Is Chengdu Worth Visiting? A Complete Travel Guide for 2025

If you’re planning a trip to China, you might be wondering—is Chengdu worth visiting? The answer is a resounding yes! As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is renowned not only for its world-renowned spicy cuisine and adorable giant pandas, but also for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a food lover, nature explorer, or history enthusiast, Chengdu has something special for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover top attractions, itinerary ideas, food tips, and more to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Is Chengdu Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Say Yes

Chengdu draws travelers from around the world with its relaxed lifestyle and unique local culture. Here, you can watch giant pandas up close, explore ancient temples, enjoy authentic Sichuan dishes, and experience the city’s modern energy. With great transport links and plenty of things to do, Chengdu is absolutely worth a visit.

Top Attractions in Chengdu

Natural Scenery

Xiling Snow Mountain

Located about two hours from downtown Chengdu, Xiling Snow Mountain is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. A combo ticket costs around ¥200. In winter, you can ski and enjoy snowy landscapes, while summer offers perfect conditions for hiking. This is one of the top reasons Chengdu is worth visiting for nature lovers.

Mount Qingcheng

Ticket: ¥80

Known as “the most peaceful mountain under heaven,” Mount Qingcheng is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The front mountain is dotted with Taoist temples, and the rear mountain offers lush trails—ideal for a day of hiking and relaxation.

Historical & Cultural Sites

Wuhou Temple

Ticket: ¥50

This temple honors heroes from the Three Kingdoms period. With its iconic red walls and bamboo forests, it’s a great spot for photos and learning about Chinese history, making Chengdu worth visiting for culture buffs.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Ticket: ¥50

Once the home of Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, this site features beautiful gardens and traditional architecture that give insight into ancient Chinese literary life.

Jinsha Site Museum

Ticket: ¥70

Discover artifacts from the ancient Shu civilization, including the famous “Sun Bird” gold foil—a cultural treasure of Chengdu.

Unique Local Experiences

Jinli Ancient Street

Free entry

Visit at night when the street is lit by lanterns. Try local snacks like tanghulu (candied fruit) or egg pancakes, and watch artisans at work.

Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley)

Free entry

Stroll through these beautifully restored alleys, sip tea in a traditional courtyard, or enjoy a live Sichuan opera performance.

Dongjiao Memory

Free entry

This creative art district, set in a renovated factory zone, is perfect for photography and exploring indie shops and cafes.

Animal & Family Fun

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Ticket: ¥58

Get up close with giant pandas—and if you’re lucky, you might even see baby pandas! This experience alone makes Chengdu worth visiting for many travelers.

Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park

Ticket: around ¥200

A great place for families, with dolphin shows, penguin encounters, and other marine exhibits.

Recommended Chengdu Itineraries

6-Day Classic Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu; visit Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li; enjoy Jiuyanqiao nightlife.

Day 2: Explore Wuhou Temple and Jinli Ancient Street.

Day 3: Morning at the Panda Base; afternoon at Kuanzhai Alley.

Day 4: Day trip to Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System.

Day 5: Visit Jinsha Site Museum or Dongjiao Memory; try Sichuan skewers at night.

Day 6: Souvenir shopping (think hotpot base or Shu embroidery) and departure.

5-Day Family Tour

Focuses on kid-friendly spots like the Panda Base, Ocean Park, and local parks.

Cultural Tour

Ideal for history lovers—includes Wuhou Temple, Du Fu’s Cottage, museums, and ancient towns.

Transportation & Accommodation

Transportation

Chengdu has two airports: Shuangliu (near downtown) and Tianfu (about 1.5 hours away). The metro system is convenient and affordable. Taxis are also available for around ¥20–40 per trip.

Accommodation

Popular areas to stay include:

Chunxi Road (great for shopping and dining)

Kuanzhai Alley (full of traditional charm)

Near Wenshu Monastery (good value and peaceful)

Chengdu Food Guide

Is Chengdu worth visiting for food? Definitely! Don’t miss:

Hotpot – Try Xiaolongkan or Shu Jiuxiang.

Chuanchuanxiang – Spicy skewers; budget around ¥60 per person.

Local Snacks – Such as dan honggao (egg pancakes) and bingfen (ice jelly).

Helpful Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit – Spring (10–22°C) and autumn (15–25°C) are the most pleasant.

What to Bring – ID, student card (discounts), stomach medicine (for spicy food), rain gear, and season-appropriate clothing.

Payment – Mobile pay (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is common, but carry some cash as backup.

So, is Chengdu worth visiting? With its mix of nature, culture, food, and friendly atmosphere, Chengdu is a destination you won’t want to miss. Save this guide and start planning your trip today! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.