Anshun Bridge Chengdu: Your Ultimate Guide to the Historic Riverside Gem
Welcome to Chengdu, a city celebrated for its pandas, spicy cuisine, and teahouse culture. If you’re wondering if Chengdu is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes, and landmarks like the Anshun Bridge in Chengdu are a big reason why. Right in the heart of this vibrant metropolis, the Anshun Bridge in Chengdu stands as a beautiful landmark brimming with history. Spanning the Jinjiang River, this iconic covered bridge is more than just a crossing; it’s a living piece of Chengdu’s heritage. This comprehensive guide will show you how to best explore the Anshun Bridge in Chengdu and its lively surrounding area, a must for any Chengdu travel plan.
1.Discover Anshun Bridge, Chengdu: A Journey Through History
The history of Anshun Bridge in Chengdu dates back to the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century. It was built to connect communities across the Fuhe and Nanhe rivers, quickly becoming a vital transportation link. So significant was this structure that it earned a mention in the writings of the famed Italian explorer Marco Polo, who listed it as one of the most impressive bridges he encountered in China.
Today, the bridge masterfully blends its historic charm with modern city life. While it retains its traditional wooden structure, ornate canopy, and seating areas, it has transformed into a hub for evening strolls and social gatherings, offering a perfect snapshot of what to do in Chengdu to experience its past and present.
2.Best Time to Visit and Itinerary Planning
For the most memorable experience, visit the Anshun Bridge in the evening. This allows you to see its classic architecture in the soft daylight and witness its stunning transformation when illuminated after dark, making it a top pick for things to do in Chengdu at night. The lights typically turn on around 7:30 PM in summer and 6:00 PM in winter.
While walking across the bridge itself takes about 30 minutes, we recommend budgeting 2-3 hours to enjoy the surrounding attractions fully. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan your visit for a weekday evening instead of the weekend. This outing fits perfectly into a broader Chengdu travel itinerary, especially a focused 3-day Chengdu itinerary.
3.How to Get to Anshun Bridge, Chengdu
Address: No. 66, Binjiang East Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/phsA8ifPpLMabqxn9
By Subway:
Take Metro Line 2 or 6 to Niuwangmiao Station, use Exit C, and walk for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, take Metro Line 6 to Shunjiang Road Station, use Exit A, and walk for about 10 minutes.
By Bus: Several bus routes stop near the bridge. Look for stops named “Hejiangting” or “Jiuyanqiao.”
By Taxi/Ride-hailing: Simply tell the driver “Anshun Langqiao” (the Chinese name for Anshun Covered Bridge). It’s a well-known landmark, so drivers will easily recognize it.
Considering where to stay in Chengdu is key; the Jinjiang District offers convenient access to this and other downtown attractions.
4.Top Things to Do at and near Anshun Bridge
Capture Stunning Photos
The Anshun Bridge in Chengdu is a photographer’s dream, especially at night. The best spots for photos include:
The intricate signboards and sculptures on the bridge itself.
The riverbank sidewalks on either side offer perfect reflective shots of the lit-up bridge.
From the nearby Jiuyan Bridge, you can capture a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Anshun Bridge.
Enjoy a Jinjiang River Night Cruise
Embark on a scenic boat ride that departs from Dongmen Pier, just a 10-minute walk from the Anshun Bridge.
Operating Hours: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM (hours may adjust seasonally).
Route: Dongmen Pier → Lan Kwai Fong → Hejiang Pavilion → Anshun Bridge → Jiuyan Bridge.
Ticket Price:
Standard Ticket: 118 RMB (approx. $17 USD)
Discount Ticket: 88 RMB (approx. $13 USD) for children, seniors, etc.
Private Wupeng Boat: 900 RMB/boat (approx. $130 USD, fits 6 people).
Duration: About 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance on apps like Meituan or Fliggy, especially during holidays.
Explore Jiuyan Bridge Bar Street
Just a 5-10 minute walk from Anshun Bridge, this area is Chengdu’s famous nightlife strip, a key part of the city’s things to do in Chengdu at night. You’ll find everything from high-energy live music bars to cozy, quiet lounges. For a fun approach, take the white spiral staircase down from Jiuyan Bridge and walk along the riverbank towards Anshun Bridge, where you’ll also find numerous food stalls.
Relax at Chengdu’s Lan Kwai Fong
Located directly across the river from Anshun Bridge, this is a popular dining and entertainment complex. For the best experience, grab a seat at a riverside restaurant, order a bowl of “gaiwan” wine and some small dishes, and enjoy the fantastic view of the illuminated bridge.
5.Where to Eat Near Anshun Bridge
The area around Anshun Bridge Chengdu is a food lover’s paradise and a great place to explore Chengdu famous food.
Xiangxiang Alley: A narrow lane packed with authentic Sichuan eateries, renowned Chengdu hot pot restaurants, and skewer shops where you can try local favorites like what are Chengdu dumplings.
Wangping Street: A trendy street known for its hipster cafes and innovative fusion restaurants.
Binjiang East Road: Features many restaurants with beautiful river views, serving both Chinese and Western cuisine. For a deeper dive into the local cuisine, check out our guide on what is Chengdu famous for food.
Budget Guide:
Street Food & Snacks: 30-50 RMB per person (approx. $4-7 USD)
Mid-range Restaurant: 80-150 RMB per person (approx. $12-22 USD)
High-end Dining: 200+ RMB per person (approx. $29+ USD)
6.Extended Itinerary Suggestions
If you have more time, combine your visit to Anshun Bridge Chengdu with these spots for a perfect Chengdu 3 day itinerary:
Half-Day Tour: Anshun Bridge → Lan Kwai Fong → Dongmen Pier (Jinjiang Night Cruise) → Jiuyan Bridge Bar Street.
Full-Day Tour:
Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China, then explore the serene Wenshu Monastery Chengdu.
Afternoon: Explore the Anshun Bridge area and do some shopping at the sophisticated Taikoo Li Chengdu.
Evening: Dine on Wangping Street and see the city lights from the Tianfu Panda Tower (339 TV Tower).
7.Essential Practical Tips
Anshun Bridge is open 24 hours and is completely free to visit.
It can be windy on the Jinjiang River cruise, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea.
Always wear a life jacket if you go to the bow of the boat for photos.
Special performances are often held at Dongmen Pier during major Chinese holidays.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful and easy to find in Chengdu.
While Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, it’s always wise to have some cash on hand.
The Anshun Bridge Chengdu area perfectly encapsulates the city’s spirit, where ancient history and modern leisure seamlessly merge. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a passionate photographer, or simply seeking to experience Chengdu’s famous relaxed pace of life, a visit here will be a highlight of your trip. For more ideas on how to make the most of your visit, explore our complete guide on what to do in Chengdu.
Note: The USD conversions are estimates based on an exchange rate of 1 USD ≈ 7.2 RMB. Please check the current rate during your travels.
