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Chengdu is one of the most popular cities in China, famous for giant pandas, Sichuan food, and its relaxed lifestyle. You can spend the morning meeting giant pandas, relax in a traditional teahouse in the afternoon, and enjoy spicy Sichuan food with a face-changing show in the evening. Outside the city, you can also explore nearby mountains, ancient towns, and historic sites.
In this guide to the top things to do in Chengdu, you’ll find the best places to visit, local activities to enjoy, and easy day trips from the city. Whether it’s your first visit or you want to explore more than the famous attractions, this guide will help you plan your Chengdu trip.
# 1. Meet Giant Pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Seeing giant pandas is one of the top things to do in Chengdu. The engdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to see them and learn more about China's national treasure.
The research base is home to around 260 giant pandas. As you walk through the park, you can watch pandas eating bamboo, climbing trees, playing, or simply resting. There is also a Giant Panda Museum where you can learn about panda breeding and conservation.
It’s around 10 kilometers from downtown Chengdu and is easy to reach by taxi or metro. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the pandas are most active. If possible, arrive early to enjoy a quieter visit before the crowds arrive.
The entrance tickets cost 55 CNY (~8 USD) and can be booked online or purchased at the entrance. It is open from 7:30 to 18:00 from March to October, and from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm from November to February.
Baby giant pandas playing at Chengdu Panda Base, one of the best places to see pandas in China.
1 Day
Chengdu Panda Base - Renmin Park - Wuhou Temple - Jinli Street
#2. Taste Sichuan Food and Chengdu Hot Pot
Trying Sichuan food is one of the best things to do in Chengdu. The city is famous for its spicy and flavorful dishes, and Chengdu hot pot is the local food you shouldn't miss.
Hot pot is a fun dining experience. You can cook meat, vegetables, tofu, and other ingredients in a pot of hot broth at your table. If you don't eat spicy food, many restaurants offer different spice levels, and you can choose a mild broth or try other options like mushroom or tomato broth.
Besides hot pot, be sure to try other local favorites such as mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and kung pao chicken. You can find them in restaurants, food streets, and night markets across Chengdu.
Trying authentic Chengdu hot pot is one of the best ways to experience Sichuan cuisine and local food culture.#3. Experience Chengdu’s Tea House Culture at People’s Park
Relaxing in a traditional tea house is one of the best ways to experience Chengdu’s slow and easy lifestyle. Tea houses are an important part of local life, where people come to chat with friends, play mahjong, and spend a relaxing afternoon.
People’s Park is one of the best places to experience this atmosphere. Instead of rushing between attractions, you can sit down with a cup of tea, and watch local people enjoy their daily life. Many visitors also try local snacks such as garlic peanuts and sunflower seeds while relaxing in the tea house.
Watching tea being served is part of the experience. Tea is often poured from long-spouted copper kettles. Some kettles have spouts up to 1.5 meters long, and skilled tea servers can pour hot water into your cup from a distance without spilling a drop.
Enjoying tea at People's Park is one of the best ways to experience Chengdu’s relaxed local lifestyle.#4. Watch Sichuan Opera and the Famous Face-Changing Performance
Watching a Sichuan Opera is one of the most popular things to do in Chengdu. The most exciting part is the famous face-changing performance. Performers wear colorful masks and change them in a split second, leaving many people wondering how they do it.
A Sichuan Opera show is more than just face-changing. It also includes traditional music, singing, comedy, acrobatics, and colorful costumes, giving you a chance to experience a unique part of Sichuan culture.
If you don’t understand Chinese, you can still enjoy the music, costumes, and the show. It’s a great way to spend an evening after exploring Chengdu during the day.
Watching a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance is one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Chengdu.#5. Explore Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley
Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley are two of the most popular places to visit in Chengdu. Both are easy to reach in the city center and are great for walking, trying local food, shopping, and experiencing Chengdu's traditional atmosphere.
Jinli Ancient Street is one of the best places to try local snacks and see traditional folk arts. As you walk along the street, you'll find food stalls, souvenir shops, and local crafts such as Shu embroidery, paper-cutting, and sugar painting. There is also a small outdoor stage where you can sometimes watch Sichuan Opera performances.
Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) is known for its well-preserved Qing Dynasty buildings. Today, it is filled with teahouses, cafés, restaurants, and small shops. You can walk through the old alleys, enjoy local food, and experience the mix of traditional architecture and modern city life.
Jinli Ancient Street is a popular place to experience Chengdu’s traditional architecture, and local snacks.#6. Visit Wuhou Shrine and Learn About Three Kingdoms
Wuhou Shrine is one of the best places in Chengdu to learn about the famous Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. It was built to honor Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Shu Han Kingdom, and Liu Bei, the kingdom's founding emperor.
Walking through the shrine, you'll see traditional buildings, quiet courtyards, ancient trees, and historical exhibits. Even if you're not familiar with the Three Kingdoms, it's an interesting place to learn about one of the most famous periods in Chinese history.
Wuhou Shrine is located right next to Jinli Ancient Street, making it easy to visit both in one trip. The entrance ticket costs 50 CNY (~7 USD) and are sold online or at the entrance. The shrine is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Wuhou Shrine is a great place to discover the history of the Three Kingdoms.
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Chengdu Panda Base - Wenshu Temple - Wuhou Temple - Jinli Ancient Street
#7. Discover Ancient Shu Civilization at Sanxingdui Museum
Sanxingdui Museum is one of the most famous museums near Chengdu It is home to thousands of artifacts from the ancient Shu civilization, which existed more than 3,000 years ago.
The history of the ancient Shu civilization is still not completely understood. As you explore the museum, you'll see impressive bronze masks, jade objects, gold artifacts, and many other ancient treasures. You can also visit the Research and Restoration Pavilion to watch experts restore newly discovered artifacts.
The museum is around a 1-hour drive from downtown Chengdu, making it a popular day trip. It is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance ticket costs 72 CNY (~ 10 USD). During busy seasons, it's best to book your ticket in advance through the official WeChat app.
The mysterious bronze masks of Sanxingdui reveal the fascinating ancient Shu civilization of Sichuan.#8. Explore Modern Chengdu at Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road
After exploring Chengdu's history and culture, Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road are great places to experience the city's modern side. They are popular for shopping, local food, cafés, and nightlife, making them great places to spend an afternoon or evening.
Chunxi Road is Chengdu's busiest shopping street, with shopping malls, local stores, restaurants, and street food. It's a great place to see local people, shop, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Just a short walk away, Taikoo Li offers a different experience. Its modern shopping area is built around traditional Chinese-style buildings, creating a unique mix of old and new. You can shop, enjoy a coffee, have dinner, or simply relax and watch the city go by.
Chunxi Road shows the modern side of Chengdu with shopping malls, local life, and the famous IFS panda sculpture.# 9. Take a Day Trip to Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng
Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng are two of the most popular day trips from Chengdu. Located close to each other, they are easy to visit in one day and offer a great mix of history, nature, and culture.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was built more than 2,000 years ago and is still used today. Instead of blocking the river, it works with the natural flow of the water to control flooding and provide water for the Chengdu Plain. As you explore the area, you can also enjoy rivers, old bridges, and beautiful mountain views.
Mount Qingcheng is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. The mountain is covered with green forests, quiet temples, and walking trails. It's a great place to enjoy nature, take a peaceful walk, and escape the busy city for a few hours.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a remarkable ancient engineering achievement.
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Chengdu - Qingchengshan - Dujiangyan Irrigation System - Chengdu
# 10. Visit Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei
If you have an extra day in Chengdu, visiting Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei is one of the best ways to explore more of Sichuan. These two famous attractions combine history, Buddhist culture, and beautiful mountain scenery.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Carved into a cliff where three rivers meet, it is even more impressive when you see it in person. You can view the Buddha from a boat or walk down the cliff for a closer look.
Mount Emei is one of China's most famous Buddhist mountains. It is known for its beautiful forests, mountain scenery, ancient temples, and walking trails. You can hike, take a cable car, or simply enjoy the peaceful mountain views.
It takes about 3 hours to reach the area from Chengdu. Many travelers visit as a day trip, while others stay overnight to spend more time exploring both attractions.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Chengdu.
2 Days & 1 Night
Chengdu - Leshan Giant Buddha - Emeishan(1N) - Chengdu
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Chengdu
What are the top things to do in Chengdu for first-time visitors?
For a first visit, focus on Chengdu’s most famous experiences: seeing giant pandas, trying Sichuan food, relaxing in a traditional tea house, and exploring places like Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley. If you have more time, add a day trip to Dujiangyan or Mount Qingcheng.
Is Chengdu Panda Base worth visiting, and when is the best time to see pandas?
Yes, the Chengdu Panda Base is one of the top attractions in Chengdu. The best time to visit is in the morning, when pandas are more active and often eating bamboo.
What are the top day trips to take from Chengdu?
Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng are two of the easiest day trips from Chengdu. Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei are also popular choices if you have an extra day.
How many days do I need to experience the best of Chengdu?
Three days is a good minimum for seeing the main highlights of Chengdu. This gives you time to visit the Panda Base, explore the city center, enjoy local food, and experience some of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Four or five days is better if you want to include a day trip to Dujiangyan or Leshan. Longer stays also let you experience Chengdu at a slow, relaxed pace, as it is meant to be enjoyed.
What are the top things to do in Chengdu at night?
One of the best ways to spend an evening in Chengdu is to enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner and watch a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance. After the show, you can walk around Jinli Ancient Street, Chunxi Road, or Taikoo Li, where you'll find local snacks, shops, cafés, and beautiful night views.
Where can I watch Sichuan Opera and face-changing shows in Chengdu?
There are many theatres where you can watch Sichuan Opera and face-changing performances. Shu Feng Ya Yun Theatre is highly recommended for its fast-paced variety show. Liyuan Theatre inside Wenshu Monastery has an intimate, local feel. The Sichuan Provincial Sichuan Opera Theatre offers a more high-end experience combined with a Sichuan-style banquet.
4 Days & 3 Nights
Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou (2 N) - Chuanzhusi (1 N) - Chengdu
Price From: USD 550
Conclusion
Chengdu is one of the best places to experience giant pandas, Sichuan food, traditional culture, and beautiful mountain scenery. From relaxing in local tea houses and watching Sichuan Opera face-changing shows to exploring ancient sites and nearby natural attractions, the city offers something different for every traveler.
Whether it is your first visit or you want to discover more of Sichuan, spending a few days in Chengdu allows you to enjoy both famous highlights and the city’s relaxed lifestyle. With convenient flights and easy access to nearby destinations, Chengdu is also a great starting point for exploring western China.
If you are planning a Chengdu tour or a longer Sichuan tour, our local travel team can help you create an itinerary based on your interests and travel time. Contact us today to start planning your trip.
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