Welcome to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in China, where you can experience the perfect blend of historical traditions, modern lifestyle, and spicy food culture. This city has a rich history of over 2,000 years and serves as not only the financial, cultural but also the communication center for western China. With its friendly people, bustling streets, and stunning scenery, Chengdu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best attractions and things to do in Chengdu, from exploring ancient temples to tasting spicy Sichuan cuisine, and everything in between. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes Chengdu such a special place to visit.

The 6 Best Fun Family Activities Chengdu

1. One Day Chengdu Xian Tour by Bullet Train
2. 2 Days Xian Tour from Chengdu by Bullet Train
3. Private Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Day Trip from Xian by Bullet Train
4. Full Day Panda and Leshan Giant Buddha Group Tour
5. All Inclusive Private Day Tour of Chengdu Old Streets Including City Top Attractions
6. Private Day Tour Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center and Leshan Giant Buddha

The 6 Best Fun Family Activities Chengdu

1. One Day Chengdu Xian Tour by Bullet Train

Get more out of your visit to Chengdu with a day tour to Xian via bullet train. Travel quickly and easily with train tickets sent to you in advance, and enjoy a hassle-free experience with included private transfers to and from Chengdu train station. After arriving in Xian, explore the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum without the wait, as entrance tickets are also included. Take advantage of this efficient and convenient way to see more of China during your time in Chengdu. Pickup is available at the designated meeting point or by request. Please note that meals, personal expenses, and gratuities are not included.

2. 2 Days Xian Tour from Chengdu by Bullet Train

Discover the cultural and historic wonders of Xian on this action-packed two-day tour. This tour provides everything for you, including Chengdu hotel pickup, train tickets, and transfers in Xian, making it easy to save time, energy and money while seeing multiple highlights on one tour. You will have the chance to visit four of Xian’s most popular attractions in two days, including the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Muslim Quarter, Xian Ancient City Wall, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. You can also travel quickly from Chengdu to Xian by bullet train to maximize your sightseeing time. Throughout the tour, you will enjoy comfortable transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, as well as the services of an English speaking tour guide in Xian. Please note that personal expenses and gratuities are not included, and accommodation is also not provided. You can head directly to the Chunxi Road meeting point, or request pickup for added convenience. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore Xian!

3. Private Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Day Trip from Xian by Bullet Train

Explore the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi) on a private day trip from Xian by bullet train. With your own private guide, travel by comfortable air-conditioned car and admire the verdant hills of the Sichuan countryside. Following your guide, make your way into the center to see the cute giant pandas that the center endeavors to save from extinction. Watch the pandas playing, feeding, and working with their babies, and be in awe at the newborns in the nursery rooms. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then explore the center’s museum to learn about its conservation work. Your tour includes round-trip bullet train tickets, private transportation, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off (downtown hotels only).

4. Full Day Panda and Leshan Giant Buddha Group Tour

See China’s beloved Giant Pandas up close and the Leshan Giant Buddha on one convenient combo tour. With a time-saving pickup at your hotel, travel by private vehicle with your English-speaking guide to Chengdu’s top panda research facility. Stroll down bamboo paths and watch as the animals nurse, play, and tumble. Then head to Lingyun Mountain and see the massive Leshan Buddha carved into a cliff-side where three rivers merge. This carefree day trip includes an excellent English-speaking tour guide, air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to tourist attractions, and tips to guide and driver. If you choose to continue your trip, bus fare to Emeishan is available at RMB25/person. Make the most of your limited time with this group tour that visits both the Leshan Giant Buddha and the Giant Panda Research Base.

5. All Inclusive Private Day Tour of Chengdu Old Streets Including City Top Attractions

Stroll among the old shopping streets of Chengdu on this private day tour and you’ll get a personalized look at the city’s different architectural styles. Your personal guide will lead you through the old streets to visit Wenshufang Street, Jinli Street, and Kuanzhai Alley. Along the way, you’ll gain insights about Wenshu Monastery and the historical significance of the area. After a morning of sightseeing, you’ll stop for an authentic Sichuan lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, experience the beauty of Wuhou Temple, explore Jinli Street, and take in the scenic views of Kuanzhai Alley. This all-inclusive tour includes fuel surcharge, lunch, driver/guide, but does not include personal expenses or gratuities. You can choose to meet your guide at the meeting point in Chengdu or request pickup. The tour starts at 9:00 AM and ends back at the meeting point.

6. Private Day Tour Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center and Leshan Giant Buddha

Explore two of the Chengdu area’s top attractions with this private day tour. Start your day by heading to the Giant Panda Research Center to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Take photos and learn about the conservation efforts undertaken by China to preserve the unique species. Then, proceed to the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha statue, where you can appreciate the tranquility of the area and admire the massive stone statue. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a popular local restaurant and experience personalized service with a private guide and transportation. This tour includes bottled water, gratuities, and hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Chengdu hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chengdu

Chengdu is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting China. Known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, giant pandas, and historical landmarks, it’s a city that offers visitors a unique and memorable experience. However, with any new destination come questions that need to be answered. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Chengdu.

1. What is the best time to visit Chengdu?

Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Chengdu is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the temperatures are mild, and the city is not too crowded. It is also possible to visit Chengdu during the summer (June to August), but it can get rainy and humid. Winter (December to February) is not the ideal time to visit Chengdu due to the cold weather.

2. How do I get around Chengdu?

Chengdu has an extensive bus and metro system that is easy to navigate. Taxis are also readily available, but be sure to have the name and address of your destination written in Chinese characters. Didi, the Chinese version of Uber, is also available. For those who prefer to explore the city on foot or by bicycle, bike-sharing services such as Mobike and Ofo are also available.

3. Where can I see pandas in Chengdu?

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the most popular places to see pandas in Chengdu. It is located about 10 kilometers north of the city center and can easily be reached by taxi or public transportation. The research base is home to over 100 giant pandas, and visitors can watch them playing and eating bamboo. The best time to see pandas is early in the morning when they are most active.

4. What should I eat in Chengdu?

Chengdu is known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include hotpot, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and dan dan noodles. For those who are not used to spicy food, there are also plenty of non-spicy options available. Be sure to try some of the street food stalls and local restaurants for an authentic Chengdu dining experience.

5. What are the must-see attractions in Chengdu?

Some of the must-see attractions in Chengdu include:- Jinli Ancient Street: a pedestrian street filled with traditional Sichuan-style buildings, street food, and souvenir shops.

– Wuhou Memorial Temple: a temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a Chinese military strategist who lived during the Three Kingdoms period.

– Dujiangyan Irrigation System: an ancient irrigation system built in the third century BC that still functions today.

– Leshan Giant Buddha: a 71 meter tall stone statue of Buddha located about 180 kilometers from Chengdu.

6. How much cash should I bring to Chengdu?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Chengdu, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and street vendors. ATMs are available throughout the city, but be sure to check the fees and exchange rates before withdrawing money.

7. What are some cultural customs to be aware of in Chengdu?

When visiting Chengdu, it is important to be respectful of the local customs and culture. Some things to keep in mind include:- Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.

– Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.

– Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

– Do not touch someone’s head or pat them on the back.

– Avoid being loud or disruptive in public places.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Chengdu

Chengdu is known for its vibrant culture, incredible food scene, and historic landmarks. If you’re a tourist planning a visit to Chengdu, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do and see. To help you make the most of your time in this exciting city, we’ve put together a list of activities that you won’t want to miss.

1. Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

As one of China’s most beloved animals, no visit to Chengdu is complete without seeing the giant pandas. The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, located just outside the city, is a conservation and research center that is home to over 100 adorable pandas.During your visit, you can watch the pandas being fed and learn about their breeding habits and habits from the expert guides. You can also take photos with the pandas or participate in the volunteer programs, which involve cleaning enclosures and preparing food for the pandas.

2. Explore the Historic Wuhou Shrine

The Wuhou Shrine is a memorial hall for the famous military officer Zhuge Liang, who was known for his strategic genius during China’s Three Kingdoms period. It is also a famous historical site for the Wu Kingdom.The shrine area features beautiful gardens, ancient buildings, and stone figures. Visitors can learn about the history of Zhuge Liang and the Three Kingdoms through exhibits and multimedia displays. There are also cultural performances and traditional tea ceremonies that take place throughout the year.

3. Stroll Through Jinli Old Street

If you’re looking for a place to experience the traditional Chinese culture of Chengdu, Jinli Old Street is a must-visit destination. This pedestrian street is lined with buildings in the style of the Qing Dynasty and offers a range of food, souvenirs, and cultural activities.You can take a traditional tea ceremony, learn calligraphy or have your portrait painted by a skilled artist. It’s also a fantastic place to try out the local cuisine, such as spicy Sichuan hotpot or sweet sesame cakes.

4. Experience Sichuan Opera at Shufeng Yayun

One of the most unique cultural experiences in Chengdu is the traditional Sichuan opera, known for its vibrant costumes, colorful masks, and face-changing performances. At the Shufeng Yayun theater, you can watch stunning performances, including comedy sketches, acrobatics display, and Chinese classical music.The performers are incredibly talented and have a passion for their art. Some even come to the theater to teach visitors basic Chinese opera moves for free during the day before the show. It’s a great way to learn about Chinese culture and history.

5. Relax at People’s Park

Located in the heart of Chengdu, People’s Park is a beautiful green space that offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air. The park is also home to several landmarks, including the Heming Tea House and the Matchmaker’s Wall.One of the most popular activities at People’s Park is the “ear-cleaning” service, which involves having an expert clean your ear canal using a miniature tool. It may sound strange, but it’s a traditional Chinese practice that is meant to restore balance in the body.

6. Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha

Located just outside of Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. It is carved entirely out of a cliffside and features intricate details that have been preserved for over a thousand years.Visitors can climb to the top of the cliff to see the statue up close, or take a boat ride along the river for a different perspective.

7. Indulge in Sichuan Cuisine

Chengdu is known for its incredibly spicy cuisine, and there are countless restaurants and street vendors that serve up delicious meals. You won’t want to miss classics such as Sichuan hotpot or Mapo tofu.For adventurous eaters, there are plenty of unique dishes to try, such as bullfrog hotpot or spicy rabbit heads. Just be sure to have some milk or yogurt on hand to counteract the spice!

Book Your Tour Now

Chengdu is a unique and fascinating city with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re a fan of history and culture or just want to try some incredible food, there’s something for everyone. Use this list as a starting point, and don’t be afraid to explore other parts of the city if you have the time. You’ll be sure to have a memorable trip!