As distinct as the spicy Sichuan flavors synonymous with this city, Chengdu is a desirable destination and definite inclusion on any China tour adventure. Looking for things to do in Chengdu? We have your back.
It’s so easy to think a Chengdu tour is all about pandas - and yes, we agree they are gorgeous - however there is a deeper, richer history and culture to experience here and it’s our mission to reveal it to you in this article that covers not only the top things to do in Chengdu but as importantly, wonderfully unique and treasured experiences that make for beautiful travel memories.
Ready to open your eyes to a destination that matches Beijing’s rich history and Xi’an’s colorful culture and food? Let’s explore things to do in Chengdu city together.
Places to visit in Chengdu
Try as we might to narrow down our list to the top 10 things to do in Chengdu, we couldn’t stop at ten, however, we did know we must start with this little list here. Giant pandas? Check. Buddhist monasteries? Check. Unrivaled natural beauty? It’s all here with these places you simply must visit while in Chengdu.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Wenshu Yuan Monastery
Wenshu Yuan Monastery
Jinli and Kuanzhai Alleys
Jinli and Kuanzhai Alleys
Wangjiang Pavilion Park
Wangjiang Pavilion Park
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Mount Qingcheng
Mount Qingcheng
Mount Emei
Mount Emei
Wuhou Shrine
Wuhou Shrine
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Sanxingdui Museum
Sanxingdui Museum
Jinsha Site Museum
Jinsha Site Museum
Things to do at night Chengdu
So you’ve walked a mile or three during the day and as the sun goes down your enthusiasm for discovery hasn’t waned. If that’s you, freshen up and lace up those walking shoes again, because we’re taking you on an adventure to discover the seriously best things to do at night.
Chengdu night markets
Chunxi Road
Perhaps Chengdu’s most bustling commercial street, the night market here quite literally is a shopper’s mecca. Expected to find, well, just about anything, from fashion accessories, souvenirs, local snacks, and artisanal crafts. Keep an eye out for traditional craftsmen performing live demonstrations of their art. Fancy a little leaf carving, silk embroidery, or even something more contemporary like a performance artist? You’re guaranteed to find it here.
Yulin Night Market
Said to be Chengdu’s most charming street, Yulin Road’s night market occurs on weekends only. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in the uniqueness of vendors who are predominantly artists who fashion accessories, handcrafts, designer’s fashion, toys, fresh flowers, and vintage clothes. Restaurants in this area are famous for chuan chuan and hotpot, so it’s good to arrive ready for dinner too.
Yemaozi Night Market
Yemaozi Night Market also referred to as Night Owls Market, is a large open-air market. It is located in the heart of the city, close to Chunxi Street and Taikoo Li Chengdu. With over 100 stalls, the market attracts locals and tourists who come to imbibe authentic local street food and snacks, as well as other Chinese food after their shopping expeditions.
Xiang Xiang Xiang
Literally translated as ‘the lane of tasty food’, it’s any wonder Wangping Street is a popular dining and bar precinct. With the colorful neon lights and lanterns, the narrow lane is a foodie’s paradise. Expect to choose from local Chengdu specialties and popular Sichuan dishes, and a sprinkling of Taiwanese, Japanese, Thai, and even Western food. For lovers of sweeter treats, dessert shops and teahouses abound here too.
Jianshe Road
Jianshe Road draws local Chengdu food fans who hunger for its restaurants and snacks stalls. Be prepared to wait with locals who queue patiently for the authentic local specialties available from street vendors operating here.
Xipu Night Market
Due to its location in proximity to the nearby snack street and hotpot street, Xipu night market is one of the busiest in Chengdu. You’ll find lower prices here that more than compensate for the market’s locale, which isn’t as accessible as others in the city.
Shows and concerts in Chengdu
Without question, the most popular show for visitors to Chengdu is sampling the city’s famous Sichuan opera. Think elaborate make-up, exquisite costumes, extraordinary voices that seemingly pierce the sound barrier, and a healthy mix of daily drama and romance - and that is Sichuan opera at its finest. Complemented by Chinese musical instruments, shadow puppetry, magical face changing, and fire breathers, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable night out in Chengdu. Book tickets for Shu Feng Ya Yun (蜀风雅韵) or Fu Rong Guo Cui (芙蓉国粹) if you hope to catch the best of the city’s offerings in this age-old performance art that remains perennially popular.
Sights by night and night tours
Anshun Bridge
Visit this iconic covered bridge that was rebuilt in 2002 on the site where the original bridge was destroyed in the 1980s. Decorated brilliantly with lights, it’s a sight to behold at night, making it perhaps the most well-known symbol of the city after dark.
Jinli
Don’t let any travel guide tell you Jinli should only be visited by day. At night, this bustling precinct comes alive in a whole new way. It is, without doubt, one of the most popular destinations in Chengdu and will delight at any time, however in the evening when lit up with red lanterns, golden light, music, food, and shops it becomes a nocturnal wonderland.
Chengdu 339 TV Tower
For an altogether different experience of nightlife, visit Chengdu 339 TV Tower. The lighting decorations here make it an eye-catching landmark by night, and of course, it’s the ideal location for taking in a panorama of the city.
Night Tour Jin River
Chengdu’s Jin River can be enjoyed by floating up or downstream on the distinctive riverboats with their black awnings and admiring the city lights. Alternatively, why not walk along river’s banks where artfully designed scenes punctuate the landscape?
Night Sightseeing Bus
Enjoy Chengdu by night on the night sightseeing bus. Running for 90 minutes, this evening tour covers 16 landmarks and attractions, including Anshun Bridge, Xiang Xiang Xiang, 339 TV Tower, Jianshe Road, Taikoo Li, and Daci Temple. The tour runs Friday, Saturday, and public holidays and has two departures each night at 19:00 and 20:00. All aboard!
Experiences in Chengdu
We know our customers are fans of authentic experiences in-country; experiences that go beyond the typical tourist traps found in high traffic destinations. We hear you! In this section, we’ve compiled a list of activities that require the open mind of a curious traveler and a willingness to take a little time just to be in the moment. Bring on one-off adventures that connect you with locals; the people, places, and things that make for beautiful Chengdu travel memories.
1) Shu brocade and embroidery
Sample this art form at the Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum. Those passionate about fabrics and needlecraft can even take a lesson at a master’s studio. Bookings are essential.
2) Bamboo craft
Make your way to Dao Ming Bamboo Craft Village and immerse yourself in the ancient craft of bamboo weaving.
3) Other options
Visit a Chengdu Lacquerware studio, learn to tie-dye while in Anren Ancient Town, and learn to make a New Year's picture using colored Chinese woodblock prints.
1) Join a cooking class at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum of Chengdu, or any number of other cooking schools.
2) Blast away the myth you can’t find good vegetarian food in China. Enjoy a buffet-style lunch at Wenshu Yuan Monastery, chain restaurant Yi Ye Yi Shijie Tibetan, which produces fabulous vegetarian hotpots; or the unique and elegant Mi Xun Teahouse near Taikoo Li.
3) Want help with Sichuan food? Think about booking a food tour. Visit the number one favorite of locals shopping for authentic Chengdu food.
4) Did someone tea? Sign up for a tea picking and processing experience at tea plantations in Chengjia or Mengding Mountain.
Love a little luxury? Who doesn’t? Enjoy an overnight stay (or longer) and food that matches the stunning and architecturally beautiful surroundings of the Temple House. An absolute delight among many in Chengdu.
5) Not enough time for a Tibet tour? Enjoy the next best option by visiting the colorful Tibet quarter known as “Little Lhasa” and acquaint yourself with Tibetan culture, food, and people.
Books, books, everywhere you look
Chengdu is a trove of hidden literary treasures. Let it come alive with a wander through any one (or more!) of the following in a city with the enviable reputation as home to the largest number of bookstores in China, bar one; a remarkable feat given this country’s rich literary heritage.
Zhongshuge Bookstore
Considered Chengdu’s most beautiful bookstore, not least because of its curvilinear and architectural space.
Fangsuo Commune Bookstore Chengdu
Voted among the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Fangsuo Chengdu is more like a mystery book palace. Discover it at the underground Taikoo Li Chengdu, a low-rise complex surrounding Daci Temple.
Sanlian Taofen Bookstore
Hidden in a tiny courtyard, this lovely little bookstore is tucked away in the bustling Kuanzhai Alleys.
Yanjiyou Bookstore
In an era where books appear to be digital and audible, it’s reassuring to know there are ten Yanjiyou bookstores in Chengdu. The flagship store is a massive 4,000m2 multi-story retail outlet that includes a cafe, creative market, art and photo galleries.
Jihe Bookstore
This bookstore is famous for its arched cave design with a spiral staircase linking three floors of the bookstore. Worth a visit for the design, making the wonderful books within its circular walls a lovely bonus.
Testimonials
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Highly recommend China tours.com for future visitors to ChinaDate of experience: Apr 2024 • Family
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Date of experience: December 2023