Things to Do in Chengdu
11 curated spots from Chengdu itineraries
Activities & Attractions
8 curated experiences
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地)
Arrive at opening to see pandas feeding and playing before it gets hot; walk the forested paths and check the red panda enclosures too.
3h · $10-15
Dongjiao Memory (东郊记忆)
Revitalized factory area with street art, live-music venues, design shops and cafés; wander the graffiti-lined alleys and industrial halls.
2h · Free (entry; pay for drinks/shops)
Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街)
Lantern-lit pedestrian street with old-style facades, snack stalls, handicrafts and tea houses; best from late afternoon into evening.
1h 30m · Free (plus snacks/shopping)
Jiuyanqiao & Hejiang Pavilion Riverside Walk (九眼桥 & 合江亭)
Evening riverside walk past illuminated bridges, bars and restored pavilions; grab a drink along the bar street if you want a social nightcap.
1h 30m · Free (plus drinks)
Kuanzhai Alleys (宽窄巷子)
Network of ‘wide’ and ‘narrow’ alleys with restored courtyard houses, boutiques, snack stalls and bars; explore side lanes to dodge the densest crowds.
1h 30m · Free (plus food/shopping)
People’s Park (人民公园)
Stroll between lakes, matchmaking corner, and open-air dancing before or after tea at Heming; look for ear-cleaning services and calligraphy on the pavement.
1h · Free
Sichuan Museum of Fine Arts & Cultural Relics (四川博物院)
Provincial museum featuring ancient Shu artifacts, bronzes and rotating art exhibits; combine with nearby Huanhuaxi Park if you want greenery.
2h 30m · Free or under $3 (some exhibits)
Wenshu Monastery (文殊院)
Large Buddhist temple complex with intricate halls, incense, and quiet courtyards; pair with a walk around nearby old lanes and food streets.
2h · $2-5Restaurants & Food
3 local favorites
Chen Mapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐 - 骡马市总店)
Historic spot for numbing-spicy mapo tofu; order the signature mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork (回锅肉) and a simple vegetable dish with rice.
1h · $10-18 per person
Heming Teahouse (鹤鸣茶社)
Old-school teahouse in People’s Park; pick a tea, grab sunflower seeds and listen to the buzz of mahjong tiles and chatter.
1h · $5-10 per person
Yulin Chuanchuan Xiang (玉林串串香 总店)
Classic Chengdu chuan chuan (skewers in spicy broth) in a lively, no-frills space—load up on meats, lotus root, quail eggs and tofu skins from the fridges.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person