20 Things to Do in Chengdu, China
Chengdu, the vibrant capital of China’s Sichuan province, is famously known as the home of the adorable giant pandas and the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine. This bustling metropolis offers a captivating blend of ancient history, laid-back teahouse culture, and modern innovation; visitors will find a wealth of experiences, from cuddling pandas to exploring historic streets, including many enjoyable free things to do in Chengdu that showcase its unique character and lively atmosphere.
Prepare to be enchanted by a city that embraces its rich cultural heritage while pulsing with contemporary energy. Whether you’re seeking culinary adventures, encounters with unique wildlife, or immersion in a relaxed urban lifestyle, Chengdu promises a memorable journey into the heart of southwestern China.
Panda Encounters & Wildlife
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Get up close with giant pandas, red pandas, and other endangered species at this world-renowned conservation and research center. Arrive early to see the pandas most active, especially during feeding time, an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Dujiangyan Panda Base (China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda)
Consider a visit to this base, about 1.5 hours from Chengdu, which offers a more natural, expansive environment for pandas and focuses on reintroduction to the wild. It often provides opportunities for volunteer programs (book well in advance).
Historic Streets & Ancient Culture
Jinli Ancient Street
Stroll through this lively reconstructed street, designed in the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty, offering a taste of old Chengdu. Browse souvenir shops, sample local street food, watch traditional craft demonstrations, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere, especially at night.
Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow Alleys)
Explore this popular area featuring three parallel ancient streets (Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley) restored with a mix of traditional teahouses, courtyards, modern boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a blend of old charm and contemporary chic.
Wenshu Monastery (Wenshu Yuan)
Visit Chengdu’s largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple, a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. Wander through its beautiful gardens, admire the intricate temple architecture, observe monks chanting, and enjoy a vegetarian meal at the monastery’s restaurant.
Qingyang Palace (Green Ram Temple)
Explore one of China’s oldest and most important Taoist temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Admire its traditional architecture, intricate carvings, and the iconic bronze green ram statues, a significant site for Taoist pilgrims.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Visit the former residence of Du Fu, one of China’s most celebrated Tang Dynasty poets. This tranquil park features a reconstructed thatched cottage, memorial halls, beautiful gardens, and exhibits dedicated to his life and work, a literary pilgrimage site.
Parks, Teahouses & Relaxation
People’s Park (Renmin Park)
Experience local life at this popular urban park where Chengdu residents gather for various activities. Sip tea at a traditional teahouse, watch people practice Tai Chi, play mahjong, enjoy matchmaking corners, or even try ear cleaning by a local expert.
Sip Tea at a Traditional Teahouse
Embrace Chengdu’s famous teahouse culture by spending a leisurely afternoon sipping tea at one of the many traditional teahouses found throughout the city, especially in parks and old alleys. It’s a quintessential Chengdu experience and a great way to relax and people-watch.
Wangjianglou Park (River-Viewing Pavilion Park)
Stroll through this beautiful park on the banks of the Jinjiang River, famous for its collection of over 100 varieties of bamboo and the iconic Chongli Pavilion. It’s dedicated to the Tang Dynasty female poet Xue Tao and offers a peaceful riverside retreat.
Sichuan Cuisine & Culinary Adventures
Sichuan Cuisine Museum (Chuancai Museum)
Learn about the history and art of Sichuan cuisine at this unique interactive museum. Participate in cooking classes, explore traditional kitchen exhibits, sample local delicacies, and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s famous fiery flavors.
Try a Sichuan Hot Pot
Indulge in the quintessential Sichuan dining experience – a bubbling, spicy hot pot where you cook various meats, vegetables, and noodles at your table. Choose your preferred level of spice and enjoy this communal and flavorful meal.
Sample Local Street Food
Explore Chengdu’s vibrant street food scene, trying specialties like Dan Dan noodles, Long Chao Shou (wontons), Zhong Dumplings, or spicy rabbit head (a local delicacy). Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Alleys are good places to start your culinary exploration.
Visit a Local Wet Market
Immerse yourself in the daily life of Chengdu by visiting a bustling local wet market. See vendors selling fresh produce, meats, live poultry, spices, and local ingredients, offering a vivid glimpse into the city’s food culture.
Modern Chengdu & Entertainment
Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
Explore Chengdu’s premier modern shopping district, a bustling pedestrian street lined with department stores, fashion boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s a hub for contemporary shopping and urban energy.
Global Center
Marvel at the sheer scale of the New Century Global Center, one of the world’s largest buildings by floor area, housing shops, offices, a water park, an ice rink, and hotels. It’s a symbol of Chengdu’s modern development.
Sichuan Opera (Face-Changing Show)
Experience the unique and entertaining art of Sichuan Opera, famous for its “Bian Lian” (face-changing) technique, along with puppetry, acrobatics, and humorous storytelling. Many teahouses and theaters offer nightly performances.
Day Trips & Wider Exploration
Leshan Giant Buddha
Take a day trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue, carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an awe-inspiring feat of ancient engineering.
Mount Qingcheng
Combine a visit to Dujiangyan Panda Base with a trip to Mount Qingcheng, one of the birthplaces of Taoism, known for its lush scenery, ancient temples, and tranquil hiking trails. It offers a beautiful escape into nature and spiritual history.
Free Chengdu Experiences
Walk Along the Jinjiang River
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Jinjiang River, which flows through the city. Observe local life, admire the cityscapes, and enjoy the relative tranquility away from the busiest streets, a pleasant urban walk.
