ElaineKnown as the land of pandas, hotpot, and laid-back living, Chengdu perfectly blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. From ancient streets and tea houses to modern art spaces and stylish shopping avenues, this capital of Sichuan province offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, here are some of the best things to do in Chengdu.
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1. Experience the Magical Blue Tears of Dujiangyan
Image credit: Trip.com Official Website
A short trip from Chengdu, Dujiangyan is renowned not only for its ancient irrigation system but also for the mesmerising Blue Tears. It’s a natural bioluminescent phenomenon that lights up the rivers at night. The shimmering glow creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere, making it one of the most romantic and photogenic spots in Sichuan. It’s best experienced during the warmer months, when the water’s microorganisms are most active.
2. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Image credit: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Official Website
No trip to Chengdu is complete without seeing its most famous residents, the giant pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is home to dozens of pandas in a lush, well-maintained environment designed to mimic their natural habitat. Visit early in the morning to catch them during feeding time, when they’re most active (and irresistibly adorable). You’ll also learn about conservation efforts and may even spot red pandas lounging among the bamboo.
3. Explore Eastern Suburb Memory
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Once an old factory complex, Eastern Suburb Memory has transformed into one of Chengdu’s trendiest cultural hubs. Its chic industrial architecture, vibrant street art, and creative boutiques give it a distinctly urban-cool vibe. By day, you can browse art galleries and design stores; by night, the place comes alive with live performances, bars, and open-air concerts. It’s where Chengdu’s young creatives hang out, and the perfect place to feel the pulse of the city’s modern culture.
4. Stroll through Jinli Ancient Town
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Step back in time at Jinli Ancient Town, a beautifully restored pedestrian street that brings Sichuan’s traditional architecture and folk culture to life. Here, you can shop for handicrafts, sample local snacks such as spicy tofu and sweet rice cakes, and watch artisans at work. The red lanterns that illuminate the streets at dusk make for a particularly atmospheric evening stroll.
5. Discover Kuanzai Alley
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Comprising three parallel lanes, Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley, Kuanzai Alley is one of Chengdu’s most charming districts. It’s a lively blend of old courtyards and trendy establishments, with everything from teahouses and art studios to street food vendors serving up classic Sichuan bites. Don’t miss the chance to try a traditional ear-cleaning service or sip tea in one of the historic courtyards for the full Chengdu experience.
6. Unwind at Chengdu People’s Park
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A quintessential part of local life, Chengdu People’s Park is where residents come to relax, dance, play mah-jong, and drink tea under the shade of ancient trees. Join the locals at one of the open-air teahouses for a pot of jasmine tea, and watch the world go by. It’s one of the most authentic ways to experience Chengdu’s famously unhurried pace of life.
7. Shop and dine along Chunxi Road
Image credit: Chinadiscovery Official Website
If shopping is on your itinerary, Chunxi Road is Chengdu’s go-to retail paradise. Packed with international brands, local boutiques, and endless street food stalls, it’s a bustling commercial area that stays lively late into the night. From bubble tea and spicy skewers to designer stores and beauty counters, it’s a one-stop destination for both retail therapy and people-watching.
8. Indulge in luxury at SKP Chengdu
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For a more upscale experience, SKP Chengdu redefines luxury shopping in western China. This striking architectural landmark is home to designer boutiques, art installations, and fine dining options. Even if you’re not planning to splurge, its futuristic design and curated art spaces make it well worth a visit. It’s a symbol of Chengdu’s growing reputation as one of China’s most stylish cities.
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Final thoughts
Chengdu is a city that moves at its own rhythm; relaxed, creative, and irresistibly warm. Whether you’re sipping tea in a peaceful park, watching pandas nibble on bamboo, or exploring a neon-lit alley filled with street food, Chengdu invites you to slow down and savour every moment. It’s not just a destination, it’s a feeling you’ll want to return to again and again.
