Things To Do
in Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in Southwest China, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and as the home of the giant panda. The city boasts a unique culinary tradition, with the spicy Sichuan cuisine drawing food enthusiasts from around the world.
Additionally, its lush parks, traditional teahouses, and bustling markets offer a captivating blend of modern development and ancient traditions, making Chengdu a significant cultural and economic hub in China.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the famous Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see these adorable creatures. Capture some great photos of pandas playing and eating bamboo.
Head to Jinli Ancient Street for lunch and explore its traditional shops selling local snacks and crafts. Enjoy street performances and the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll through.
Visit the Wuhou Shrine to appreciate its historical significance and beautiful architecture. Wrap up the day with a Sichuan hot pot dinner at a local restaurant.
Start with a visit to the Chengdu Museum to uncover the city's rich history and culture. The exhibits will give you insight into the local heritage.
Enjoy a leisurely walk in People's Park and sip on traditional tea at a local teahouse. The park is a great place to observe local life and relaxation.
End your day with a captivating Sichuan Opera show featuring face-changing performances. This unique art form will leave you mesmerized.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including historical sites like Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street.
- Famous for its cuisine, particularly Sichuan food, which is known for its bold flavors and spicy dishes.
- Home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, attracting visitors who are interested in wildlife and conservation.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including nearby mountains, parks, and rivers that offer outdoor activities.
- A relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in China, making it affordable for residents and tourists.
- Air pollution can be a concern, particularly during certain seasons.
- Traffic congestion is common in the city due to rapid urbanization and increasing population.
- Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers, as English is not widely spoken among the locals.
- The weather can be quite humid with heavy rainfall during the summer months.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries compared to more developed cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
Best Activities in Chengdu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the panda research base to see the adorable pandas in a natural habitat.
Walk through this historic street to experience traditional Sichuan culture, enjoy local snacks, and shop for souvenirs.
Hike the scenic trails of Mount Qingcheng, known for its natural beauty and Taoist temples.
Tours
Uncover the best of Chengdu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Chengdu
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively and bustling street with traditional architecture and beautiful night views.
A peaceful and picturesque Buddhist temple with stunning gardens and classic architecture.
A scenic mountain with lush greenery and ancient Taoist temples, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Food in Chengdu
Chengdu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fiery combination of tofu, minced meat, fermented black beans, and Sichuan peppercorns, Mapo Tofu is a quintessential Sichuan dish. Visit Chen Mapo Tofu, a renowned restaurant in Chengdu, or simply head to local eateries to savor this iconic dish.
Must-Try!
A classic Sichuan dish, Kung Pao Chicken features diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chili. Sample this dish at Chen's Mapo Tofu or Shu JiuXiang Hotpot for an authentic experience.
For an interactive dining experience, indulge in Sichuan Hot Pot, a bubbling cauldron of spicy broth in which diners cook raw ingredients like thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and tofu. Huangcheng Laoma or Yuzhilan are popular spots to enjoy this communal meal.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chengdu better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Jinli Street is a bustling market renowned for its vibrant street food scene. Sample local delights like Chuan Chuan Xiang (skewers of meat and vegetables) and Maocai (spicy Sichuan hot pot ingredients) while immersing in the lively atmosphere.
Wenshu Monastery's market hosts an array of street vendors offering delicacies such as Guokui (crispy stuffed flatbread) and Sweet Water Noodles. This market is an excellent spot to explore Sichuan's diverse street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Chengdu, it is important to show respect for elders through polite language and gestures, such as using formal titles and addressing them with utmost politeness.
Participating in the traditional tea culture is a sign of respect in Chengdu. When invited for tea, it is customary to pour tea for others before oneself and to hold the handle of the teacup with both hands as a sign of respect.
When dining in Chengdu, it is polite to wait for the host or the eldest person at the table to start eating before beginning the meal. It is also customary to express gratitude to the host for the meal after finishing.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Chengdu with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Chengdu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Chengdu, China. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for most services.
Cash is widely accepted in Chengdu, but major credit cards are also becoming more commonly used. Mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and often preferred.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Chengdu.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Chengdu with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and various cultural festivals like the Qingming Festival and Buddha Bathing Festival.
Expect hot and humid weather with occasional heavy rainfall, but it's a good time to witness the Sichuan Opera and enjoy the local cuisine like hotpot.
Enjoy the comfortable weather, clear skies, and colorful autumn foliage. This season is also perfect for visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Winter is cold and dry in Chengdu, but it's a great time to see the beautiful snow-capped mountains, especially for those interested in skiing and winter sports.
Chengdu at Night
Hiking in Chengdu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park located in downtown Chengdu, featuring walking trails along the Jin River and lush surroundings, ideal for a short hike.
A popular hiking destination known for its serene environment and Taoist culture, offering various trails through ancient trees and temples.
One of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, with challenging hiking routes and stunning views from its summit, rich in biodiversity.
A lesser-known but rewarding hiking spot, famous for its picturesque scenery and fewer crowds, perfect for day hikes.
Known for its breathtaking granite peaks and natural hot springs, offering various hiking trails for different skill levels.
Visit the site while enjoying a hike along the routes that lead to the famous Giant Buddha, providing scenic views of the surrounding river.
Though a bit farther from Chengdu, it is renowned for its colorful lakes and waterfalls, with numerous hiking trails amidst stunning natural beauty.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Chengdu through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Chengdu by plane.
The main international airport serving Chengdu, located about 16 kilometers southwest of the city center.
Located approximately 323 kilometers from Chengdu, it serves the city of Chongqing and surrounding areas.
Situated around 600 kilometers from Chengdu, this airport serves Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province.
Located about 730 kilometers from Chengdu, it serves the city of Xi'an, which is known for its historical significance.
Approximately 620 kilometers from Chengdu, this airport serves the popular tourist destination of Lijiang in Yunnan province.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Chengdu, comprising over 90% of the population.
A significant minority group, primarily residing in the western areas of the Sichuan province, including parts of Chengdu.
An indigenous ethnic group from the Sichuan province, some members reside in Chengdu.
Another ethnic minority group, primarily located in the southern parts of Sichuan, with some communities in Chengdu.
A smaller demographic group found in Chengdu, part of the broader Mongolic ethnicities.
Includes various smaller groups such as Miao, Hui, and Tujia, who also contribute to Chengdu's cultural diversity.
The Soul of Chengdu
Discover the essence of Chengdu through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Table tennis is extremely popular in Chengdu, being a favorite recreational activity among locals of all ages, and the city frequently hosts competitions.
Badminton is widely played in Chengdu, with numerous courts available across the city, attracting both casual players and professionals.
Basketball has a strong following in Chengdu, with many outdoor and indoor courts available, and the city supporting its professional basketball teams.
Soccer enjoys popularity in Chengdu, with local leagues and youth programs encouraging participation and viewership of both national and international matches.
Martial arts, including various traditional Chinese forms, are practiced in Chengdu, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Running is a frequent activity in Chengdu, supported by various parks and outdoor spaces, and it has gained popularity through community events and marathons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chengdu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Sichuan cuisine heavily features meat, many restaurants and markets in Chengdu offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for dishes like Maocai without meat and Buddhist style stir-fried vegetables to enjoy a meat-free Sichuan dining experience.
Chengdu embraces a rice-based diet, making it relatively accommodating for those seeking gluten-free options. Dishes such as Mapo Tofu and Sichuan Hot Pot without gluten-containing ingredients can be found at various establishments.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Chengdu with these cultural adventures.
