What to Do in Chengdu
Chengdu combines iconic landmarks with everyday local culture. Plan one early panda morning, one slow tea afternoon, and one evening for old streets and Sichuan Opera (变脸). If you are organizing your full city plan, pair this page with our Where to Stay guide to reduce commute time.
Must-See Attractions
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地)
Chengdu's signature attraction. Arrive right at opening to watch pandas eating bamboo and moving around before the heat sets in.
🕐 Go at 8:00 AM | 💰 Ticketed entry | 📍 North of central Chengdu
→ Read more2. Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街)
Lantern-lit street near Wuhou Shrine with snacks, craft stalls, and classic Chengdu photo spots. Busy but atmospheric after sunset.
🕐 Late afternoon to evening | 💰 Free entry | 📍 Wuhou District
→ Read more3. Wenshu Monastery (文殊院)
A calm Buddhist temple complex with incense courtyards, shaded walkways, and vegetarian options nearby. Great contrast to downtown crowds.
🕐 Morning is quietest | 💰 Free or donation | 📍 Qingyang area
→ Read more4. People's Park Teahouse (人民公园)
Sit in a bamboo chair, drink jasmine tea, and watch mahjong life unfold around you. This is the city's relaxed rhythm in one place.
🕐 Midday to late afternoon | 💰 Tea from low to mid range | 📍 Central Chengdu
→ Read more5. Sichuan Opera Face-Changing (川剧变脸)
Fast costume and mask transformations, percussion, and traditional stagecraft. Book a performance night for one of Chengdu's strongest cultural experiences.
🕐 Evening shows | 💰 Ticketed by seat level | 📍 Shufeng Yayun and other theaters
→ Read more6. Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子)
Restored Qing-era lanes with cafes, courtyards, and souvenir shops. Popular and polished, best visited on weekdays or early.
🕐 Early morning or after dinner | 💰 Free entry | 📍 Qingyang District
→ Read moreHidden Gems
- Huanhuaxi Park (浣花溪公园): Quiet green walks away from tourist clusters.
- Wenshu side-lane teahouses: Less polished than People's Park, often more local.
- Sichuan Museum (四川博物院): Useful context before temple and old-town visits.
- Anshun Bridge at night (安顺廊桥): River reflections and easy evening strolls.
Want something more authentic?
Go deeper into Chengdu with locals — tea ceremonies at People’s Park, spicy hotpot with neighborhood guides, bamboo weaving workshops, and panda volunteering.
Local Experiences in Chengdu →Plan Your Perfect Chengdu Trip
See our curated 7-day itinerary with everything timed and mapped out.
See Chengdu itinerary →Book Tours & Experiences
Discover guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, and unique experiences in Chengdu.