Chengdu Travelers Recommend

Circled by UNESCO World Heritage Sites and brimming with thousands of teahouses, pubs, and street vendors, Chengdu is the perfect jumping-off point for a foray into the wonders of Sichuan. Here’s what to do if you have three days to spend in China’s fifth-largest city.

Day 1: City Highlights

Kick off your trip by getting a feel for this modern city of 11 million people. Start your day with a visit to some of Chengdu’s most beloved residents, the giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. On a tour of the facility, you’ll observe and learn about this threatened species, and if you’re lucky, get to see some baby pandas in the Panda Nursery. Combine a morning visit to the panda center with an afternoon exploring the city of Chengdu itself. Take a city-highlights tour to catch the must-see attractions, such as People’s Park, Wenshu Monastery, Wuhou Temple, and Jinli Street, or hit the narrow streets and alleys to explore at your own pace. Come sundown, give your tastebuds a tour of the Sichuan culinary scene during an evening food tour by tuk-tuk.

Day 2: A Step Back in Time

Many of Chengdu’s biggest attractions lie outside the city limits, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Leshan Giant Buddha. Head out of town on a day trip to see the 233-foot-tall (71-meter-tall) statue, which holds the record as the largest Buddha sculpture in the world. Most tours give you a chance to climb to the top of the Buddha’s head, stand at its feet to take in its sheer size, or hike to Wuyou Temple for some of the best views of the Giant Buddha. There’s also an option to take a boat ride along the Mingjiang River for a different perspective on this cultural wonder. Upon your return to Chengdu, head to a local opera house for an evening of Sichuan Opera, known for its elaborate costumes and face-changing performances. Combine the live performance with a dinner of fiery hot pot for a complete night out on the town.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Chengdu sits amid some of China’s most spectacular natural scenery, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start early on a combined tour to Mount Qingcheng, the birthplace of China’s Taoist religion, and the Dujiangyan irrigation system, the oldest nondam irrigation system in the world. Hike to the top of the mountain, passing caves and ancient temples along the way, or save time by taking a cable car to the top. If time permits, pay a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base or relax and unwind in the Qingcheng hot springs. After a long day of sightseeing, enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel, or if you still have some energy to burn, head to the back alleys of Chengdu for an evening of street food and local beer. 

Despite Chengdu being a booming, ultra-modern city of over 11 million people, there are still corners of the city where it’s possible to take a stroll directly into Chengdu’s past. While sections of town still offer glimpses of traditional Sichuan architecture and work to preserve the city’s cultural past, the absolute best way to experience the feeling of old Chengdu is to tour inside of the temples which still lay scattered about town. As a city with thousands of years of history all resting in close proximity, here are the top Chengdu temples where visitors can gain an insight into the fascinating culture and history of Chengdu.

Wenshu Temple

Beneath the “Peace Pagoda of A Thousand Buddhas,” visitors to Wenshu Temple can relax in the tea garden or marvel at the jade statue which was hand carried by a devout Buddhist monk all the way from Myanmar. Regarded as the best preserved Buddhist temple in the city, Wenshu is an oasis of calm among the chaotic pace of everyday commerce found just outside the temple walls.

Wuhou Memorial Temple (Martial Marquis Memorial Temple)

Almost considered to be a pilgrimage for fans of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel, this entire complex is devoted to the volatile history of the Three Kingdoms period as well as Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, historical figures regarded as two of the most respected and illustrious leaders in the lengthy history of ancient China. Impeccably landscaped and home to cultural relics such as the 12 foot (3.7 meter) high “Tablet of Triple Success,” the surroundings are peaceful enough and the content informative enough to warrant a visit regardless of your Thee Kingdoms knowledge.

Qingyang Palace

Named as a palace yet unquestionably a temple, the Qingyang Palace is one of the most revered Taoist temples due to its location near the boyhood home of Lao Tzu. Also known as the “Green Ram Temple,” the “Green Ram” from which it derives its name is actually a bronze sculpture of a peculiar creature with bodily features from all 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. One of the most popular temples in Chengdu, Qingyang Palace is another lovely spot for relaxing with a cup of tea or watching locals take part in a casual game of mahjong.

Baoguang Temple

Also known as the Divine Light Temple, Baoguang is named for a moment when emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty is said to have witnessed the diving light emanating from the bottom of the temple. It’s mystifying history aside, this massive temple complex 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) outside of Chengdu also houses 16 courtyards and 577 sculptures, all of which display distinct postures and expressions and are unlike any found elsewhere in China.

Zhaojue Temple

Located north of the Chengdu city center, Zhaojue Temple boasts the largest Buddhist shrine found anywhere in Chengdu. This temple dates as far back as the 5th century, and previous temples on this same site were destroyed numerous times before the current version was eventually rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. Zhaojue still maintains a monastery of over 200 Buddhist monks and is considered to be one of the model temples for which numerous Buddhist temples across Southeast Asia are constructed.

With two days to spend in the Sichuan capital, you’ll have time to see the giant pandas; gawk at the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and take in the sights and sounds of this busy city of 14 million people. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your 48 hours in Chengdu.

Day 1: City Sights

**Morning:**Get an early start to see one of Chengdu’s most popular attractions, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Join a guided tour for hassle-free transportation from your hotel to observe these gentle giants as they eat breakfast and play in their naturalistic enclosures. You’ll also have the chance to see red pandas and other regional species, and if you’re lucky, you might get to see baby pandas in the center’s Panda Nursery. 

**Afternoon:**Take the afternoon to explore the streets of Chengdu, the gateway to Southwest China and Tibet. Hit the pavement for a walking tour of the city’s historic shopping streets, or pedal past the city’s most famous sights by bike. Consider visiting Wenshu Temple, Qingyang Palace, or the busy Song Xian Qiao antique market. Opt for a private sightseeing tour for greater flexibility to see what you want and skip what you don’t.

**Night:**After a day of sightseeing, reward yourself (and your tastebuds) with the fiery flavors of Sichuan during an evening food tour of the city. A local guide can take you to the best city eateries to sample some of the foods Chengdu is famous for. Book a hot pot tour to enjoy the city’s most famous food, or choose a back-alley food tour to try everything from noodles to savory pancakes. 

Day 2: Giant Buddha

**Morning:**Now that you’ve had a taste of Chengdu, rise early for a day trip into the countryside to see one of the region’s most famous attractions, the Leshan Giant Buddha. Most day trips to this statue—the largest of its kind in the world—start with a 2-hour drive through the countryside, followed by time to hike to the temple atop the Buddha’s head or explore the surrounding temples.

**Afternoon:**It’s possible to spend an entire day at the Giant Buddha statue. If you’ve visited the top and bottom of the statue in the morning, take the afternoon to take a river cruise to see it from the water, or visit Wuyou Temple, where you’ll find one of the best spots for viewing the statue. Some tours also include an afternoon visit to a local fishing village for insight into the day-to-day lives of Sichuan’s residents.

**Night:**End your trip with a bang by booking seats at a cultural show. Sichuan opera is a popular option, with its unique face changing, folk music, acrobatics, and folk dance. It’s possible to combine an opera performance with a traditional Chengdu hot pot dinner.

Home of giant pandas, an even bigger Buddha, and the famed fiery Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu is the hub of Southwest China and a gateway to Tibet. A day offers plenty of time to put your finger on the pulse of this city of 14 million people while seeing its two star attractions. Here’s how to make the most of your limited time.

Morning: Giant Pandas

Giant pandas have become a symbol of China, and Chengdu is one of the best places in the world to see them. Start your morning early with a guided tour of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. You’ll get to see plenty of giant pandas playing, snoozing, or munching on bamboo, as well as red pandas, and if you’re lucky, baby pandas in the Panda Nursery (particularly if you’re visiting in summer). Learn about the breeding of captive pandas while supporting one of the world’s most successful breeding centers.

Afternoon: Leshan Giant Buddha

While it makes for a full day, it’s well worth the long drive to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during your visit to Chengdu. Take a boat trip along the river to see the world’s tallest Buddha statue from its base, or hike to the top for spectacular views of the region. Alternately, opt for a private or small-group sightseeing tour of Chengdu on foot or by bamboo bicycle. Learn more about Sichuan culture while taking in the highlights, including the Tibetan Quarter, Tianfu Square, People’s Park, and Wenshu Buddhist Temple.

Night: Night at the Opera

You can’t leave Chengdu without experiencing two cultural icons—hot pot and Sichuan opera—and it’s easy to combine them into one night on the town. Start with a meal at a traditional hot pot restaurant, where you can throw your favorite ingredients into the bubbling stock pot in the center of the table. After your meal, head to a Chengdu theater for an evening of acrobatics, music, comedy, and the face-changing performances that characterize the opera of this region. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more low-key, head out on an evening tuk-tuk food tour instead. 

The kingdom of Tibet has a colorful history steeped in ancient religions and complex politics. It’s a place where a sense of adventure runs from the depths of its rolling hillsides to the top of its snow-capped mountains. Chengdu often serves as a jumping off point for trips to Tibet—here’s what you need to know.

Highlights

• Take in the stunning scenery—deserts, grasslands, lakes, and snowy mountains—aboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

• Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landmarks, like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

• Learn more about Tibetan culture while shopping the stalls of Barkhor Street’s busy market.

• Listen to monks debate Buddhist scriptures at Drepung and Sera monasteries. 

• Journey to sacred Nam-Tso Lake, the highest salt lake in the world at an elevation of 15,479 feet (4,718 meters).

Things to Know

• Tours to Tibet from Chengdu can last anywhere from three to six days, depending on the option chosen.

• Most tours include a Tibet travel permit and round-trip transportation (by train or air) between Chengdu and Lhasa.

• Choose between the value of a small-group tour or the flexibility of a private tour.

• Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary widely in Tibet.

China’s Sichuan Province is most famous for its fiery cuisine and endearing giant pandas, but it also has a distinctive cultural heritage and performing arts scene. Here’s what you need to know about seeing a show in Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital city.

• Laugh out loud during a traditional Sichuan opera performance, which typically recounts a comedic folktale.
• See firsthand the Sichuan art of face changing: a theatrical trick dating back thousands of years.
• Most performances include singing, drumming, acrobatics, and elaborate costume changes.
• Make the most of your time in Chengdu by combining a night of Sichuan opera with a visit to the Giant Buddha or Panda Base and a hot pot dinner.
• Expect most performances to last around 90 minutes.
• Most cultural show tours include hotel transfers in Chengdu.

Sichuan cuisine has become one of the most popular types of food in China thanks to its bold and fiery flavors, and the best place to sample authentic Sichuan dishes is at the heart of the province in Chengdu. Here are a few foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Within China, Sichuan food is practically synonymous with hot pot, a vat of broth infused with dried chilies, garlic and heaps of Sichuan peppercorns that are used to add spice to a variety of meats and vegetables. Kung Pao chicken, a famous dish in the West, hails from the Sichuan province and is made by pan-frying diced chicken with dried red peppers and peanuts.

Perhaps more popular in China is mapo tofu, cubes of bean curd served in a fiery chili oil and fermented bean paste sauce. Dan dan mian, Sichuan's contribution to China's many noodle varieties, is seasoned with black vinegar, soy sauce, dried chilies, garlic, peanuts, scallions and mustard root.

Must-Do Experiences

• Get a broad overview of the flavors Chengdu has to offer with a tuk tuk food tour, stopping at food stands where the locals eat.
• Combine a trip to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, which lays out the evolution of this famous regional cuisine, with a hands-on cooking class to learn to make dishes like kung pao chicken and mapo tofu.
• Head out for a memorable evening on the town that includes a Sichuan opera performance and a hot pot dinner.