Things To Do
in Chengdu
Chengdu is the relaxed capital of Sichuan province, famous for its world-class Sichuan cuisine, teahouse culture, and the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. The city blends ancient streets and temples with modern shopping districts and a growing international food and arts scene. It serves as a gateway to nearby UNESCO sites like Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
Chengdu's laid-back pace, rich culinary traditions, and green urban spaces make it a compelling stop for food lovers and nature travelers alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Chengdu Research Base early to observe pandas during their most active hours. Wander among the enclosures as playful cubs tumble and parents roam lazily. The morning light filters through bamboo stands, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Stroll through the on-site museum to learn about panda conservation efforts and breeding programs. Enjoy a vegetarian Sichuan lunch at the base's cafe, sampling local tea and snacks. Participate in a hands-on volunteer session, helping keep the habitat clean.
Return to the city center for a leisurely dinner in the bustling pedestrian street. Sample local snacks like dan dan noodles or spicy rabbit head. Finally, relax in a traditional teahouse soaking in the tranquil ambiance and live folk music.
Begin at Wuhou Shrine to explore the memorial complex dedicated to Zhuge Liang and the Three Kingdoms era. Marvel at ornate halls, ancient trees, and informative displays depicting historic strategies. The tranquil atmosphere offers a glimpse into China’s storied past.
Head to Jinli Ancient Street to sample Sichuan snacks like baozi and sugar-coated hawthorns. Shop for handmade crafts, traditional masks, and calligraphy scrolls from local artisans. Street performers entertain with face-changing acts and folk songs.
Enjoy a leisurely tea ceremony in a cozy courtyard teahouse, savoring jasmine or rose-scented blends. Watch as the lanterns ignite along the ancient street, creating a warm, festive glow. Indulge in Sichuan opera or puppet shows in one of the cultural theaters.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee (cafe) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-100 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🎟️Attraction entrance fee (typical) | $3-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class Sichuan cuisine and vibrant food culture
- Easy access to panda research base and nearby UNESCO sites
- Relaxed teahouse culture and friendly local atmosphere
- Well-developed metro and transport links within the city
- High humidity and gray winters due to basin geography
- Air pollution and occasional haze can affect visibility
- Language barrier outside tourist areas (limited English)
- Busy tourist spots can be crowded during peak seasons
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？(Duōshao qián?)" - How much?
- "我不要辣 (Wǒ bù yào là)" - I don't want it spicy
- "请问洗手间在哪里？(Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Chengdu
Visit one of these nice places.
Best early morning for panda cubs and adults in naturalistic enclosures; bamboo forests and educational displays provide varied shots.
Colorful historic facades, lanterns, and street performers — strong atmosphere at dusk when lamps are lit.
Well-preserved traditional architecture and lively street scenes, great for street and architectural photography.
Classical temple architecture, courtyards, and seasonal foliage offer cultural and portrait photo opportunities.
Misty Taoist temples set among dense greenery and steep steps — atmospheric landscape shots, especially on overcast mornings.
Food in Chengdu
Chengdu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce with minced pork — ubiquitous and available from street stalls to restaurants; try at a classic Sichuan eatery.
Must-Try!
Communal spicy broth cooked at the table with meats, offal, and vegetables; great at places like Huangcheng Laoma or local hotpot chains.
Noodle dish with spicy, savory sesame and chili oil sauce; perfect as a fast, flavorful lunch on the go.
Sliced pork belly cooked twice with sweet bean paste and leeks — a classic homestyle Sichuan dish.
A local specialty for adventurous eaters: marinated and spiced rabbit heads sold at markets and snack stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Tourist-friendly street lined with snack stalls selling specialties like sugar-coated haws, spicy rabbit, skewers, and local pastries.
Historic lanes with tea shops and small food vendors serving classic Chengdu snacks and sweets.
Near the temple you'll find vegetarian snacks, tea shops, and small stalls selling local pastries and tofu desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people — greet them first and avoid loud, disruptive behavior in public spaces.
Communal dining is common; try a bit of everything, use serving chopsticks when offered, and don’t stick chopsticks vertically into rice.
A simple 'xièxie' (谢谢) goes a long way; avoid sensitive political topics and be mindful when photographing people — ask permission where possible.
Safety
Tipping in Chengdu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most everyday situations in China and is generally not expected in local restaurants or taxis, though upscale hotels and international restaurants may accept or expect small tips; tipping for private guides is common if service is excellent.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate local transactions; international credit cards are accepted at major hotels and international restaurants but carry cash or a prepared mobile-pay option for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming parks make this a pleasant time to visit; expect occasional rain and lingering humidity.
Hot, humid and rainy with occasional thunderstorms; great for chilled teahouse afternoons but avoid the hottest midday for outdoor activities.
Often the best season — cooler, drier, and clearer skies with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and hiking.
Mild but damp and overcast; temperatures are rarely freezing but the persistent humidity can feel chilly — bring a warm, waterproof layer.
Chengdu at Night
Hiking in Chengdu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A 1–1.5 hour drive from Chengdu: Taoist mountain with forested trails, historic temples, and short to moderate hikes suitable for a half- or full-day visit.
Nearby scenic area combining the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation project with river walks and short hikes — easily combined into a day trip.
A longer day-trip or overnight option (about 2–3 hours by car/train): one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains with multi-day hiking routes, temples, and cloud-sea vistas in autumn.
Pair a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha with riverfront walks and hillside trails nearby; accessible as a day trip from Chengdu.
Airports
How to reach Chengdu by plane.
Newer large international airport serving many domestic and international routes; about 50–70 minutes from central Chengdu by taxi or metro/express lines depending on traffic.
Older major airport closer to the city center with many domestic flights and some international connections; accessible by metro and taxi (roughly 30–40 minutes to downtown depending on traffic).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Chengdu and throughout Sichuan; urban residents with deep local culinary and cultural traditions.
Sichuan province includes Tibetan, Qiang and other minority groups, particularly in rural and mountainous areas outside the city; their cultural influences appear in festivals and regional cuisines.
Chengdu hosts many universities and a growing tech/startup scene, creating a vibrant youth culture and nightlife.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played and popular among youths; pickup games are common in parks and university campuses.
Indoor racket sports like badminton and table tennis are popular recreational pastimes across age groups.
Traditional martial arts and tai chi are practiced in parks, especially in the mornings by older residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chengdu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and vegetable-based dishes are available — say “wǒ chīsù” (我吃素) to indicate vegetarian. Confirm no chicken stock or fish sauce as meat-based broths are common.
Vegan options are growing in Chengdu’s cafes and international restaurants; ask for 'méi yǒu ròu hé dàn' (没有肉和蛋) and avoid spicy oils if unsure.
Sichuan food is often oily and spicy; request 'bù là' (不辣) for no spice and clarify protein allergies since pork and chicken stocks are common.