Chengdu Nightlife: Top Things to Do in Chengdu at Night

Chengdu, the thriving metropolis of China, is one of the cities with best night scenes in the country. It has an interesting mix of options that can be enjoyed by the locals and tourist alike. From quirky pubs to starlit bridges to hotpot restaurants to buzzing night markets, Chengdu has various activities for people to do at night. The best part is Chengdu is safe at night for tourists, locals, women, children, and youngsters. If you are going out for clubbing or bar hoping, the only thing you have to worry about is the hangover next day. If you are going out to check out night markets the only thing you have to worry about is the lingering leg pain the next day. If you are going to photography the pretty lit bridges, the only thing you have to worry about is choose your favourite picture and spot.

Experience Night Bars in Chengdu

Jiuyan Bridge

Jiyuan Bridge is also called as Jiuyanqiao Bar Street, named so after the bridge. It is famous for its night scene and there are hundreds of pubs near the bridge. Quiet, loud; big, small; intimate, cheerful; modest, high end—all kinds of bars and pubs can be found here. The location of the bars along the river banks and the bridge make the experience a lot more beautiful. Erma, Soho, Bund No. 1, 88 Bar, White Night, Zero Bar, Le Petit Bar, Muse, Seven Club, Rainbow Pub, Update Bar, Purple Apple Club, open bar by the lounge bridge etc. are some of the bars you can find here. The view of the bridge at night is simply mesmerizing and there are colourful streets that lead up to the pubs and bars.

Jiuyan Bridge

Sichuan TV Tower - 339

Sichuan TV Tower also known as the West Pearl Tower, is a 339-m high tower. It is the highest structure in all of Western China. It is located in the East bank of Jinjiang river. It took almost 8 years to construct this tower and was opened in the year 2008. It was first built as a television broadcast station, soon they made it a commercial tower by opening shopping centre and 360o revolving restaurant with amazing views of the city. There are two types of life in the tower—a high speed lift (CNY 80) and sightseeing lift (CNY 100). There is an outdoor viewpoint from where the night views are amazing. Sipping wine, overlooking the beautiful city of Chengdu, with the city brightly lit with night lights is an experience that you should not miss.

Sichuan TV Tower

Night Photography in Chengdu

Taikoo Li

Set near Daci Temple, Taikoo Li is a stark contrast to the ancient temple. It is an urban 100,000 sq. m space where there are more than 300 luxury brand stores, a line of charming outdoor diners and cafes, beautiful seating areas, and a boutique hotel. The architecture style embraces the native Sichuan style and manages to incorporate with the minimalistic modern style giving it off a high-end chic vibe. The whole space is divided into fast lane and slow land just like old style shopping streets. There is a total of 19 buildings here. During night, the whole area is lit up beautifully by the store lights and diner lights, the trees and roofs reflect the light and warms up the whole atmosphere. The night is the best time to capture the energy, glitz, and glamour of that place.

Taikoo Li

Jinli Pedestrian Street

Known as the ‘First Street of Shu Kingdom’, Jinli Street has been famous as early as the time of Qin Dynasty. The 550m road located near Wuhou Temple, takes you right back in time. The street has masterfully retained the ancient charms and the old buildings have been maintained over the years. This narrow street is filled with shops selling antique embroidery, old style paintings, folk handicrafts, calligraphies etc. The wooden stage in middle of the street is for the Sichuan Opera performances that happen every day. You can sit in any one of the teahouses near the stage and enjoy the performance for free. You can also enjoy many folk artisan performances in the street corners. Jinli street is also known for its mouth-watering variety of street foods available. Jinli Pedestrian Street exudes its charm both at day and night. If the day time is filled with bustling street markets, the nights are graced with brightly lit stores and pubs that are open all night long. As there are very few visitors are night, it is the best time to photograph and enjoy everything at a much slower pace and quieter atmosphere.

Jinli Street

Stroll in Night Market in Chengdu

Chunxi Road

Established in the year 1924, the 1.1 km long Chunxi Road is the most popular pedestrian shopping streets not only in Chengdu, but also in all of Sichuan. One can find everything from high end brands to street shops to everything in between here. It truly is a paradise for shoppers. There are also plenty of fast food stalls in the area. There are approximately 700 stores in this road ranging from clothing to electronics to departmental stores. There is also Chengdu Arts and Crafts Emporium where you can buy and see the items native to the land. There is a granite wall carved with various scenes and festivities that took place in Chengdu during Tang Dynasty. At nights, the led lights and neon lights slowly flood the view. Taking a stroll here at night you can sense a buzzling energy that you can’t help but be a part of it.

Chunxi Road Night Market

Kuan & Zhai Alley

Also known as the ‘Wide & Narrow Alley’, Kuanzhai alley consists of three parallel roads that were the aftermath remains of chaos and war during the rule of Qing Dynasty. Kuan, Zhai, and Jing are the name of the three alleys. The streets still retain the ancient architecture and buildings of olden times. Along with the alleys, there are also ancient courtyards. Kuan Alley has more of a leisure vibe, you can see older generation sitting and chilling in the tea shops here. This alley represents the leisure life of the natives here. In Zhai Alley you can witness the courtyard culture of ancient China. You can see a mixture of western and traditional architecture as foreigners once built houses here during the periods of Kings. Jing alley, also known as well alley, is more diverse and dynamic than the other two alleys. You can see the influences of modern-day luxuries and some of the most beautiful ancient structures. To have a fun-filled and vibrant night at low cost, visit Kuan & Zhai alley. Most of shops and bars are open at least until 11:00 pm at night.

Kuan & Zhai Alley

Wenshu Yuan

The area of the famous Wenshu Monastery has something more than the monastery to offer. The Wenshufang block here is known for its Chengdu snacks and savouries, the small eateries and shops are lined up throughout the sides here. Bean jelly, dumplings, and rice dumplings are some of the famous items here. There are also many antique shops featuring traditional Sichuan art and crafts like Sichuan embroidery and sugar painting. When you go out for a stroll at night here, you can see the beautiful courtyard culture of the Chinese and see how the historical elements have smoothly blended in with the elements of modern day.

Wenshu Yuan

Chengdu is not just a place for sightseeing or a transit city or panda land. It is also for those who love to experience different culture, it is also for the night owls, and for the foodies. Come to Chengdu and enjoy a myriad of experiences.