Chengdu walking tour & city guide
Giant pandas, teahouses and Sichuan spice.
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Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is famous for its relaxed lifestyle, its teahouses and its giant pandas. It is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the home of fiery Sichuan cuisine, and a modern city that combines ancient temples with busy shopping streets.
Pandas and parks
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, on the north edge of the city, is the best place in the world to see giant pandas, including babies, in a large green park. Arrive early in the morning, when the pandas are most active.
People's Park in the center is the best place to see the local way of life: elderly people dancing, singing opera and drinking tea in the open-air teahouse, where ear cleaners still offer their services.
Old streets and temples
Kuanzhai Xiangzi, the Wide and Narrow Alleys, are restored Qing dynasty lanes with courtyards, snack shops and teahouses. Jinli Ancient Street, next to the Wuhou Temple dedicated to heroes of the Three Kingdoms period, is lit by red lanterns at night.
The Wenshu Monastery is a peaceful Buddhist temple with a vegetarian restaurant. Chunxi Road and the modern Taikoo Li district, built around the old Daci Temple, are the city's main shopping areas.
Visiting tips
Chengdu is a base for trips to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the sacred Mount Emei and the valleys of Jiuzhaigou. Watch a Sichuan opera performance with its famous 'face-changing' masks. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
Top sights in Chengdu
- 1
Giant Panda Base
Giant pandas in a large green park.
- 2
People's Park
Teahouses and local life.
- 3
Kuanzhai Xiangzi
Restored old alleys.
- 4
Jinli Ancient Street
A lantern-lit old street.
- 5
Wenshu Monastery
A peaceful Buddhist temple.
- 6
Taikoo Li
A modern district around an old temple.
Food markets & where to eat in Chengdu
Jinli Ancient Street
Snacks like rabbit heads and rice cakes.
Kuanzhai Xiangzi
Teahouses and Sichuan snacks.
Yulin district
Local street food and small bars.
Jianshe Road
A famous street food lane.
Food to try in Chengdu
Mapo tofu
Tofu in a spicy, numbing chili sauce.
Sichuan hot pot
A bubbling red broth for dipping.
Dan dan noodles
Noodles with chili oil and minced pork.
Chuan chuan
Skewers cooked in spicy broth.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Chengdu
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in ChengduCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Chengdu.
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