Introduction to Chengdu:
Chengdu is a city that makes you never want to leave. Located in the heart of Sichuan, it’s the political, economic, and cultural center of the province. The Chengdu Plain is a fertile land, thanks to the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, making it rich and bountiful, earning it the title “Land of Abundance.”
With a long history and abundant tourist resources, Chengdu has been praised by poets for over 1,500 years. The poet Zuo Si from the Jin Dynasty once sincerely described it as “both grand and beautiful.” Famous Chinese poets like Li Bai and Du Fu have also sung its praises. Chengdu is a relaxed, optimistic, tranquil, and bustling city—a paradise for enjoyment, a cradle of beauty, and a homeland of delicious food.
- Chunxi Road: This is the busiest street in Chengdu. Even with many shopping districts popping up, nothing can replace Chunxi Road’s significance in the city. People-watching here is definitely a joy!
- Kuan Zhai Alley: This newly developed area represents the revival of Chengdu’s ancient culture. Here, you can experience traditional folk arts and authentic Sichuan cuisine.
- Jinli: Jinli is particularly beautiful in the evening when red lanterns light up, and shadow puppetry performances take center stage. The snack street in the back alley buzzes with life.
Personal Impressions:
How can I describe Chengdu? It feels like a sentiment that constantly reminds me to enjoy every little moment of life. It’s not about laziness or avoidance; it’s about truly loving life and facing it head-on. Chengdu is full of genuine local flavor—it’s down-to-earth, simple, authentic, and beautiful. On the other hand, it’s vibrant, lively, and bursting with fresh energy. The people of Chengdu are witty and fun-loving, straightforward and genuine, optimistic and fulfilling, yet also persistent and determined.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal times to explore Chengdu are from March to June and September to November, when the weather is comfortable and perfect for sightseeing. If you find yourself in Chengdu during the hot summer or chilly winter months, consider visiting nearby cool spots like Qingcheng Mountain, Dujiangyan, Tiantai Mountain, or Longchi Forest Park to escape the heat, or head to Jiuzhaigou and Xiling Snow Mountain for some snow fun.
Clothing Guide:
In spring and autumn, regular clothing is fine, but since there’s a big temperature difference between morning and evening, it’s best to bring a light jacket or windbreaker to avoid catching a cold. Summers can be hot and humid, so wear breathable clothing and keep some insect repellent handy. During winter, temperatures usually stay above 0°C (32°F), but it can feel colder on rainy days, so layering up with thicker clothes is recommended.
Life in Chengdu can be summed up in one word: leisurely. Just look at the tea shops lining the streets, where people sit back with a cup of tea and a game of mahjong, their faces beaming with happiness and satisfaction. You can start your morning by grabbing some soy milk and fried dough sticks from a street vendor, then spend a few hours reading or catching up on the news. For lunch, head to a local eatery and order a few dishes, then chill out in a nearby park for the afternoon. If you’re up for it, you can play a few rounds of cards or, for the tea lovers, don’t miss out on the fresh leaves available nearby. Or you might just want to kick back and catch a nap in the sun. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jiuyan Bridge and Lan Kwai Fong, where you can soak in the energy and joy of the nightlife.
Attraction Guide:
As the “Most Chinese Cultural City” and “Best Tourist City in China,” Chengdu boasts thousands of years of history. The attractions within the city are fairly concentrated, making it possible to explore the highlights in just 1-2 days. However, the most iconic sites are located in the surrounding suburbs, so planning for 2-4 days is ideal. Don’t miss out on Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain, which typically require about 2-3 days to fully enjoy.
Jinli
Jinli is a charming, ancient-style commercial street and one of the most popular attractions in Chengdu. Here, you can watch artisans shape clay figures and create sugar paintings, while exploring shops that highlight the rich culture of the Three Kingdoms era, including puppet theaters, traditional crafts, and chopstick shops. Don’t miss the bustling “Food Street,” where you can sample famous Sichuan dishes. With plenty of teahouses, cafes, bars, and inns, there’s no shortage of cozy spots to relax. As dusk falls, Jinli lights up, creating a picturesque atmosphere that’s perfect for taking photos and enjoying a leisurely stroll.
Wuhou Shrine
Dating back to 223 AD when it was built as Liu Bei’s memorial, the Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu is the only temple in China dedicated to both a ruler and his ministers. It’s the most famous memorial site for Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei, and the heroes of the Shu Han dynasty, and also serves as one of the most significant museums showcasing the Three Kingdoms era worldwide. If you’re a fan of the Three Kingdoms, this place will definitely quench your thirst for history. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning right when it opens. Don’t forget to capture a photo at the beautiful “Red Walls and Bamboo Shadows,” a famous spot nestled deep within Jinli.
Kuanzhai Alley
Dubbed the “Most Chengdu” spot, Kuanzhai Alley is a favorite hangout for visitors. This pedestrian street, composed of Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley, dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Despite being filled with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops today, you can still immerse yourself in the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu, complete with ear cleaning, face-changing performances, tea drinking, and enjoying local brews.
One must-see is the century-old residence at No. 11, known as Kailu, where the courtyard teahouse offers a quiet atmosphere and reasonable prices. Narrow Alley showcases traditional Chengdu courtyards, and the famous bar, Bai Ye, is located here. While Kuanzhai Alley is bustling with people, if you’re looking for a peaceful escape, head north to the quieter streets lined with sycamore trees, like Poplar Street, Zhijishi Street, and Xiaotong Alley, where you can find tranquility and relaxation.
Chunxi Road
Chunxi Road is one of the oldest commercial streets in Chengdu and ranks third on the “Top Commercial Streets in China” list. Today, Chunxi Road is still bustling, connecting vibrant spots like Zhengkejia Alley and Shuwaxiong Street, forming the city’s busiest shopping district. Here, you’ll find numerous brand-name stores, most of which offer year-round discounts.
Besides shopping, Chunxi Road is also a hotspot for leisure and entertainment for the locals. It’s packed with some of Chengdu’s famous eateries, allowing you to taste a variety of local snacks all in one go. As the Hong Kong newspaper Ta Kung Pao puts it: “Where to strike gold in the city? Chunxi Road. Where to experience fashion? Chunxi Road. Where to catch a glimpse of beautiful women? Chunxi Road… Not interested in going anywhere else? Just head to Chunxi Road.”
Qingyang Palace
Qingyang Palace is the top Daoist temple in western Sichuan. Inside the palace, you’ll find the “Daoist Canon Compilation” engraved in the 32nd year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign (1906), which is the most complete surviving edition of Daoist scriptures in China today. Most of the remaining structures in Qingyang Palace were rebuilt during the Kangxi era, with the Doumu Hall being the only building that retains its Ming Dynasty style.
For visitors interested in the texts of Laozi and Zhuangzi or in wellness practices like traditional massage, there are lectures held at the Laozi Academy. Be sure to check the official website for specific schedules in advance.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
When you’re in Chengdu, you can’t miss the chance to see the adorable giant pandas! This place is not only a breeding and research center for pandas but also an ecological park that simulates their natural habitat, housing over 100 pandas. Here, you can watch the pandas up close through fences or glass windows. If you’re lucky, you might catch them frolicking outdoors, but the best time to see them is before 9:30 AM, especially during their feeding time from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. If you’re really fortunate, you might even see newborn panda cubs in the nursery, although you’ll only be able to peek through glass. They are absolutely adorable!
Near the entrance of the base, there’s a Giant Panda Museum, where you can send postcards stamped with panda stamps from the Panda Post Office inside.
In addition to giant pandas, you can also spot black-necked cranes, peacocks, egrets, and other small animals, so remember to treat them with kindness and gentleness!
Yongling Tomb
Yongling is the only above-ground royal tomb discovered in China to date, dating back over a thousand years. It is the burial site of Wang Jian, the founding emperor of the Former Shu during the Five Dynasties period. The essence of Yongling lies in its underground palace, where you can admire the stone statue of Wang Jian and the exquisite reliefs depicting twenty-four musicians and twelve bearers surrounding his coffin—both are true masterpieces.
For those wanting to delve deeper into the history, there’s the Yongling Museum located to the right of the entrance. Here, you can appreciate exquisite artifacts from the Five Dynasties period and even purchase books related to its history.
Teddy Bear Museum
Welcome to the largest Teddy Bear Museum in the world! This museum features nine themed exhibition halls and three creative cultural spaces, housing over 1,000 beautifully crafted teddy bears. One of the most entertaining aspects is the anthropomorphized scenes, where teddy bears reenact traditional stories and world landmarks, such as Journey to the West, Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage, and the Egyptian pyramids.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also boasts a 3D cinema and a teddy bear shop, where you can not only enjoy the displays but also purchase the latest teddy bear products. If you’re a teddy bear fan, this is definitely a must-visit spot!
Sanxingdui Museum
The Sanxingdui site is a nationally protected cultural relic and one of the significant bronze age sites in Southwest China, making it a must-see when visiting Chengdu. Discovered in 1980, Sanxingdui is named after the three prominent earthen mounds that rise above the Chengdu Plain.
The museum consists of a general exhibition hall and a bronze hall, showcasing a vast array of artifacts including gold, bronze vessels, jade items, pottery, and ivory. These relics distinctly reflect the unique characteristics of the Bashu culture and represent some of the earliest known civilizations in China’s historical record. The bronze hall, in particular, contains the essence of the site’s findings and should not be missed!
Accommodation Guide
As the capital of Sichuan Province and a renowned tourist city, Chengdu offers a wide range of accommodation options. You’ll find hotels at every price point, with a particularly high number of youth hostels, making it easy to find a place to stay without breaking the bank. It’s generally recommended to stay near popular attractions or transportation hubs for convenience while sightseeing and getting around.
Keep in mind that June to August is peak tourist season, so if you want to stay at popular youth hostels, it’s best to book in advance. Similarly, October and November can be busy due to the National Day holiday and the peak season for Jiuzhaigou, so early reservations are advisable.
The area around Tianfu Square and Chunxi Road is located in the heart of Chengdu, making it the city’s busiest shopping district and a must-visit for travelers. Tianfu Square serves as the largest transportation hub in Chengdu, with two subway lines intersecting here. Chunxi Road is home to numerous brand-name stores and well-known traditional eateries, so you’ll have plenty of options for shopping, entertainment, and dining. The downside is that it can be quite noisy, and accommodation prices tend to be on the higher side.
Food Guide
Chengdu boasts a long history and a diverse array of culinary delights. From the irresistible street snacks to the spicy and flavorful hot pot, the local cuisine will leave you craving more. Sichuan cuisine, one of China’s eight culinary traditions, is known for its variety and the signature flavors of spiciness and numbing sensations that linger in your memory.
As you stroll through the streets of Chengdu, you’ll encounter countless food stalls and restaurants offering delicious treats. One particularly fun experience is making glutinous rice balls. When you throw them onto a platform, they create a delightful sound as they land in the container behind, getting coated in powder. It’s quite the entertaining process, especially when you hear those three satisfying thuds!
Chengdu is the birthplace of “chuan chuan,” a popular local delicacy. A variety of meats and vegetables are skewered on bamboo sticks. You just grab a handful of skewers, dip them into the spicy broth, and then enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce—it’s an absolute treat!When you’re done, you can count the skewers to settle the bill—it’s always spot on. Whether you prefer the hot pot chuan chuan, the cold pot version, or the clay pot chuan chuan, every Chengdu local has their favorite spot they never get tired of. Typically, a large skewer costs around 3 to 5 yuan, while a small one is just 1 yuan.
Zhong Shui Jiao, a famous snack that originated during the Guangxu era, is known for its unique flavor profile—it’s not served in broth and combines a delightful mix of spicy and sweet.
Rabbit heads are a must-have dish for Chengdu locals looking to beat the heat while enjoying a cold beer. In the summer, you won’t find a single “chilled drink” spot that doesn’t sell rabbit heads. They come in flavors like five-spice and spicy. The way to eat them is by separating the top and bottom jaws and then savoring every bit while sucking on the meat—it’s all about fully enjoying those flavors with each bite and slurp!
“Sad Cold Noodles” originated in the ancient town of Luodai in Chengdu. The dish is served with rice peppers, making it both numbing and spicy. It’s so hot that you can’t help but tear up while eating, which is how it got its name—“sad” indeed!
“Couple’s Lung Slices” is a cold dish with a spicy, numbing flavor profile. It features thinly sliced beef and various offals, all tossed together for a deliciously spicy and numbing experience that pairs perfectly with rice. Just a heads-up, though—it can be a bit oily!
The most revolutionary dish in Sichuan cuisine is hot pot, known for its diverse broth options like clear broth, yin-yang (a mix of spicy and mild), and the classic spicy broth. If you’re not a fan of heat, go for the yin-yang pot—its clear broth is delicious, making vegetables taste amazing. When it comes to dipping ingredients, the classics are beef tripe and goose intestines. The dipping sauce usually consists of minced garlic and sesame oil, but you can also add extras like garlic paste, cilantro, and oyster sauce for a unique twist!
Douhua, or tofu pudding, is a common homemade delicacy in Sichuan, slightly firmer than its northern counterpart, doufu nao. If you enjoy savory and spicy flavors, you can opt for crispy douhua or spicy douhua. On a hot day or when indulging in spicy dishes, a bowl of chilled sweet douhua is the perfect choice—its refreshing, smooth texture with a hint of sweetness offers a cooling effect that rivals ice cream!
Travel Itinerary Guide:
As the “City of Leisure” and “City of Gastronomy,” Chengdu offers a plethora of attractions and an abundance of delicious food. If you have enough time, it’s recommended to stay in Chengdu for a few days to truly immerse yourself in its slow-paced lifestyle.
2-Day City Leisure Tour
Route Design:
- Day 1: Kuanzhai Alley → Wuhou Shrine → Jinli → Chunxi Road
- Day 2: Du Fu Thatched Cottage → Qingyang Palace → Wangjiang Lou → Wenshu Monastery → Jiu Yan Qiao
Itinerary Details:
Day 1:
- Morning: Start your day at Kuanzhai Alley to experience the fusion of ancient and modern culture in Chengdu.
- Midday: Head to Wuhou Shrine to delve into the rich historical significance of the area.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal in the nearby Jinli, where you can taste local snacks.
- Afternoon: Spend a leisurely afternoon shopping and exploring at Chunxi Road, a bustling shopping district.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the renowned Du Fu Thatched Cottage to learn about the famous poet’s life and works.
- Midday: Continue to Qingyang Palace for a glimpse into Taoist culture.
- Afternoon: Relax at Wangjiang Lou Park, taking in the views of the city’s skyline along the Funan River while sipping tea at a park teahouse.
- Snack Time: Head to Wenshu Monastery nearby to sample local street food and snacks.
- Evening: Conclude your day at Jiu Yan Qiao, where you can experience the vibrant nightlife of Chengdu.
Enjoy your leisurely exploration of Chengdu!
