Attractions in Chengdu: Your Ultimate Guide to Pandas, History & Food

Exploring the top attractions in Chengdu is a journey into a world where ancient culture meets modern vitality. If you’re wondering is Chengdu worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes. Famous as the “Land of Abundance,” Chengdu offers unforgettable experiences with its adorable giant pandas, rich history, and delicious cuisine. This complete Chengdu travel guide provides detailed insights into the must-see Chengdu attractions, practical tips, and smart itineraries to help you plan your perfect trip.

Must-See Attractions in Chengdu: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

No visit is complete without seeing China’s national treasure. This is the best place to see giant pandas of all ages eating bamboo, climbing trees, and playing.

Practical Information:

Best Time to Visit: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM. Pandas are most active during feeding time and often sleep in the afternoon.

Must-See Areas: The Moon Nursery and Sun Nursery, where you can see adorable panda cubs.

Location: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on Google Maps.

Transportation: Easily accessible by subway; take Line 2 from Chunxi Road towards Xipu.

Visitor Tips:

The base is very large. A sightseeing bus is available, but queues can be over an hour. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

To see the famous panda “Hua Hua,” enter from the South Gate, but be prepared for crowds.

The West Gate is typically less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed visit.

Avoid low-quality panda headbands at the entrance. Consider buying panda earmuffs for around 45 RMB (approx. $6 USD).

The base has panda-shaped ice cream and other food facilities.

More Panda Viewing: For a quieter experience, visit Panda Valley. The environment is more natural, and you might see red pandas (a different, smaller species) walking close to the paths.

Historical Attractions in Chengdu: Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain

Dujiangyan is a stunning ancient irrigation system built over 2,200 years ago. It still functions today, watering the Chengdu Plain.

Highlights: See the Fish Mouth Levee, Feisha Weir, and Baopingkou. The beautiful night view features a “Blue Tears” light show.

Nearby Spots: Yangtianwo Square, Wenmiao Street, and the Pipeline Ancient City.

Tips:

Hire a guide or use an audio guide to fully appreciate this engineering marvel.

The red walls of Erwang Temple with Qingcheng Mountain in the background are a perfect photo spot, especially in Hanfu clothing.

It’s about a 30-minute high-speed rail ride from downtown Chengdu.

Qingcheng Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain known for its fresh air and serene, “ethereal” beauty.

Tips: The hike is not overly strenuous, great for nature and culture lovers. In summer, you can hike from Wulonggou to Baiyun Temple (approx. 5 hours). The back mountain offers beautiful scenery.

Cultural Attractions in Chengdu: Kuanzhai Alley & Jinli Ancient Street

Kuanzhai Alley is a complex of wide, narrow, and well alleys featuring traditional Chengdu courtyard architecture.

Experience Suggestions:

Try local snacks like liangfen (cold jelly) and sandapao.

Experience traditional tea culture and the unique “ear cleaning” service.

For a great photo, go to the second floor of the %Arabica cafe on Zhai Alley.

Note: Teahouses on the main street can be pricey (e.g., Zhuyeqing tea for 68 RMB/cup).

Jinli Ancient Street is next to Wuhou Temple. Visit at night when the red lanterns create a magical atmosphere, making it one of the top things to do in Chengdu at night.

Experience Suggestions:

Buy affordable panda keychains and other souvenirs.

Sample Chengdu snacks like Zhong dumplings (learn more about what are Chengdu dumplings) and cold noodles.

Immerse yourself in the historic Three Kingdoms culture.

More Top Attractions in Chengdu: Wuhou Temple & Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Wuhou Temple honors the rulers and ministers of the Shu Han kingdom from the Three Kingdoms period.

Highlights: The Red-Walled Alley is a very popular photo spot. It’s a great place to learn about the stories of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage was the home of the famous Tang Dynasty poet, Du Fu. It’s now a peaceful museum and park.

Highlights: See the Thatched Cottage Residence, Shaoling Stele Pavilion, and beautiful bamboo groves.

Ticket Price: Approximately 50 RMB (approx. $7 USD).

Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. Enjoy a leisurely cup of tea in the courtyard for an authentic Chengdu experience.

Key Suburban Attraction: Sanxingdui Museum

This is one of the most significant attractions near Chengdu.

Location: About a 1-hour drive from the city. Sanxingdui Museum on Google Maps.

Highlights: Incredible artifacts from the ancient Shu civilization, including bronze masks, a gold scepter, and a breathtaking bronze sacred tree.

Tips:

Plan a full day here; the museum is large and deserves time.

You can buy a bronze mask ice cream for 18 RMB (approx. $2.5 USD)—great for photos.

Modern Attractions in Chengdu: Chunxi Road, IFS & Taikoo Li

Experience Chengdu’s modern side. The area around Anshun Bridge Chengdu has become a vibrant cultural and dining hub, showcasing the city’s blend of old and new.

Transportation: Take subway Line 2 to Chunxi Road Station.

Highlights:

The giant panda sculpture climbing the IFS building—don’t miss a photo with its “butt.”

The 3D naked-eye screen and luxury shopping at Taikoo Li, just a 5-minute walk away.

Other Recommended Chengdu Attractions

Chengdu Museum: A must for history buffs with over 200,000 artifacts. Location. Closed on Mondays.

Huanhuaxi Park: A tranquil and beautiful park, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Free entry.

Wenshu Monastery: A peaceful Buddhist temple in the city center, easily combined with a trip to Chunxi Road.

Suggested 3-Day Chengdu Travel Itinerary

For a detailed plan, check out our comprehensive Chengdu travel itinerary.

Day 1: City Exploration

Chunxi Road → IFS Panda Sculpture → Taikoo Li (Lunch) → Wenshu Monastery → Kuanzhai Alley → Jinli (Evening)

Day 2: Culture & Pandas

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Morning) → Chengdu Museum (Afternoon) → Wuhou Temple → Jinli (Evening)

Day 3: Day Trip

Qingcheng Mountain (Morning) → Dujiangyan (Afternoon to Evening for the “Blue Tears” night view). For longer trips, consider a journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou to see stunning natural scenery.

Practical Travel Tips

Accommodation: Wondering where to stay in Chengdu? The area near Chunxi Road is highly recommended for its convenient transportation and lively atmosphere.

Food: Don’t miss out on what is Chengdu famous for food. The culinary scene is legendary, from the fiery delight of Chengdu hot pot to various local snacks.

Transportation: Use taxis for short city trips (often under 20 RMB). Use high-speed rail for suburban trips (e.g., Dujiangyan, Sanxingdui).

Timing: Arrive early at popular attractions to avoid crowds. The Panda Base is best in the morning.

What to Wear: Comfortable shoes are essential. Chengdu involves a lot of walking!

The Best Experience: Slow down. Enjoy tea in a park, try the street food, and immerse yourself in Chengdu’s famous “slow-paced” lifestyle.

From ancient wonders to cute pandas and vibrant city life, the diverse attractions in Chengdu offer something for every traveler. Start planning your unforgettable trip today.