Chengdu's Hidden Gems: Unique Attractions Beyond the Usual Choices

Chengdu offers a variety of lesser-known attractions that span nature, culture, and history. Here are some recommendations:

Natural Attractions
Baihe Mountain Scenic Area: Located in Qionglai, this area features well-established hiking trails with both small and large loops to choose from. The small loop is approximately 4km long, surrounded by towering ancient trees and cool mountain breezes, making it ideal for family outings. At the entrance, you’ll find Helin Temple, which dates back to the Sui Dynasty. Visitors can also enjoy vegetarian meals for just 10 RMB per person.
Attraction: Chengdu Baihe Mountain Scenic Area

Xiantai Mountain Taoist Temple: Situated in Dayi, this location boasts expansive wheat fields reminiscent of a real-life Emerald City. The fields are interspersed with small streams where families can fish and catch shrimp. The hike to the temple is about 1.5km, and the temple also offers vegetarian meals for 10 RMB per person.
Attraction: Chengdu Xiantai Mountain Taoist Temple

Wugen Mountain Hiking Trail: Found in Chongzhou, this trail is less steep compared to popular hiking spots like Longwozi. It offers picturesque scenery and a gentle climb. For those who simply want a panoramic view, the road to the summit takes about 0.5 to 1 hour. Afterward, visitors can camp at Baita Lake, which has a well-developed camping industry and offers activities like boating around the lake.
Attraction: Chengdu Wugen Mountain Hiking Trail

Cultural and Artistic Attractions
Chengdu Gaotao Museum: Located within the Sichuan Gaotao Cultural Industry Park, this museum spans nearly 5,000 square meters and showcases nearly 10,000 artistic treasures, including China’s four major ceramics and historical porcelain. It also features special exhibitions and trendy photo spots like ceramic pandas. During its trial operation, admission is free and no reservation is required.

Chengdu Museum: The new museum is situated at No. 1 Xiaohe Street in Qingyang District. As the largest comprehensive city museum in Southwest China and a national first-class museum, it houses 221,967 sets of artifacts, including 1,399 precious items such as bronzes, gold and silver wares, portrait bricks, stone carvings, and ceramics. The collection spans from the Neolithic era to the Republic of China period, with highlights like the Stone Rhinoceros and Acupuncture Lacquer Figure.

Historical and Cultural Attractions
Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum: This is the only museum in China dedicated to showcasing Shu brocade and traditional weaving techniques. Built on the site of the former Shu Brocade Factory, it is now a national second-class museum with 9,373 artifacts, including 48 precious items. Admission is free.
Attraction: Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum

Guangdu Museum: Located in Shuangliu District, this museum combines Han and Tang architectural styles and boasts a rich collection of artifacts spanning nearly 100,000 years. The exhibits include seven categories such as stone tools, jade, and pottery, offering a comprehensive look at Shuangliu’s long and illustrious history. Admission is free but requires a reservation.
Attraction: Chengdu Guangdu Museum

Tiexiang Temple Water Street: Known as Chengdu’s “Little Jiangnan,” this area features charming ancient architecture along a waterway. The street is lined with tea houses, restaurants, and creative shops, providing a perfect setting to experience Chengdu’s leisurely lifestyle.