Top 11 Things to Do in Chengdu

When it comes to China, many people only know about Beijing and Shanghai. However, Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in China, is well-known as the hometown of Giant Panda. With the reputation of "land of abundance" from ancient China, Chengdu attracts amounts of tourists to visit, for both its splendid culture and magnificent sceneries. Chengdu is also a city perfectly combine leisure, tranquility, and prosperity together. What you should do in Chengdu? Top 11 things to do in Chengdu below may give you a satisfactory answer.

1. Go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Panda is China's national treasure because it is a unique species in China. Also, Panda is undoubtably adorable, don't you think? What you could not miss in Chengdu is the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding which is located about 25km out of Chengdu City. This huge institution replicates the natural habitat of the giant panda and is dedicated to preserving and increasing their population so they will not become extinct. You are able to get real close-up to some pandas and photograph them. You must come here for sure!

2. Enjoy a Unparalleled View on Mount Emei

Mount Emei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. It is famous for its beautiful natural sceneries and long culture of both Buddhism and Taoism. Sunrise on the Golden Summit is the highlight on Mount Emei.

3. Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Jiuzhaigou Valley is located in the Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, north of Sichuan Province in China. This land features perennially snow-capped mountain peaks, verdant and lush forest, stretches of serene lakes, and various birds and animals, all contributing to the unique view of Jiuzhaigou Valley. Upon entering the resort, you will find yourself strolling in a fairyland, leaving behind nothing but earthly troubles and vexations. It is a world of water. Water brings Jiuzhaigou Valley the most enchanting views, which is the soul of the place. Highly recommended!

4. Appreciate the Greatness of Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty), depicting Maitreya. It is the biggest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. It will impress you deeply. 

5. Visit Thatched Cottage of Du Fu

Du Fu Thatched Cottage is a 24-acre park and museum in honor of the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu at the western outskirts of Chengdu, adjacent to the Huanhua Xi (Flower Rinsing Creek). In 1961 the Chinese government established Du Fu Thatched Cottage as a National Heritage site. It is worth a visit.

6. Opera House Chengdu

Along with Pandas and Hotpot, Opera House Chengdu is one of the crown jewels of Chengdu's tourism industry, and rightly so. The performance is colorful, musical, comedic, and highly acrobatic featuring half a dozen separate performances that are impressive. You may especially love singing, dancing, and the face changing. Some people love stick puppet show and hand shadow show more. However, you will surely find your favorite! Just find a Chengdu Opera House and enjoy the performance!

7. Overlook the Whole City from West Pearl Tower

The 339-meter-tall West Pearl Tower is located in city's bustling business district. Since its opening in 2004, the tower — the tallest structure in the city — has been a tourist magnet, drawing steady crowds of travelers to enjoy not only the 360 degree view of the city, but also city's highest restaurant and a recreational and commercial mall. Other highlights include an art gallery with displays of local artwork, photos, and traditional Chinese calligraphy. You must come here!

8. Stroll in a Random Alley

The alleys in Chengdu show people the true meaning of slow life. It represents the most popular folk culture. In the quiet alleys, you can stay away from the noise and enjoy life quietly. When you get tired, you can find a bamboo chair to sit down and have a cup of tea and talk to a local. When the tea is soaked up, it seems that time slows down.

9. Eat Sichuan Cuisine and Hot Pot

Sichuan cuisine is a style of Chinese cuisine originating from Sichuan Province. As one of the Eight Cuisines in China, Sichuan Cuisine offers so many excellent choices for you, Mapo Tofu, Malatang, Tan Tan Noodles, the Sliced Beef & Ox Tongue in chili sauce, and the most famous Chengdu Hot Pot, one could never resist Sichuan food.

10. Shop in Chunxi Road

Chunxi Road is a pedestrianized shopping street in Chengdu. More than 700 shops can be found here including large shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets, street stalls, and boutiques, as well as modern cafes, and a public square. If you don't visit Chunxi Road, it is like going to Beijing without going to Wangfujing and going to Shanghai without going to Nanjing Road. Chunxi Road is a must! Please come here to explore!

11. Go to Chengdu People's Park

Chengdu People's Park is located in downtown Chengdu Ancestral Street Shaocheng Road, and is a comprehensive garden in collection of cultural relics and entertainment. Park was built in 1911; the park has the Jinshui Creek, Goldfish Island, Miniascape Garden and other famous tourist attractions. Chengdu People's Park is a comprehensive park with garden, culture, cultural relics protection, patriotism education, leisure and entertainment in a whole. And Chengdu Park is the national "AAAA" class tourist attractions.