Chengdu, the panda-packed paradise and shining gem of western China! If you’re planning to explore this lively city, then look no further… This list of unmissable things to do in Chengdu China will be your ultimate guide to all the must-see spots and hidden gems.
Chengdu is in the heart of Sichuan, and is a place where adorable pandas, vibrant light displays on the buildings and billboards, Sichuan spices and culture come together in the most unexpected and delightful ways!
Chengdu is packed with unmissable experiences that will have you wanting to book again and again. Whether you’re a panda lover, foodie, history buff, or nature lover, Chengdu has something incredible in store.
Ready for a wild adventure? Let’s go discover the must-see things to do in Chengdu.
Things to do in Chengdu City China
Firstly, let’s start with downtown Chengdu and all the incredible things there are to do in within the centre of the city!
Panda Base – Chengdu Panda Research & Breeding Centre
No trip to Chengdu is complete without a visit to the Chengdu Panda Research & Breeding Centre, a must-see for panda lovers and who doesn’t love a panda, right!
It’s the perfect spot to get up close and personal with China’s most iconic residents. You’ll get to watch adorable giant pandas and red pandas munching on bamboo, rolling around, and living their best lives.
Save lining up, or missing out, and get your Panda Base tickets here
Chengdu Peoples Park
Here, you can enjoy a pot of Kungfu Tea, served by a skilled tea master who turns the act of pouring tea into an artful performance. It’s not just tea, it’s a show! After sipping your perfect brew, take a stroll through the gorgeous gardens, hop on a boat for a scenic ride, or explore the markets for some unique souvenirs to remember your visit.
Another quite unusual site you may see is the Marriage Market. This is where parents and grandparents of unmarried children advertise their offspring in hopes of finding them a partner. This is such a strange concept coming from a western country, but I guess it’s their version of Tinder, Hinge or Bumble….
Wangshufang District / Wenshai Monestary
We loved wandering through the Wangshufang District and the nearby Wenshu Monastery. It’s a spot where you can get a taste of Chengdu’s rich history and culture with its traditional architecture, tea houses, shops and souvenir market stalls.
The Wenshu Monastery is one of the city’s oldest and most well-preserved temples.
Wuhou Shrine and Jinli street
The Wuhou Shrine showcases stunning old China architecture, peaceful courtyards, and impressive statues. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find Jinli Street, a lively pedestrian street that feels like an old-world marketplace. Here, you can explore traditional shops offering everything from panda souvenirs to local snacks, and don’t miss the chance to sample some delicious Sichuan street food! Grab your Wuhuo Shrine tickets here
Chunxi Road
One of the best things to do in Chengdu is visit Chunxi Road, the city’s most famous shopping street. With everything from big-name brands and trendy boutiques to unique souvenirs, it’s a shopper’s paradise. At night, Chunxi Road really comes to life, with dazzling 3D panda billboards and iconic buildings like Gucci lit up against the night sky.
SKP Chengdu & New Century Global Centre
For those who love big, bold attractions, SKP Chengdu‘s Bamboo Forrest light display and the close by New Century Global Centre should be on your list of things to do in Chengdu. SKP is also a luxury shopping mall, while, the New Century Global Centre is an absolute giant. Home to not only shopping centre but also an indoor beach, an ice rink, and even a hotel. It’s the largest building in the world by floor area.
Kuan Alley & Zhai Alley
Step back in time at Kuan Alley & Zhai Alley, two of the most charming historical spots in Chengdu. These ancient alleys are lined with traditional Sichuan architecture, featuring old-style courtyards, cozy tea houses, and souvenir shops selling local crafts and snacks. Kuan and Zhai Alley’s vibrant charm makes it one of the best things to do in Chengdu.
Ashun Lang Bridge
The Ashun Lang Bridge is a breathtaking landmark in Chengdu. At night the bridge is lit up, along with many surrounding buildings along the river, making it a stunning night spot. There are also many bars with live music spots along the river’s edge, and plenty of snack stalls to grab a bite to eat.
Try Sichuan Traditional Spicy Foods
Prepare your tastebuds for a fiery feast in Chengdu, the home of Sichuan’s famous spicy cuisine! From mouth-numbing hotpot and sizzling femeted tofu to flavorful dan dan noodles, Chengdu’s food scene is all about bold flavors and intense spices.
Buy Panda Souvenirs
What’s a trip to Chengdu without a cute panda souvenir? No matter where you go, you’ll find a huge selection of the most adorable panda themed souvenirs to take home. From plush toys to panda lego and everything inbetween, there’s no shortage of cuddly keepsakes to remember your trip by.
Best things to do in at NIGHT
Chengdu comes alive at night. The entire city is lit up and illuminated with some of the best led light displays we saw anywhere in China.
Things to do at night in Chengdu
- SKP Towers – Bamboo light installation.
- Anshun Lang Bridge and its nightlife at the surround bars on the riverbank.
- Chunxi Road – for ALL the led billboards and shopping.
Where to stay in Chengdu China
We stayed at the one of the most unique hotels we have ever stayed in! To think this Treehouse x Cave themed hotel is located in the center of a city the size of Chengdu blows my mind.
In addition to its aesthetics and charm, the Chengdu Zhujian Cuiwei Hotel is also within walking distance of Wangshufang District, the Wenshu Monastery and metro station.
To check the room rates and see more about this Chengdu hotel click here – Chengdu Zhujian Cuiwei Hotel
Best Day Trips from Chengdu
Day trip to Huanglong
Nestled high (3800m above sea level) 350km north of Chengdu in Sichuan, Huanglong National Park is like something straight out of a fairytale.
Imagine, 2400 crystal clear travertine pools, of every shade of blue you can image. The sunlight shimmering across the pools, and all surrounded by forest and snow-capped mountains.
Huanglong is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is well worth the trek from Chengdu and was the one of the best things we did when we were in Chengdu, or even China for that matter!
Getting to Huanglong Scenic Area
To get to Huanglong National Park and Scenic Area, you will need to take a bullet train from Chengdu East to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station
Currently there are 13 trains to and from Huanglong from Chengdu and they range from 1hr 33 mins to 2hrs 25mins and start as early as 06.14am through to 19.10pm. Tickets average $18usd each way.
Given the limited number of trains, we suggest you book your tickets at least 14 days in advance. We book all our China Trains through Trip. We find the platform easy to use, and easy to manage your bookings, and love that you can change or cancel your booking live AND that you can book further in advance and have them book the tickets as soon as they are live.. Search for train tickets here
Huanglong Scenic Area is approximately 40minutes from the high speed train station. Once you arrive to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station you can either take a Didi or Taxi for CNY 80-120 or a bus for approximately CNY28.
Allow a minimum of 4-5 hours at the National Park to make your way around.
Route around Huanglong National Park Scenic Area
We recommend booking a ticket that includes the cable car and bus. This will save you from a lot of uphill walking, as you’ll take the cable car and bus to the top, where you’ll enjoy the stunning view of the highest colorful pools lookout.
From there, it’s an easy 3.5km walk down through the valley, passing by the remaining vibrant pools along the way.
Ticket & Fee to Huanglong Valley
Entrance Ticket –
- Peak Season (April to November) CNY 170
- Low Season (December to March) : CNY 60
- Cableway 40 CNY and Bus 20 CNY
The Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha stand at an impressive 71 meters tall. This ancient historical site is over 1300 years old and is carved into the cliffside. The best view can be seen by taking a scenic boat ride.
Best way to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha is by booking a tour. You can combine visiting the Leshan Giant Budha with other attractions, like these 2 x tours below:
Panda Base + Leshan Giant Buddha One-Day Tour
or
Leshan Giant Buddha and Suji Ancient Town Private Day Tour from Chengdu
Duijangyan
Dujiangyan is located just an hour from Chengdu. The highlight of this region is it’s ancient water management system, which is both mind-blowing and beautiful.
- Dujiangyan Ancient water management system
- Dujiangyan Library
- Dujiangyan Old Town
- Dujiangyan Temple
An easy way to see both Duijangyan and tie in the Panda Base is through booking a tour like this one right here – Panda Base + Leshan Giant Buddha One-Day Tour
Alternatively, you can DIY your own trip by catching a train or taxi to Dujiangyan.
You can grab your tickets, and train tickets here. Duijangyan Tickets
And that wraps up our list of the best things to do in Chengdu.
Chengdu is the sort of destination that you could visit multiple times and always see something new.
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