Things to do in Chengdu

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.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The Chengdu Giant Panda and Research Base are one of the main research bases for the protection of giant pandas and other endangered wildlife. The base covers a sprawling area, which is beautifully landscaped with bamboo (of course!). Established by the Chinese government, the Chengdu Giant Panda and Research Base is a unique and widely respected center for experiencing these beautiful and entertaining creatures firsthand. While it is very busy regardless of the time of year, exploring within the center’s grounds is still comfortable and there is ample opportunity to view the pandas at different ages and stages. Naturally, the baby pandas are incredibly cute, but the older bears offer as much entertainment. It’s the perfect place for children or those who simply want to experience something that brings out their inner playful child.

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Wenshu Yuan Monastery

Located in the inner city, Wenshu Yuan Monastery was originally built during the Sui dynasty from 605 to 617. The monastery underwent reconstruction in 1697 after being destroyed by war towards the end of the Ming dynasty. Its timber buildings are spread across more than 20,000 square meters and house over 200 Buddhist statues made from bronze, iron, clay, wooden, and stone sculptures. You will also find many relics of cultural significance, including classical books, paintings, and calligraphy. Perhaps the most auspicious finds here are what’s alleged to be the finger bone and parietal bone relics of two revered legends: Sakyamuni Buddha and Master Xuanzang. In keeping with the lifestyle espoused by the Buddhists, there is a vegetarian restaurant and teahouse in the temple that is open to the public. Perfect for sampling a little Zen experience in situ.

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Jinli and Kuanzhai Alleys

As much as the bustle of tourist hot spots may not feature on your ‘must see’ precincts, at Chengdu’s heart you will find two streets that offer insights into the local lifestyle and what attracts people from all over. Legendary Jinli is one of the oldest and busiest commercial streets in Sichuan. It’s said that Jinli was first recognized as a commercial hub as early as the Three Kingdoms period; that’s all the way back in 189 AD to 280 AD. There’s no question, Jinli Street gives new meaning to the concept of longevity. Renovated in 2004 for the purpose of maintaining its appeal for contemporary visitors, there is no question Jinli is now considered the heart and soul of Chengdu life, with the unique blend of charming Sichuan folk customs and Three Kingdoms culture. A wander through the area will reveal many treasures, along with teahouses, taverns, restaurants, bars, street foods, and traditional handicrafts. Especially beautiful at night because of the lanterns that adorn the buildings, Jinli can be visited at any time of day for a truly one-off Chengdu experience. For a change of pace, but an experience that is no less intriguing, make your way to Kuanzhai Alleys. This is a precinct encompassing three alleys: Kuan Xiangzi (Wide Alley), Zhai Xiangzi (Narrow Alley), and Jing Xiangzi (Well Alley). As the remaining sections of Man City, built during the Qing dynasty in 1718, the traditional style blue-brick courtyards and ancient stone-paved streets are a delightful window into a bygone era of Chengdu’s history.

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Wangjiang Pavilion Park

Wonder at the architecture, history, and conservation of the Wangjiang Pavilion complex in the heart of Chengdu. The pavilion grounds hold a memorial to a beloved poet Xue Tao, established during the Tang dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD). Bamboo gardens containing 150 different varieties are a tribute to the poet Xue who loved bamboo, as well as a remarkable effort to conserve an important food source for pandas. Visitors are welcome to mingle with locals while partaking in green tea, nuts, a game of Mahjong or Chinese chess, and if you arrive early, a session of tai chi or fan dancing.

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Leshan Giant Buddha

Wonder at the scale and craftsmanship of the world’s largest and tallest stone statue, carved into the sandstone cliff where the Min and Dadu rivers join. Leshan Giant Buddha faces the water at the point where the rivers converge, which the mountain where the statue stands is at the eastern base of Mount Emei. From the water it is awe-inspiring and from the top, you’ll appreciate the carving’s intricacies, as well as the beauty and significance of the amazing natural site. Built over 1,200 years ago and taking 90 years to complete, this statue towers 71 meters above the rivers and is most worthy of a visit - and your admiration.

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Dujiangyan Panda Base

We love the Dujiangyan Base because it is less crowded than Chengdu Giant Panda and Research Base and is located very close to the world heritage area in which giant pandas live naturally. The habitat, climate, and natural environment in this area are ideal for a very happy giant panda life and it’s the perfect place for mingling with these creatures. Seriously, what’s not to love? Easy to reach from Chengdu city, a panda experience here is one you’ll remember for a lifetime. For those adventurers keen for a more personal experience, why not sign up for the Panda Volunteer Program.

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Mount Qingcheng

Located 66 kilometers from Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The sacredness of Mount Qingcheng - one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism - is reflected in its heritage and the belief it is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. The area around Mount Qingcheng abounds with culture, idyllic natural landscapes that could easily be reimagined on a silk wall hanging, fascinating Taoist temples and pavilions, and more. A must if you’re in the area.

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Mount Emei

As one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism, Mount Emei is famous for its beautiful natural landscape and Buddhist culture. We’re not surprised it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, and neither will you. In and around the area that makes up Mount Emei are around 30 temples, each with its own peculiarities. Perhaps even more revered at Mount Emei is the incredible scenery, otherwise known as the four wonders. Sunrises are particularly memorable, although of course an early start is required. Alternatively, you may prefer Buddha’s halo, sitting in a sea of clouds, or catching the Holy Light of the Sacred Lamp; each is a wonder just as described in ancient texts and in modern travel guides. Mount Emei is also famous for its martial arts, as it is considered home to one of the main traditional Chinese martial arts other than Shaolin and Wudang.

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Wuhou Shrine

Wuhou Shrine, also known as Wuhou Temple or Temple of Marquis Wu, is located southwest of Chengdu’s city center. It’s here you find the famous Zhaolie Temple of Han, which was built to commemorate Liu Bei, founder of Shu State during the Three Kingdom Period (220-280). Wuhou Temple itself was constructed to commemorate Zhuge Liang, Prime Minister of the Shu State. Huiling Mausoleum (Liu Bei’s tomb) and Sanyi Temple, which was relocated here in 1997 due to urban development, are also at the site. Sanyi refers to the famous Three Sworn Brothers; Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. Three Kingdom history and culture are popular in China and Asia, hence the significance of this site. Definitely worth a visit by any traveler interested in expanding the direct experience of this important era in China’s past.

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Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Located in a park at the west end of Chengdu’s city heart is Du Fu Thatched Cottage. In fact, the ‘cottage’ is a museum that comprises Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Du Gongbu Memorial Hall, and Da Ya Tang Hall, or Hall of Great Poets. Du Fu (712 – 770) is remembered as the greatest poet of the Tang Dynasty. The cottage, which was built with the help of friends on the Huanhuaxi Creek’s banks, is where he settled his family after fleeing conflict. During his four years living in the cottage, Du Fu composed more than 240 poems reflecting on the plight of people affected by the conflict. Although the original thatched hut built by Du Fu was destroyed, the main buildings in the park were reconstructed and renovated during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

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Sanxingdui Museum

Approximately 40 kilometers from Chengdu is Guanghan City and it’s here, in the northeast corner of the famous Sanxingdui Ruins - one of China’s most significant Bronze Age archeological sites - you will find Sanxingdui Museum. First discovered in the 1920s, then excavated in 1934, and finally opened to the public in 1997, some of the more remarkable relics discovered here include a 2.62-meter statue, an oversized bronze mask, and a bronze tree that stands nearly four meters. These relics are considered uniquely representative of Sanxingdui. New discoveries were made at Sanxingdui Ruins right up until the most recent excavation (the 37th!) in March 2021; a fact even more remarkable given that the previous excavation occurred 35 years prior in 1986.

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Jinsha Site Museum

Jinsha Site Museum was built and opened to the public six years after the discovery of the Jinsha Site in 2001. Formerly the capital of the ancient Shu in the Shang or Western Zhou dynasty (between 3,200 and 2,600 years prior), Jinsha covered an area of 5 km². The ruins of Jinsha were found on significant building foundations that encompassed a sacrificial area, homes, and large-scale burial grounds. Over 5000 relics have been unearthed at Jinsha - a feat remarkable in itself - however, it is the gold, bronze, jade, stone, ivory, and bone artifacts that draw those curious about historical life here. One of the most fascinating treasures is the Golden Sun Bird, a mysterious gold totem featuring the sun and birds of spirit. Inextricably linked to Chengdu, the Golden Sun Bird is now Chengdu city’s emblem.

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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.