for history and culture
  • Stroll through People's Park and enjoy a traditional teahouse experience
  • Hike or relax in Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System
  • Experience Sichuan cuisine through hotpot and local street food tours
  • Attend Sichuan Opera performances, especially the famous face-changing show
  • Visit museums like Sichuan Museum for regional history and art
  • Take a day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei

Introducing Chengdu

Chengdu, also known as Rong (Rong), Rongcheng (Chengdu City), and Jincheng (Jincheng), is the capital of Sichuan Province, the only sub-provincial city in Southwest China, and a megacity. It is an ancient and mysterious capital. Excavated Jinsha Ruins reveal that Chengdu's founding dates back 3,200 years. Carrying over 3,000 years of history, Chengdu has never changed its name or moved its location. Standing peacefully and tranquilly in the heart of the "Land of Abundance," it is truly a "Splendid City" that would have amazed even Marco Polo.

This city has everything to make you love it: delicious food, beautiful scenery, beautiful women, and especially every corner, it perfectly captures its unique qualities of leisure, optimism, tranquility, prosperity, and freedom. Perhaps only when you're leaving will you realize that Chengdu's tourism slogan—"A city you never want to leave"—isn't just narcissistic boasting.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon humid climate;

Spring and autumn are the best time to travel

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute, a facility that simulates the panda's natural habitat in the wild, features lakes, streams, bamboo forests, and lawns. It houses over 100 giant pandas. Near the main gate is a Giant Panda Museum, where you can mail panda-stamped postcards from the Panda Country Post Office and watch documentaries about giant pandas in the cinema. Besides giant pandas, you can also see small animals like black-necked cranes, peacocks, and egrets.


Kuanzhai Alley

Kuanzhai Alley, comprising Kuanxiang, Zhaixiang, and Jingxiang, is one of the largest remaining ancient streets from the Qing Dynasty in Chengdu. Kuanxiang boasts the largest concentration of the block's most complete and historic buildings, with many of the original facades well-preserved. Today, it's a charming and quaint commercial street where you can savor tea, authentic Sichuan cuisine, and experience the local customs and culture of old Chengdu.


Dujiangyan

This large-scale water conservancy project, built in ancient times and still in use today, is the world's oldest and only surviving example of a damless water diversion system. It is known as the "ancestor of world water conservancy culture." Chengdu is known as the Land of Abundance, largely due to its contributions. The area surrounding Dujiangyan boasts beautiful scenery and numerous cultural relics and historical sites, including Fulong Temple, Erwang Temple, Anlan Cable Bridge, Yulei Pass, Lidui Park, and Yulei Mountain Park.


It takes about 3 days to play


Most Popular FAQs for Chengdu

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

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and has over 2,300 years of history. It was an important cultural, economic, and political center, famous for its role in the Shu Kingdom, and now is known as the “Land of Abundance” for its rich culture, spicy cuisine, and panda conservation efforts.

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

  • Located in southwestern China, Sichuan Province
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport connects domestic and international flights
  • Metro, buses, taxis, and rideshare services operate throughout the city
  • Walking is convenient in central areas like Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Panda Base: 7:30 AM–6 PM; museums: 9 AM–5 PM; temples: 8 AM–5 PM
  • Best times: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather

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

  • Chengdu Panda Base: Adult approx. CNY 58, Children CNY 29; online or at entrance
  • Wuhou Shrine: Adult CNY 60, online or on-site
  • Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan: Adult CNY 90–120; tickets available online or at entrances
  • Leshan Giant Buddha: Adult CNY 90; can book online for guided tours

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

Recommended for popular attractions like Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng; 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season (holidays, summer).

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–5 days for Chengdu city highlights; add 1–2 days for nearby day trips like Leshan or Mount Emei.

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

  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street
  • People's Park and Sichuan teahouses
  • Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System
  • Sichuan Museum and Sichuan Opera venues

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

Yes, guided tours are available in English, Mandarin, and other languages at major attractions like the Panda Base, Mount Qingcheng, and museums.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Panda Base enclosures and feeding times
  • Mount Qingcheng scenic trails and summit
  • Dujiangyan Irrigation System viewpoint
  • Leshan Giant Buddha from the riverside
  • Jinli Ancient Street at night for lanterns and architecture

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Day 1: Panda Base and Sichuan Opera show. Day 2: Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Street. Day 3: Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan. Day 4: Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei.

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

  • Sichuan Opera night shows with face-changing performances
  • Night markets in Jinli Street
  • Some scenic areas offer evening illumination during festivals

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

Peak crowds during Chinese national holidays and summer. Weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring, autumn) are quieter.

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

Most attractions have public toilets, snack shops, water stations, rest areas, and souvenir shops.

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

Many sites are partially accessible; some mountains/trails may require physical effort. Panda Base, museums, and urban parks are generally accessible.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Most places accept cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay). Small vendors may require cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Local Sichuan hotpot restaurants (Haidilao, Shu JiuXiang)
  • Cafes in People’s Park and Chunxi Road shopping area
  • Street food stalls in Jinli Ancient Street

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes; halal restaurants are available in certain districts.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Sofitel Chengdu Taihe
  • Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu
  • Holiday Inn Chengdu City Centre
  • Budget hostels in central Chengdu

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

  • Leshan Giant Buddha (approx. 2 hours by car)
  • Mount Emei scenic area (approx. 2–3 hours)
  • Dujiangyan Irrigation System
  • Qionglai Mountains hiking trips

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

  • Panda-themed merchandise
  • Sichuan tea and spices
  • Handicrafts and silk products
  • Local snacks like preserved fruits and chili sauces

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • High-speed trains and long-distance buses to nearby cities (Chongqing, Leshan, Emeishan)
  • Domestic flights from Chengdu Shuangliu or Tianfu airports
  • Car rental for day trips to surrounding scenic areas