Best things to do in Chengdu
Find out more about those top places in Chengdu
Chengdu: A Foodie’s Dream and Panda Paradise
If you’re seeking a destination in China that doesn’t rely on historical monuments to steal your heart, Chengdu is the place to visit. Nestled in the heart of Sichuan province, this vibrant city might not have the same blockbuster attractions as Beijing or Xi'an, but what it lacks in ancient temples and palaces, it more than makes up for with spicy food and cuddly giant pandas. Yes, you heard that right—Chengdu is your gateway to the world of mouth-watering cuisine and adorable wildlife, all set against the backdrop of one of the most picturesque regions in China.
Top Attractions in Chengdu: Things to Do and Places to Visit
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Sichuan Cuisine: A Spicy Love Affair Let’s talk about the real star of Chengdu—its food. This city is designated as UNESCO’s first-ever City of Gastronomy, and for good reason. Sichuan cuisine is as fiery as it gets, packing punchy heat from dried chili peppers and that unforgettable numbing sensation from pink peppercorns. Whether you're eating hotpot, mapo tofu, or kung pao chicken, each bite is an adventure for your taste buds. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of flavors that might just leave you sweating, but also craving more. It’s like a workout for your mouth—who knew eating could burn calories? Make sure to check out Wuhou Shrine Street, a popular spot for street food where you can grab skewers, dumplings, and other spicy delights from local vendors.
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Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: Cute Overload No trip to Chengdu is complete without meeting its most famous residents: the giant pandas. Just a short drive from the city center, the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a must-see for anyone looking to get up close and personal with these bamboo-munching beauties. Home to over 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas, this conservation haven is dedicated to breeding and protecting these cuddly creatures. Watch as they roll around, munch bamboo, or do what pandas do best: nap. It’s a truly magical experience that’ll have you smiling for hours (and probably filling your camera roll with endless pictures). Plus, you can even participate in interactive panda experiences where you can get your hands dirty by feeding or helping take care of the pandas. It’s not every day you get to hang out with such adorable animals!
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Leshan Giant Buddha: A Statuesque Sight While Chengdu might not have towering palaces, it does boast some pretty impressive sights nearby. The Leshan Giant Buddha, just a short trip away, is one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Standing at a whopping 71 meters tall, this ancient stone statue of Maitreya Buddha is the world’s largest sitting Buddha. It’s not just a sight to behold—it’s practically the Beyoncé of Buddhas. You can hike around the statue, take a boat tour for the best views, or even venture up the side for a closer look. Either way, it’s one of the top attractions in the area and totally worth the day trip.
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Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street: A Peek into Chengdu’s Past History lovers, don’t fret! Chengdu has its share of cultural landmarks, too. The Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms strategist Zhuge Liang, offers insight into the city’s rich heritage. After soaking up some history, wander over to Jinli Ancient Street, a bustling market that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This charming street, lined with old-style shops, restaurants, and teahouses, is the perfect spot for a stroll and some souvenir hunting. Plus, you can grab a cup of traditional tea and watch the world go by. It’s like a scene out of an ancient Chinese drama—minus the drama.
Things to Do in Chengdu: Beyond Pandas and Spice
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Chengdu’s Teahouse Culture: When in Chengdu, do as the locals do—sip tea. The city is famous for its teahouses, which are the perfect spot to relax and soak in the laid-back vibe. Go to People’s Park for an authentic experience, where you’ll see locals playing chess, dancing, and even getting face massages while sipping on traditional tea. It’s one of those cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
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Chengdu’s Night Markets: When the sun sets, the city transforms into a foodie’s paradise. Night markets like Kuanzhai Alley offer a variety of local snacks and handicrafts. Whether you’re in the mood for a hot bowl of noodles or a quick snack of scorpion skewers (don’t worry, they taste better than they sound), the night markets are perfect for those who want to dine like a local and embrace the city’s energetic atmosphere.
Why Visit Chengdu? It’s a Foodie’s Dream and Animal Lover’s Paradise!
While other Chinese cities might steal the spotlight for historical landmarks, Chengdu shines with its incredible cuisine and panda-filled charm. From the mouth-burning spicy hotpot to the undeniably adorable giant pandas, Chengdu offers an experience you won’t soon forget. So, if you’re a lover of good food, furry friends, and sightseeing, then Chengdu is calling your name. Grab your chopsticks, pack your stretchy pants, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
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Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Chengdu’s standout attraction is its world-famous Giant Panda Breeding Research Base where China’s iconic yet sadly endangered peaceful giants are given a helping hand at breeding. Mating season – known euphemistically as ‘falling in love season’ – lasts between March and May while during the winter months you may even get to see some giant panda cubs.
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Sichuan Cuisine
Designated as UNESCO’s only City of Gastronomy, Chengdu’s eye-wateringly fiery cuisine is enough reason to visit the city alone. For the best experience, guided tours are available that take you to off the beaten trail spots that serve up the city’s finest dishes, most of which are flavored with regional pink peppercorns that are known to numb the tongue.
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Hé Mìng Tea House
Besides being the home of some of the world’s spiciest food, Chengdu, and more broadly Szechuan, is where one of the world’s most soothing drinks originates – tea. To experience the area’s rich tea culture make sure to head to the century-old Hé Mìng Tea House where you can sample an astounding array of tea strains and watch tea pouring performances (which are far more exciting than they sound) at various times throughout the day.
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Wénshu Monastery
The best preserved Buddhist temple is Chengdu is Wénshu, which is dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The temple has been in use since the 7th century and is replete with historical artefacts dating from as far back as the Tang Dynasty. For those more interested in Chengdu’s culinary traditions, the in-temple vegetarian restaurant is one of the city’s finest.
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Jinsha Site Museum
In Chengdu’s sprawling western suburbs lies one of China’s most important ongoing archaeological excavations. Since 2001, the dig has produced thousands of artifacts and ruins dating to the era of the ancient Shu Kingdom, which existed in the 2nd millennia BC. While artifacts are being continually unearthed, many are also now displayed at the on-site museum.
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New Century Global Mall
There are few places in China better to get a grip on the country’s rapid transformation from communism to hyper-capitalism than Chengdu’s New Century Global Mall. By most measures it is the largest building in the world and houses such attractions as a mock-Mediterranean village, an indoor water park, two IMAX cinemas, artificial beaches (which have their own artificial sunrises and sunsets), a university and a jaw-dropping array of shops.
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Sichuan Opera
No trip to Sichuan would be complete without a trip to the opera, which is one of China’s most colorful experiences. You will get to witness a dazzling spectacle that includes traditional Chinese drum music, comedic dialogue and jaw-dropping costume and make-up design. Behind the scenes tours also reveal the symbolic role certain colors of clothing play, such as red denoting loyalty.
