What to Visit in Chengdu: 10 Places You Must See
Are you wondering what to visit while in Chengdu? Here are 10 of the best places you must visit on your trip to Chengdu.
Chengdu might be famous for its pandas, but I promise you there’s so much more to this vibrant city than those cute black and white bears. From ancient temples and lively parks to iconic street food and futuristic malls, Chengdu is a city that blends tradition and modern life in the most unexpected ways.
After spending a year living in China, I can confidently say it’s one of the most unique and laid-back cities in China.
As someone who’s explored the city’s top sights (and eaten way too much hotpot), I’ve put together this helpful guide to show you exactly what to visit in Chengdu.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for more, this list highlights 10 unforgettable places that truly capture the spirit of Sichuan’s laid-back capital.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
1. Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
If you’re coming to Chengdu, this is probably the first thing on your list and rightly so! To begin with, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to see pandas up close. In particular, mornings are the ideal time to visit, since the pandas are most active then.. To save you time and to ensure you get tickets for the day you want, I recommend booking your tickets online in advance here.
I recommend arriving for when it opens at 7.30am, so that you not only beat the crowds, but to make sure you catch the pandas out and about before it gets too hot for them.
We visited mid-July and by 9am they had gone inside it had got too hot. Although we still got to see them through the glass, it was a little hectic with people pushing and shoving to get photos and videos. In addition, if you are 5’2 girlie like me, you will struggle to see much unless you push yourself to the front.
However, I still had the best time ever. The cuteness of the pandas was worth a few elbows in the face. For example, you’ll see the pandas munching on bamboo, tumbling around playfully, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some red pandas too. We even witnessed two pandas having a playful fight which was hilarious.
👉 Need to purchase tickets for Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding? You can purchase your tickets here.
Tips for Visiting Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding:
1. Book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak-seasons.
2. Wear comfy shoes!! There is a lot more walking than I expected.
3. Bring bottles of water. There was NO WATER, yes, no water to be found in any of the shops throughout the park.
How to get to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Breeding Panda:
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located just 11km outside of the city, so the most convenient way to get there is by Didi (Chinese version of Uber). For instance, it took us 25 minutes from Chunxi Road and cost just 25RMB. However, you also have the option to take a shuttle bus from the city if you would prefer.
🧳 Check out my China Packing List Guide here. It includes all of the must-haves and travel essentials. (It also has an additional list for those who are moving to China)
2. People’s Park (Renmin Park)
When we visited Chengdu, People’s Park quickly became one of my favourite places in the city. Indeed, It’s not just another green space, it’s where the heart of local life beats. For example, you’ll find locals practising tai chi, sipping jasmine tea in century-old teahouses, and the elderly deep in conversation over games of mahjong or spontaneously dancing with one another.
We spent a sunny afternoon strolling through the park, pausing to read the historic monuments and sitting by the lake people-watching.
Chengdu Matchmaking Corner (People’s Park)
And of course, we couldn’t leave without visiting the famous Matchmaking Corner. This is where elderly parents pin profiles of their children to boards, hoping to help them find a suitable partner. It’s a fascinating tradition and you will even see some of the parents hanging around waiting to catch people reading the posters. It gave us a real glimpse into local culture.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Chengdu experience, People’s Park delivers.
Tip: If you’re exploring on foot, pair your visit with Kuan Zhai Alley (you can find it later in this list #9). It’s only an 8-minute walk from the park.
How to get to People’s Park Chengdu: Take Line 2 of the metro to People’s Park Station (Renmin Gongyuan). Take Exit A and you will be right at the entrance to the park.
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3. Jinli Ancient Street
If you’re wondering what to visit in Chengdu for the best evening out, this is it. Out of all the pedestrian streets I’ve visited in China, Jinli Ancient Street easily stands out as my favourite. There’s something magical about it. From the glow of red lanterns lining the narrow alleys to the beautiful details of traditional Sichuan architecture, it makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Overall, the whole atmosphere captures the essence of old Chengdu.
Make sure to take some time browsing all the stalls and try some delicious Sichuan foods. There’s a huge selection, from BBQ meat skewers, noodles and fresh juices to rows of handmade souvenirs.
When we visited, we planned just a quick stop here. However, we ended up spending hours just soaking it all in. In particular, we sampled spicy BBQ beef and lamb skewers straight off a sizzling street stall and they were hands down the nicest skewers we have had in China. After all, we have eaten LOTS of BBQ skewers after living here for the last year.
One of the highlights of our evening at Jinli Ancient Street, was grabbing a seat in the square at a lively open-air bar. Here, we watched a traditional Sichuan Opera Face-Changing performance, and it was honestly unforgettable.
Tip: Wuhou Shrine and Park is located right next to Jinli Street, so be sure to visit both while you’re in the area.
How to Get to Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街): Take Chengdu Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station.
4. Wuhou Shrine
If you’re into history, especially the Three Kingdoms period, then a visit to Wuhou Shrine is a must while in Chengdu. This iconic site is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the brilliant military strategist and chancellor of the Shu Kingdom. As a result, it remains one of the most important cultural landmarks in Chengdu.
Even if history is not for you, I highly recommend stopping by here. You can stroll through the tranquil gardens or relax by the lake.
We visited Wuhou Shrine just before heading over to Jinli Ancient Street. It’s literally attached to it, making it easy to experience both in one go. Before exploring the shrine itself, we spent some time strolling through the beautiful garden that surrounds it. In fact, we could not get over how peaceful it was here.
If you want to visit the Shrine and museum, there is an entrance fee of 50 RMB per adult. You can purchase your tickets here. However, to visit the gardens and the lake is free.
Tip: Visit in the evening time and pair it with a visit to Jinli Ancient Street.
How to get to Wuhou Shrine: Take Chengdu Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station, use Exit D, and walk about 10–15 minutes to reach the entrance of Wuhou Shrine.
💻 Do you plan to visit Wuhou Shrine? You can purchase your tickets here.
5. IFS Giant Panda Rooftoop
If you’ve seen that viral photo of a giant panda climbing the side of a building, this is the exact spot! Chengdu IFS Mall, located right in the heart of Chunxi Road, is home to the massive panda sculpture peeking its head and paws over the rooftop.
This spot has become one of the most iconic photo locations in Chengdu. Of course, I couldn’t resist getting a snap of my own!
Once you catch a photo with the iconic panda you can explore inside the IFS Mall, which is filled with high-end brands and designer labels. Or you can explore Chunxi Road’s high street shops (such as Zara & Uniqlo) and food stalls.
How to get to IFS Mall Chengdu: Take Chengdu Metro Line 2 or Line 3 to Chunxi Road Station.
6. Chunxi Road
This is Chengdu’s answer to Times Square. Chunxi Road is the city’s most famous shopping and fashion district, packed with department stores, boutique malls, street food stalls, and high-street brands (think Zara & Uniqlo). If you’re wondering ‘what to visit’ in Chengdu for shopping, this is the place.
We spent the late afternoon exploring this vibrant area and were surprised by how much there is to see and do here. We had dinner at Chunxi Road Food Street (which is actually a cluster of small restaurants underground). As a result, it turned out to be the perfect place to try biang biang noodles and other Sichuan dishes.
Looking for a local food tour? Try this highly rated food tour in Chengdu.
How to get to Chunxi Road: Take Chengdu Metro Line 2 or 3 to Chunxi Road Station (Exit D)
7. SKP Mall & The Iconic Bamboo Towers
SKP Mall is luxury central, think Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Cartier. You will find all of your top designer brands here. But, if that’s not for you, don’t worry, even window shopping is an experience here.
If shopping isn’t on your agenda, a visit to Chengdu SKP Mall is worth it just to see the architecture and the iconic Bamboo Towers. The “bamboo shoot” towers are a modern (and Instagram famous) icon of the city. Make sure to get here in the late evening, as the sun goes down to catch the lights turn on.
We arrived to SKP mall in the early evening, around 7:30 PM, and spent some time window shopping through the luxury stores. We couldn’t resist stopping at the famous Butterful & Creamorous bakery, a well-known spot in Chengdu, for a little treat. Afterwards, we headed outside to watch the Bamboo Towers light up against the night sky.
How to get to SKP Mall Chengdu: Take Metro Line 5 to Jincheng Avenue Station, then walk about 5 minutes to reach SKP Mall’s main entrance.
8. Anshun Bridge and Jiuyanqiao
If you’re wondering what to visit in Chengdu at night, then Anshun Bridge is your answer. For a scenic stroll and a taste of the city’s nightlife, Jiuyanqiao and Anshun Bridge is the place to go.
Anshun Bridge (安顺桥) is one of Chengdu’s most photogenic landmarks, especially at night. You can take a stroll along the promenade and admire the beautiful lights from the bridge reflecting off the river. The bridge itself is home to a traditional-style restaurant, adding to its charm.
We visited just after sunset and were blown away by how magical the area felt. We strolled along the promenade taking in the view of the bridge and the soft glow from lanterns.
Straight across the bridge you will find Jiuyanqiao Bar Street. This is a popular nightlife area with bars, cafes, and rooftop lounges lining the waterfront. You’ll also find street musicians and performers in the area on weekends. It’s a great area for a laid-back drink with river views.
And don’t worry it’s not your typical ‘pub street’ like you would find in Magaluf or Ibiza. Even if you are not into bars or clubs, it’s a great spot for a slow-paced night walk. We stopped at a small riverside bar, enjoyed a coke zero, and just took in the view.
Tip: Be sure to visit at night to see the bridge light-up and reflect off the river.
How to get to Anshun Bridge: Take Metro Line 6 to Dongmen Bridge Station and walk about 10 minutes west along the river to reach Anshun Bridge and Jiuyanqiao.
9. Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys)
Kuanzhai Alley (or Kuanzhai Xiangzi) is one of Chengdu’s most charming and well-preserved historic areas. It is made up of three unique lanes known as Wide Alley (Kuan), Narrow Alley (Zhai), and Well Alley (Jing Xiangzi), hence where it got the name.
These alleys are filled with traditional tea houses, hip cafés, boutique shops. Moreover, you will find Sichuan style restaurants as well as many street food and souvenir stalls.
We walked here after spending a peaceful afternoon in People’s Park. We wandered through the alleyways admiring the beautiful Qing Dynasty architecture and browsing handcrafted souvenirs. Finally, we stopped for the famous Chengdu hotpot (more details on that below).
How to get to Kuanzhai Alley: Take Chengdu Metro Line 4 to Kuanzhai Alley Station and use Exit B. The entrance to the alleys is just a short walk from the station. Or you can walk from People’s Park in less than 10 minutes.
10. Visit One of Chengdu’s Best Hotpot Spots
You simply can’t visit Chengdu without experiencing the world-famous spicy Chengdu hotpot.
And if you don’t know what hotpot is, it’s basically China’s most iconic dining experience (and by far my favourite). Think of a large pot of bubbling broth placed in the centre of your table, where you cook your own ingredients like thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and noodles. Once cooked, you dip everything into your own custom-made sauce before eating.
What makes the iconic Chengdu hotpot different is the bold use of Sichuan peppercorns and chilli oil, which creates a signature numbing-and-spicy sensation locals call málà. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt in my mouth before; it was incredible.
There are hundreds of hotpot restaurants across the city, yet we had one of our most memorable meals at the famous Qiaoxifu Hot Pot (桥西府火锅), located at the bottom of Kuanzhai Alley. In particular, I would highly recommend it, the staff were friendly, the ingredients were so fresh, and the entire meal felt like a celebration of flavour in our mouths. It was hands down one of the best hotpot experiences we’ve ever had in China.
TIP: We opted for a half spicy, half clear pot, which I’d highly recommend if it’s your first time trying authentic Chengdu hotpot.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Chengdu, you have to visit one of the cities popular hotpot spots. If you don’t fancy visiting Qiaoxifu Hot Pot (Kuanzhai Alley Branch), here are some more popular Chengdu Hotpot restaurants:
- Huangcheng Laoma (皇城老妈)
- Shujiuxiang Hotpot (蜀九香火锅)
- Da Miao Hotpot (大妙火锅)
🧑🍳 Do you want to get a real taste for Sichuan food? Try the best cooking class in Chengdu!
What to Visit in Chengdu – Summary
- Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- People’s Park
- Jinli Ancient Street
- Wuhou Shrine
- IFS Giant Panda Rooftop
- Chunxi Road
- SKP Mall- The Iconic Bamboo Towers
- Anshun Bridge & Jiuyanqiao
- Kuanzhai Alley
- Chengdu Hotpot Restaurant
✈️ Want to see more breath-taking places in China? I highly recommend visiting some of my favourite spots like Guilin, Zhangjiajie and Macau.
What to visit in Chengdu at night
- Jinli Ancient Street
- IFS Mall (Iconic Bamboo Towers)
- Anshun Bridge
- Jiuyanqiao (bars)
- Lan Kwai Fong (nightclubs)
Where to stay in Chendgu
Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu – affordable luxury meets modern design with incredible city views and fantastic location near the best attractions.
The Ritz Carlton Chengdu– luxury city-stay.
The Hidden House – excellent price and location.
👉 Tip: We book all our accommodation in China with Trip.Com and stayed near Chunxi Road.
Planning your trip to Chengdu
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- Staying in Chengdu? 🏨 find the best hotel prices here.
- Do you want a guided tour in Chengdu? 🗺️ you can book the best guided tour here.
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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
