15 Best Things to Do in Chengdu: A Local-Style Travel Guide
Table of Contents
- 1. Fun Things to Do in Chengdu
- 2. Things to Do in Chengdu at Night
- 3. Things to Do in Chengdu with Kids
- 4. Unique Things to Do in Chengdu
- 5. Unusual Things to Do in Chengdu
- 6. Best Things to Do in Modern Chengdu
- 7. Free Things to Do in Chengdu
- 8. Plan a Chengdu Tour with ETC
Fun Things to Do in Chengdu
1. Slow Down at People’s Park with Tea and Ear Cleaning
People’s Park is said to be the best place to understand local life in Chengdu. If you haven’t had tea here during your tours to Chengdu, many locals would say you haven’t really experienced the city. Go around 9 a.m., grab a bamboo chair at Heming Teahouse, order a cup of Bitan Piaoxue jasmine tea, and just sit to experience Chengdu teahouse culture.
For the full experience, try traditional ear cleaning — it sounds scary, but it’s oddly relaxing and very Chengdu. While you’re there in People’s Park, wander over to the matchmaking corner where parents display handwritten “resumes” for their kids. This should be one of the most fun and real things to do in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
2. Walk Through Kuanzhai Alley to Discover Old Chengdu
If you’re figuring out what to do and see in Chengdu, Kuanzhai Alley is a good place to go. It is where old Chengdu quietly survives between modern buildings. It consists of three lanes — Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley — all dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It’s touristy, but still worth your time if you slow down. You can step into Sanlian Taofen Bookstore to read in a traditional courtyard, or catch a shadow puppet show that feels more alive than any screen.
>> Recommended 3-day Chengdu highlights tour
Things to Do in Chengdu at Night
3. Explore Jinli Ancient Street After Dark
No trip to Chengdu is complete without experiencing the city’s nightlife. If you’re deciding what to do in Chengdu at night, a tour of Jinli Ancient Street is an ideal choice.
Once the red lanterns light up, the whole street feels like a scene from the Three Kingdoms era. There are often costumed performances with characters like Zhuge Liang and Guan Yu walking through the crowd. And you’ll find teahouses, craft shops, street food, and small stages all packed into one lively stretch.
4. See Chengdu from Above at the 339 TV Tower
The Tianfu Panda Tower, better known as Chengdu 339, is the tallest structure in western China. It may not be as famous as Shanghai’s skyline towers, but the views here are surprisingly good.
At night, the tower lights up with changing colors and stands out across the city. Head up to the observation deck for a full city view, especially on a clear evening. This is one of the top 10 things to do in Chengdu at night if you like cityscapes and photos.
Things to Do in Chengdu with Kids
5. Visit the Giant Pandas or Join a Panda Keeper Program
When it comes to what to see in Chengdu, the giant pandas should be covered on the list. The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Center, often called the Chengdu Panda Base, is a must-visit on any tour of Chengdu. Here, you’ll see adult pandas, playful juveniles, and if you’re lucky, tiny cubs in the nursery. Go early — the gates open at 7:30 a.m., and pandas are most active in the morning.
Besides, joining a panda keeper program is definitely one of the best things to do in Chengdu with kids. Generally, the panda volunteer program is often part of a longer China panda tour package, and you can visit Dujiangyan Panda Base or Wolong Panda Base to experience it.
>> See how to plan a panda tour
6. Watch a Traditional Sichuan Opera Show
This is a cultural experience and one of the top 10 things to do in Chengdu, China for both adults and kids. Sichuan Opera has been around for centuries, and watching it live is way more exciting than you might expect. The music is bold, the acting is expressive, and the local dialect adds character even if you don’t understand every word.
The best part of Sichuan Opera, of course, is face-changing (bian lian). One second, the performer has one mask, the next it’s gone — no one ever quite figures out how.
>> Recommended 4-day Chengdu family tour with local experiencesUnique Things to Do in Chengdu
7.Step into Three Kingdoms History at Wuhou Shrine
Visiting Wuhou Shrine is one of the most meaningful things to do in Chengdu, especially for those who are interested in Chinese history. This is the only place in China where a ruler and his strategist are honored together, with Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang sharing the same site.
Don’t miss the red wall and bamboo path near the entrance on the left. When the sunlight hits just right, it looks like a built-in ancient filter for photos. If you get the chance to join a short Three Kingdoms storytelling tour, do it.
8. Visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Home of a Great Poet
Du Fu Thatched Cottage is peaceful in the best way. Many travelers find this stop unexpectedly moving when planning what to see in Chengdu. This is where Du Fu, a famous poet in China, lived for four years, writing some of his most personal works. The site today is a recreated garden with bamboo groves, ponds, and quiet paths. Even if you’re not into poetry, you’ll find it a calm break from the city.
9. Feel Taoist Energy at Qingyang Palace
Qingyang Palace is known as the most important Taoist temple in western China. Originally built during the Zhou Dynasty, the current buildings date back to the Qing era. You’ll find the atmosphere here is more spiritual than in other city temples.Visiting the Bagua Pavilion here is one of the top things to do in Chengdu during winter. During this time, the golden ginkgo trees surround the ancient buildings, creating stunning views that are perfect for photography.
>> Recommended 4-day classic Chengdu tour
Unusual Things to Do in Chengdu
10. Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Mount Qingcheng Day Trip
Planning a day trip to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng together is one of the best things to do in Chengdu. Dujiangyan is one of the world’s oldest irrigation systems still in use — and somehow, it still works perfectly. Built over 2,000 years ago, it turned Chengdu into the fertile “Land of Abundance.” Walking along the water channels and stone structures, you start to realize how smart this system really was — no big dams, no brute force, just clever design.
Just a short drive away, Mount Qingcheng feels like a completely different world. The air is cooler, the trees are thicker, and everything moves at a slower pace. Paths wind through dense forest, past old Taoist temples half-hidden by mist and moss. On a rainy day, the whole mountain feels quiet and a little mysterious.
11. Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha
Trying to find out what to do in Chengdu, China beyond pandas and normal sights? Head to the Leshan Giant Buddha. It is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved directly into a cliff. Standing by the river, it has watched over passing boats for centuries. Seeing it up close really puts its scale into perspective.
You can hike down for a close view or take a boat ride for the full scene. It’s often included in a tour of Chengdu and nearby areas, especially for travelers interested in Buddhist culture.
>> Recommended 3-day Chengdu panda tour with LeshanBest Things to Do in Modern Chengdu
12. Go Shopping at Chunxi Road and IFS
As one of the 10 famous shopping streets in China, Chunxi Road is Chengdu’s busiest shopping street, always packed day and night. Taking a Chengdu city walk here is one of the most relaxed things to do in Chengdu. You’ll find everything from global brands to street snacks in one place.Right next door, IFS Mall is hard to miss thanks to the giant panda climbing its outer wall — probably the most photographed panda in the city. Inside, it’s all sleek design, high-end stores, and cool cafés, but the real highlight is the rooftop garden. It’s one of those Chengdu top attractions that’s fun, easy, and doesn’t feel like a “must-see checklist” stop.
13. Taste Authentic Sichuan Cuisine (Including Hot Pot)
Wondering what to do in Chengdu beyond visiting the scenic spots? Eating authentic Sichuan cuisine is one of the top things to do in Chengdu. Sichuan cuisine is bold, but there’s always a balance behind the heat. Spicy Sichuan hot pot in Chengdu is a must — spicy, numbing, and completely addictive.
Beyond this, try dishes like mapo tofu, cold rabbit, bowl chicken, and dan dan noodles. For first-timers, a Chengdu food tour is a great way to sample everything without guessing.
>> Learn more about Chengdu food and restaurantsBy the way, if you have a layover in Chengdu, tasting the delicious Chengdu food is still among the top things to do in Chengdu airports like Tianfu or Shuangliu. The prices here are a bit higher than in the city, but it’s a convenient way to get a taste of Chengdu without leaving the airport.
>> Recommended 4-day Chengdu food tour
Free Things to Do in Chengdu
14. Visit the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum
Shu embroidery and Shu brocade are among China’s most important textile traditions, which can be seen at the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum in Chengdu. This free museum walks you through centuries of silk weaving, from ancient patterns to modern designs. The displays are clear and surprisingly engaging.
You can also watch artisans working on traditional wooden looms, producing just a few centimeters of fabric per day. It’s one of the most educational things to do in Chengdu.
15. Explore Eastern Suburb Memory (Dongjiao Jiyi)
Dongjiao Jiyi is a former factory zone turned creative park. Old Soviet-style buildings, rusted machinery, graffiti walls — it’s all part of the charm. This is where Chengdu’s younger crowd comes to hang out. Here, you can catch a small theater show, browse indie bookstores, or just take photos. It’s one of those hidden things to do in Chengdu that shows the city’s modern creative side.Plan a Chengdu Tour with ETC
If you’re trying to add all the best things to do in Chengdu into a limited schedule, working with a local expert like Easy Tour China will definitely make it easier. With over 20 years of experience designing tailor-made private China tours, we are good at crafting trips based on your needs. Whether you want a panda-focused visit, food-heavy days, or a relaxed mix of culture and nature, we can customize a Chengdu tour that actually matches your travel style. Below are our popular China tour packages with Chengdu.