Ready to open your eyes to a destination that matches Beijing\u2019s rich history and Xi\u2019an\u2019s colorful culture and food? Let\u2019s explore things to do in Chengdu city together.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Places to visit in Chengdu<\/h2>\n\n\n
Try as we might to narrow down our list to the top 10 things to do in Chengdu, we couldn\u2019t stop at ten, however, we did know we\u00a0must<\/em>\u00a0start with this little list here. Giant pandas? Check. Buddhist monasteries? Check. Unrivaled natural beauty? It\u2019s all here with these places you simply must visit while in Chengdu.<\/p>\n\n\n The Chengdu Giant Panda and Research Base are one of the main research bases for the protection of giant pandas and other endangered wildlife. The base covers a sprawling area, which is beautifully landscaped with bamboo (of course!). Established by the Chinese government, the Chengdu Giant Panda and Research Base is a unique and widely respected center for experiencing these beautiful and entertaining creatures firsthand. While it is very busy regardless of the time of year, exploring within the center\u2019s grounds is still comfortable and there is ample opportunity to view the pandas at different ages and stages. Naturally, the baby pandas are incredibly cute, but the older bears offer as much entertainment. It\u2019s the perfect place for children or those who simply want to experience something that brings out their inner playful child.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Located in the inner city, Wenshu Yuan Monastery was originally built during the Sui dynasty from 605 to 617. The monastery underwent reconstruction in 1697 after being destroyed by war towards the end of the Ming dynasty. Its timber buildings are spread across more than 20,000 square meters and house over 200 Buddhist statues made from bronze, iron, clay, wooden, and stone sculptures. You will also find many relics of cultural significance, including classical books, paintings, and calligraphy. Perhaps the most auspicious finds here are what\u2019s alleged to be the finger bone and parietal bone relics of two revered legends: Sakyamuni Buddha and Master Xuanzang. In keeping with the lifestyle espoused by the Buddhists, there is a vegetarian restaurant and teahouse in the temple that is open to the public. Perfect for sampling a little Zen experience\u00a0in situ<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As much as the bustle of tourist hot spots may not feature on your \u2018must see\u2019 precincts, at Chengdu\u2019s heart you will find two streets that offer insights into the local lifestyle and what attracts people from all over. Legendary Jinli is one of the oldest and busiest commercial streets in Sichuan. It\u2019s said that Jinli was first recognized as a commercial hub as early as the Three Kingdoms period; that\u2019s all the way back in 189 AD to 280 AD. There\u2019s no question, Jinli Street gives new meaning to the concept of longevity. Renovated in 2004 for the purpose of maintaining its appeal for contemporary visitors, there is no question Jinli is now considered the heart and soul of Chengdu life, with the unique blend of charming Sichuan folk customs and Three Kingdoms culture. A wander through the area will reveal many treasures, along with teahouses, taverns, restaurants, bars, street foods, and traditional handicrafts. Especially beautiful at night because of the lanterns that adorn the buildings, Jinli can be visited at any time of day for a truly one-off Chengdu experience. For a change of pace, but an experience that is no less intriguing, make your way to Kuanzhai Alleys. This is a precinct encompassing three alleys: Kuan Xiangzi (Wide Alley), Zhai Xiangzi (Narrow Alley), and Jing Xiangzi (Well Alley). As the remaining sections of Man City, built during the Qing dynasty in 1718, the traditional style blue-brick courtyards and ancient stone-paved streets are a delightful window into a bygone era of Chengdu\u2019s history.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Wonder at the architecture, history, and conservation of the Wangjiang Pavilion complex in the heart of Chengdu. The pavilion grounds hold a memorial to a beloved poet Xue Tao, established during the Tang dynasty (618 AD – 907 AD). Bamboo gardens containing 150 different varieties are a tribute to the poet Xue who loved bamboo, as well as a remarkable effort to conserve an important food source for pandas. Visitors are welcome to mingle with locals while partaking in green tea, nuts, a game of\u00a0Mahjong<\/em>\u00a0or Chinese chess, and if you arrive early, a session of\u00a0tai chi\u00a0<\/em>or fan dancing.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Wonder at the scale and craftsmanship of the world\u2019s largest and tallest stone statue, carved into the sandstone cliff where the Min and Dadu rivers join. Leshan Giant Buddha faces the water at the point where the rivers converge, which the mountain where the statue stands is at the eastern base of Mount Emei. From the water it is awe-inspiring and from the top, you\u2019ll appreciate the carving\u2019s intricacies, as well as the beauty and significance of the amazing natural site. Built over 1,200 years ago and taking 90 years to complete, this statue towers 71 meters above the rivers and is most worthy of a visit – and your admiration.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n We love the Dujiangyan Base because it is less crowded than Chengdu Giant Panda and Research Base and is located very close to the world heritage area in which giant pandas live naturally. The habitat, climate, and natural environment in this area are ideal for a very happy giant panda life and it\u2019s the perfect place for mingling with these creatures. Seriously, what\u2019s not to love? Easy to reach from Chengdu city, a panda experience here is one you\u2019ll remember for a lifetime. For those adventurers keen for a more personal experience, why not sign up for the Panda Volunteer Program.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Located 66 kilometers from Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The sacredness of Mount Qingcheng – one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism – is reflected in its heritage and the belief it is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. The area around Mount Qingcheng abounds with culture, idyllic natural landscapes that could easily be reimagined on a silk wall hanging, fascinating Taoist temples and pavilions, and more. A must if you\u2019re in the area.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism, Mount Emei is famous for its beautiful natural landscape and Buddhist culture. We\u2019re not surprised it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, and neither will you. In and around the area that makes up Mount Emei are around 30 temples, each with its own peculiarities. Perhaps even more revered at Mount Emei is the incredible scenery, otherwise known as the four wonders. Sunrises are particularly memorable, although of course an early start is required. Alternatively, you may prefer Buddha\u2019s halo, sitting in a sea of clouds, or catching the Holy Light of the Sacred Lamp; each is a wonder just as described in ancient texts and in modern travel guides. Mount Emei is also famous for its martial arts, as it is considered home to one of the main traditional Chinese martial arts other than Shaolin and Wudang.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Wuhou Shrine, also known as Wuhou Temple or Temple of Marquis Wu, is located southwest of Chengdu\u2019s city center. It\u2019s here you find the famous Zhaolie Temple of Han, which was built to commemorate Liu Bei, founder of Shu State during the Three Kingdom Period (220-280). Wuhou Temple itself was constructed to commemorate Zhuge Liang, Prime Minister of the Shu State. Huiling Mausoleum (Liu Bei\u2019s tomb) and Sanyi Temple, which was relocated here in 1997 due to urban development, are also at the site. Sanyi refers to the famous Three Sworn Brothers; Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. Three Kingdom history and culture are popular in China and Asia, hence the significance of this site. Definitely worth a visit by any traveler interested in expanding the direct experience of this important era in China\u2019s past.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Located in a park at the west end of Chengdu\u2019s city heart is Du Fu Thatched Cottage. In fact, the \u2018cottage\u2019 is a museum that comprises Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Du Gongbu Memorial Hall, and Da Ya Tang Hall, or Hall of Great Poets. Du Fu (712 \u2013 770) is remembered as the greatest poet of the Tang Dynasty. The cottage, which was built with the help of friends on the Huanhuaxi Creek\u2019s banks, is where he settled his family after fleeing conflict. During his four years living in the cottage, Du Fu composed more than 240 poems reflecting on the plight of people affected by the conflict. Although the original thatched hut built by Du Fu was destroyed, the main buildings in the park were reconstructed and renovated during the Ming and Qing dynasties.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Approximately 40 kilometers from Chengdu is Guanghan City and it\u2019s here, in the northeast corner of the famous Sanxingdui Ruins – one of China\u2019s most significant Bronze Age archeological sites – you will find Sanxingdui Museum. First discovered in the 1920s, then excavated in 1934, and finally opened to the public in 1997, some of the more remarkable relics discovered here include a 2.62-meter statue, an oversized bronze mask, and a bronze tree that stands nearly four meters. These relics are considered uniquely representative of Sanxingdui. New discoveries were made at Sanxingdui Ruins right up until the most recent excavation (the 37th!) in March 2021; a fact even more remarkable given that the previous excavation occurred 35 years prior in 1986.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Jinsha Site Museum was built and opened to the public six years after the discovery of the Jinsha Site in 2001. Formerly the capital of the ancient Shu in the Shang or Western Zhou dynasty (between 3,200 and 2,600 years prior), Jinsha covered an area of 5 km2. The ruins of Jinsha were found on significant building foundations that encompassed a sacrificial area, homes, and large-scale burial grounds. Over 5000 relics have been unearthed at Jinsha – a feat remarkable in itself – however, it is the gold, bronze, jade, stone, ivory, and bone artifacts that draw those curious about historical life here. One of the most fascinating treasures is the Golden Sun Bird, a mysterious gold totem featuring the sun and birds of spirit. Inextricably linked to Chengdu, the Golden Sun Bird is now Chengdu city\u2019s emblem.<\/p>\n<\/div>Explore More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n So you\u2019ve walked a mile or three during the day and as the sun goes down your enthusiasm for discovery hasn\u2019t waned. If that\u2019s you, freshen up and lace up those walking shoes again, because we\u2019re taking you on an adventure to discover the seriously best things to do at night.<\/p>\n\n\n Chunxi Road<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Perhaps Chengdu\u2019s most bustling commercial street, the night market here quite literally is a shopper\u2019s mecca. Expected to find, well, just about anything, from fashion accessories, souvenirs, local snacks, and artisanal crafts. Keep an eye out for traditional craftsmen performing live demonstrations of their art. Fancy a little leaf carving, silk embroidery, or even something more contemporary like a performance artist? You\u2019re guaranteed to find it here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Yulin Night Market<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Said to be Chengdu\u2019s most charming street, Yulin Road\u2019s night market occurs on weekends only. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in the uniqueness of vendors who are predominantly artists who fashion accessories, handcrafts, designer\u2019s fashion, toys, fresh flowers, and vintage clothes. Restaurants in this area are famous for\u00a0chuan chuan<\/em>\u00a0and hotpot, so it\u2019s good to arrive ready for dinner too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Yemaozi Night Market<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Yemaozi Night Market also referred to as Night Owls Market, is a large open-air market. It is located in the heart of the city, close to Chunxi Street and Taikoo Li Chengdu. With over 100 stalls, the market attracts locals and tourists who come to imbibe authentic local street food and snacks, as well as other Chinese food after their shopping expeditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Xiang Xiang Xiang<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Literally translated as \u2018the lane of tasty food\u2019, it\u2019s any wonder Wangping Street is a popular dining and bar precinct. With the colorful neon lights and lanterns, the narrow lane is a foodie\u2019s paradise. Expect to choose from local Chengdu specialties and popular Sichuan dishes, and a sprinkling of Taiwanese, Japanese, Thai, and even Western food. For lovers of sweeter treats, dessert shops and teahouses abound here too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Jianshe Road<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Jianshe Road draws local Chengdu food fans who hunger for its restaurants and snacks stalls. Be prepared to wait with locals who queue patiently for the authentic local specialties available from street vendors operating here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Xipu Night Market<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Due to its location in proximity to the nearby snack street and hotpot street, Xipu night market is one of the busiest in Chengdu. You\u2019ll find lower prices here that more than compensate for the market\u2019s locale, which isn\u2019t as accessible as others in the city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Without question, the most popular show for visitors to Chengdu is sampling the city\u2019s famous Sichuan opera. Think elaborate make-up, exquisite costumes, extraordinary voices that seemingly pierce the sound barrier, and a healthy mix of daily drama and romance – and that is Sichuan opera at its finest. Complemented by Chinese musical instruments, shadow puppetry, magical face changing, and fire breathers, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable night out in Chengdu. Book tickets for Shu Feng Ya Yun (\u8700\u98ce\u96c5\u97f5) or Fu Rong Guo Cui (\u8299\u84c9\u56fd\u7cb9) if you hope to catch the best of the city\u2019s offerings in this age-old performance art that remains perennially popular.<\/p>\n\n\n Visit this iconic covered bridge that was rebuilt in 2002 on the site where the original bridge was destroyed in the 1980s. Decorated brilliantly with lights, it\u2019s a sight to behold at night, making it perhaps the most well-known symbol of the city after dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t let any travel guide tell you Jinli should only be visited by day. At night, this bustling precinct comes alive in a whole new way. It is, without doubt, one of the most popular destinations in Chengdu and will delight at any time, however in the evening when lit up with red lanterns, golden light, music, food, and shops it becomes a nocturnal wonderland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For an altogether different experience of nightlife, visit Chengdu 339 TV Tower. The lighting decorations here make it an eye-catching landmark by night, and of course, it\u2019s the ideal location for taking in a panorama of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chengdu\u2019s Jin River can be enjoyed by floating up or downstream on the distinctive riverboats with their black awnings and admiring the city lights. Alternatively, why not walk along river\u2019s banks where artfully designed scenes punctuate the landscape?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy Chengdu by night on the night sightseeing bus. Running for 90 minutes, this evening tour covers 16 landmarks and attractions, including Anshun Bridge, Xiang Xiang Xiang, 339 TV Tower, Jianshe Road, Taikoo Li, and Daci Temple. The tour runs Friday, Saturday, and public holidays and has two departures each night at 19:00 and 20:00. All aboard!<\/p>\n\n\n\nChengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding<\/h3><\/div>
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding<\/h3>
Wenshu Yuan Monastery<\/h3><\/div>
Wenshu Yuan Monastery<\/h3>
Jinli and Kuanzhai Alleys<\/h3><\/div>
Jinli and Kuanzhai Alleys<\/h3>
Wangjiang Pavilion Park<\/h3><\/div>
Wangjiang Pavilion Park<\/h3>
Leshan Giant Buddha<\/h3><\/div>
Leshan Giant Buddha<\/h3>
Dujiangyan Panda Base<\/h3><\/div>
Dujiangyan Panda Base<\/h3>
Mount Qingcheng<\/h3><\/div>
Mount Qingcheng<\/h3>
Mount Emei<\/h3><\/div>
Mount Emei<\/h3>
Wuhou Shrine<\/h3><\/div>
Wuhou Shrine<\/h3>
Du Fu Thatched Cottage<\/h3><\/div>
Du Fu Thatched Cottage<\/h3>
Sanxingdui Museum<\/h3><\/div>
Sanxingdui Museum<\/h3>
Jinsha Site Museum<\/h3><\/div>
Jinsha Site Museum<\/h3>
\n\n\n\nThings to do in Chengdu at night<\/h2>\n\n\n
Chengdu Night Markets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nShows and Concerts in Chengdu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nSights by Night and Night Tours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Anshun](\"https:\/\/chinatours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Anshun-bridge-min.jpg\")
<\/figure>Anshun Bridge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>Jinli<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>Chengdu 339 TV Tower<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Night](\"https:\/\/chinatours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Night-Tour-Jin-River-min.jpg\")
<\/figure>Night Tour Jin River<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>Night Sightseeing Bus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFood in Chengdu<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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