The 13 essential things to do in Chengdu

What to do in Chengdu? Discover the 13 must-see if you plan to visit Chengdu!

Chengdu, located in the centre-west of China, is the capital of Sichuan province. Although very modernized, Chengdu is considered a historic city of China with a history that dates back to almost 2300 years. But if Chengdu attracts so many visitors every year, it is especially because it is the original city of the famous giant pandas. How can I resist?

With more than 18 million inhabitants ( Urban area ), Chengdu is one of the most populous cities in the country and yet it is also recognized for its quality of life, its greenery and its pleasant atmosphere. Between its countless animated streets, its historical monuments and its fascinating fauna, one thing is sure, you will not be bored by going to visit Chengdu. So what do we do in Chengdu? Follow us to discover the 13 essential things not to be missed during your stay.

1. The giant pandas

Observing a giant panda, the national symbol, is a must if you plan to visit Chengdu and its surroundings. But while the Sichuan province is home to the largest concentration of wild pandas in the world, your chances of seeing one in its natural habitat are tiny.

One of the best places to safely see these endangered animals is the research and reproduction base of Chengdu . Located about 15 kilometres north of the city, this centre has been an important place for the protection of the country's giant pandas and roux pandas since 1987. Some tips: plan a visit in the morning, when pandas are fed and so active, respect the animals and the rules of the center, and keep in mind that most of the travellers who come to visit Chengdu are there for this reason, so you will not be alone! The site is accessible by bus, metro or taxi, and visits with or without a guide.

2. Sichuan Opera at Shufeng Yayun

After a busy day, what to do in Chengdu after nightfall? To attend a Sichuan Opera show in the old tea house Shufeng Yayun ! He is one of the best known in China and restores life to the swords of the Three Kingdoms with poetry and humor. What makes the international reputation of this Opera is the change of “visages” ( masks ) in a fraction of a second, without the viewer seeing it. Much more than a technique, a true Art!

3. Kuan Zhai Alleys and Jinli Road

Chengdu has seen its architecture and its heritage evolve over the years to become a great modern city in the style of a Western capital. If the very touristic places do not scare you, you can have a glimpse of the ancient and traditional Chengdu by strolling through the pedestrian streets of Kuan Zhai Alleys or Jinli Road .

4. Culinary specialties

More generally, Sichuan's cuisine is part of China's great cuisine, and Chengdu has recently been named the capital of gastronomy. You will have understood it, it is inconceivable to visit Chengdu without tasting its culinary specialties. On the menu? Chuanchuan Xiang and Huoguo ( Chinese fondues ), Mapo Doufu ( tofu simmered in chili pepper and minced meat ), Dandan noodles, Gongbao Jiding ( Peanut spicy chicken ), Tang You Guo Zi ( sweet snack based on gluant rice )...

Careful, sensitive palate abstains: Sichuanaise cuisine is renowned for its tasty dishes... and very spicy!

5. The temples

What to do in Chengdu when you are passionate about Culture? Visit temples!

The Buddhist monastery Wenshu

In the top things to do in Chengdu, we find the Buddhist monastery Wenshu founded under the Tang Dynasty ( first construction ). With an area of 60,000 m2, it is the largest monastery in the city, but also the best preserved. This temple, rebuilt many times, is rich in cultural vestiges, witnesses of the ancient times, and sacred relics. And in order not to spoil anything, wandering between its various pavilions and street stands is a real pleasure.

The temple of Qingyang

Founded in 618 under the Tang Dynasty, the Qingyang temple is one of the largest and oldest Taoist temples in China. Laozi, the founding father of the Taoism, appeared there alongside two black goats, which are found in the form of statues at the entrance of the building, in order to protect it. To fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this place, we suggest you stop in its restaurant or tea house.

The temple of Wuhou

The Wuhou temple (or temple of Wu Marquis) was erected at the time of the Three Kingdoms ( Third century ) and dedicated to the military adviser of the state of Shu, Zhuge Liang, nicknamed the Marquis of Wu. It also appreciates the architectural style of the memorial and its objects of the time as the park and its lake.

6. The Du Fu's Beaver

To the west of Chengdu, it is possible to visit the “ Du Fu Cottage A perfect reconstruction of the former home of the famous Chinese poet Du Fu. It was transformed into a museum surrounded by a beautiful garden, in tribute to this great artist of ancient China ( VIIIth century ) to whom one owes more than 200 poems about his time, some of which are considered today as masterpieces.

7. People’s Park

This is it. greenery is the ideal place to stroll at the end of the day, enjoy a cup of tea in one of the traditional tea houses, make a boat or watch the regulars of the park play games or dance.

8. Chunxi Shopping Street

Want a shopping trip? Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, fashion boutiques or a good coffee, you should find your happiness in the pedestrian street and animated by Chunxi .

9. Traditional tea houses

It is impossible to visit Chengdu without being tempted by this local custom: take the time to enjoy a cup of tea in one of the many traditional tea houses in the city. People’s Park, Wangjiang Pavilion Park or the Kuan Zhai Xiangzi district are places where you can find a tea house in Chengdu.

10. The village of Huanglongxi

If you are looking for charm and authenticity, this village located about thirty kilometers from Chengdu should not disappoint you. Huanglongxi , which means “valley of the yellow dragon”, has been able to preserve its character and architecture of the time.

11. The New Century Global Center

In a different style, New Century Global Center consists of several hotels, cinemas, shopping centres, offices, amusement parks, a university complex and even a beach, spread over 18 floors and a surface of 1.7 million m2. Completed in 2013, he won the title of the largest building on the planet to date.

12. Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan irrigation system

Now that you know what to do in Chengdu, set the course on the treasures of his region! These places, about 2 hours away, are recommended if you have time to visit Chengdu and its surroundings. Both of them registered as UNESCO’s heritage, they occupy an important place in China’s history. The Dujiangyan irrigation system , conceived in the 3rd century BC, still represents an ecological engineering exploit, while the Holy mountain of Qingcheng is considered the cradle of the Taoism.

13. The Great Buddha of Leshan and Mount Emei

You've been doing things to do in Chengdu and there's still a little more time? Do not pass next to the most Great Buddha of the world carved in stone. At the start of Chengdu, you can go there in an average of 1h30, the time of a day trip . The statue directly carved in the mountain of Lingyun between the year 713 and the year 803 is no less than 71 m tall and 28 m wide, which it is worth to be classified as World Heritage of UNESCO.

By continuing your path to Emeishan, you can then reach the Mont Emei , a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site surrounded by vegetation, offering a breathtaking view of sumptuous landscapes. You can hike, visit several temples and even meet monkeys! Note, however, that the entrance is paid, as is access to the Great Buddha of Leshan.

How to go to Chengdu?

The city of Chengdu has an international airport, so it is possible to get there by plane directly from France or by calling for less than 500€, on average (moreover to find the best flights from the nearest city to you, visit our partner’s website Ulysses ). As Chengdu Airport is located 16 kilometres from the city, you can take a shuttle, taxi or train to the centre.

To go to the city of giant pandas if you are already in China, several options are available to you: the plane since Beijing , Shanghai, Dalian, Kunming or Xi’a, train from most major cities in the country (Pekin, Shanghai , Guangzhou, Kunming...) or finally the bus that connects many Chinese cities to the Xinnanmen train station in Chengdu.

The city is very well served and offers many public transport to move you once on site, so don’t hesitate to visit Chengdu!

Where to stay in Chengdu?

Since Chengdu is very large and populated, it is not easy to know where to stay to explore the city and its surroundings easily, while enjoying a pleasant setting. We can only advise you to get closer to the centre! As for the type of accommodation, you will find in Chengdu an affordable hotel deal, everything depends on what you are looking for. So, Airbnb , homestays, hostels and hotels... The choice remains vast. After reading our suggestions in our article " In which quarter house in Chengdu? » , we invite you to tour the hotel platforms to book a minimum nights for your stay (for a wide choice and good value for money, visit this Compare hotels ) : even if it is possible to book on site, book in advance will allow you to better understand your stay.

Did you ever visit Chengdu?