Chengdu Ginkgo Tour: A Free Guide to the City’s Golden Autumn Attractions
Discover the best spots to experience Chengduās magical golden autumn without spending a dollar.
A Chengdu ginkgo tour in late autumn reveals the city transformed into a golden paradise, as ginkgo tree leaves blanket streets, parks, and ancient temples in brilliant yellow. This natural spectacle combines stunning visuals with deep cultural ambiance, offering a uniquely serene experience. If you’re wondering is Chengdu worth visiting, this golden season provides a compelling reason to explore.
Both locals and tourists flock to these enchanting locations to witness the transformation, where sunlight filters through golden branches and fallen leaves create a rustling carpet underfoot. This guide details the most accessible and picturesque ginkgo viewing spots in central Chengdu, all free to the public and easily reachable by public transport. For broader travel ideas, check out our what to do in Chengdu guide.
š Bai Guo Lin Ginkgo Road
This is one of Chengduās most famous ginkgo avenues, where a 600-meter-long street is covered by ginkgo branches, forming a magnificent golden tunnel. The oldest ginkgo tree here is over 300 years old.
The dense foliage almost blocks out the sky, creating a scenic corridor that changes with every step. The view is complemented by traditional residential buildings and small shops, full of local life atmosphere.
Practical Information:
Address: Bai Guo Lin Yin Xing Road, Jinniu District.
Metro: Line 2, Bai Guo Lin Station, Exit C, 500m walk.
Bus: Take routes 34 or 43 to Qingyang Xiaoqu Station, then walk 150m.
š Wenshu Yuan Monastery
As Chengduās most renowned ancient temple for ginkgo viewing, Wenshu Yuan Monastery hosts hundreds of ginkgo trees, including 32 that are centuries old. The golden leaves, combined with the templeās bronze bells, red walls, and grey tiles, create a profoundly Zen-like picture.
For the best experience, focus on the areas beside the Heavenly King Hall, around the Three Great Masters Hall, near Wenshu Pavilion, and the Thousand-Buddha Pagoda. Fallen leaves often cover the stone steps like a golden carpet.
After viewing the gingko trees, you can enjoy a unique cup of Gaiwan coffeeācoffee served in a traditional Chinese lidded tea bowlāat a nearby cafĆ© in a traditional courtyard setting, withäŗŗåę¶č“¹ (per capita spending) around 86 RMB (approx. $12 USD). For more culinary delights, see our Chengdu famous food recommendations.
Practical Information:
Address: No.66 Wenshuyuan Street, Qingyang District.
Metro: Line 1, Wenshu Yuan Station, Exit K, 300m walk.
Bus: Take routes 1, 16, 55, 61, or 64.
š Baihuatan Park
This garden-style park is a classic for viewing ginkgo trees. Its most famous resident is the “Grand Ginkgo Immortal,” an ancient tree estimated to be 1,300 years old. Its unique form and golden leaves resemble golden armor.
We highly recommend exploring the Ginkgo Square, Lei Garden, and the Bonsai Garden areas. The combination of Sichuan-style bonsai and golden ginkgo trees creates a visually stunning scene that changes with every step.
Practical Information:
Address: No.5 Fanglin Road, Qingyang District.
Metro: Line 5, Qingyang Gong Station, Exit C, 450m walk.
Bus: Take routes 11, 34, 35, 42, 59, 115, or 151 to Baihuatan Park Station.
š University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (Shahe Campus)
This university campus boasts a celebrated “Golden Corridor”. The century-old ginkgo avenue on campus is a top spot for photography, where golden trees stand in beautiful contrast to the red-brick teaching buildings.
The collision between the youthful campus vibe and the deep autumn colors makes for a special atmosphere. The slanting sunlight between 3-4 PM is considered perfect for portrait photography. Please note the campus is generally open to the public on weekends; arriving early is advised to avoid crowds.
Practical Information:
Address: No.4, Section 2, North Jianshe Road, Chengdu.
Metro: Line 6, North Jianshe Road Station.
Bus: Multiple routes serve the area around the campus.
š Jinxiu Road & Jinxiu Alley
This area in downtown Chengdu is known for its dense concentration of ginkgo trees. The 500-meter-long Jinxiu Alley is flanked by ginkgo trees reaching up to 20 meters high, some between 90 and 135 years old.
Their interlocking branches form a spectacular golden tunnel. The alley is also lined with cozy cafes and small boutiques, giving it a strong artistic and literary feel, making it a hot spot for photos and casual visits.
Practical Information:
Address: Jinxiu Road / Jinxiu Alley, Wuhou District.
Metro: Line 8, Sichuan University Wangjiang Campus Station, Exit B, approx. 400m walk.
Bus: Take routes 16, 77, 79, or 211 to Metro Nijiaqiao Station, then walk 700m.
š People’s Park
As one of Chengduās most historic ginkgo viewing spots, Peopleās Park features a majestic ginkgo avenue where the dense foliage creates a river of golden leaves in autumn.
Key recommended photo spots include the Xinhai Baolu Monument, the Goldfish Island, and the famous Heming Teahouse. Here, ginkgo trees, red-painted pavilions, and water features complement each other perfectly, creating a scene of classical Chinese beauty.
You can order a cup of Gaiwan tea at the teahouse, sit on a bamboo chair, and bask in the sun with the golden ginkgo trees before your eyes.
Practical Information:
Address: No.9 Citang Street, Qingyang District.
Metro: Line 2 or 17, Peopleās Park Station, Exit B.
Bus: Take routes 5, 13, 47, 51, or 64 to Peopleās Park Station.
š” Tips for Your Ginkgo Adventure
Best Viewing Period: The golden foliage is typically at its peak from late November to mid-December.
Avoid Crowds: For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekday mornings or afternoons. Popular spots like the university campus can get crowded on weekends.
Photography Advice: Wear light-colored clothing (white, beige, light coffee) to create a soft, beautiful contrast with the golden leaves. Utilize the morning light or the soft side light of the afternoon for the best shots.
Cultural Combo: Enhance your Chengdu ginkgo tour by pairing it with traditional experiences like drinking tea at Peopleās Park or exploring the quiet elegance of ancient temples.
Accommodation: For help with logistics, read our where to stay in Chengdu guide to find convenient bases for your autumn explorations.
Evening Activities: After a day of golden sights, discover things to do in Chengdu at night to extend your cultural experience.
Dining: Don’t miss out on Sichuan cuisine; explore our list of best restaurants in Chengdu for memorable meals.
Respect the Environment: Please do not shake the trees or pick the leaves. Help protect the beautiful scenery for everyone to enjoy.
This guide to a Chengdu ginkgo tour will lead you through the most captivating golden romantic scenes the city has to offer. All recommended spots are free and easily accessible, promising an unforgettable autumnal experience. For detailed planning, refer to our Chengdu itinerary 3 days or a more flexible Chengdu travel itinerary. If you need a comprehensive overview, our main Chengdu itinerary page has you covered.
