Chengdu Travel Guide

Sichuan Province | Population: 14,677,000

Being the natural home of the adorable giant panda, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, China is a very popular tourist destination. The cuisine of Sichuan (Szechuan cuisine) is famous all over the world, which is another reason for the city’s popularity. For nature lovers, the city of Chengdu is the easiest access point to reach the spectacular Jiuzhaigou National Park, Huanglong National Park, and other irresistibly beautiful natural landscapes.

In fact, the stunning scenery surrounding the city and other parts of the province has brought the city on the world tourist map in the last few years. The city itself is blessed with a superlative landscape and has lush green areas despite its apparent urbanization. This is because two major tributaries of the Yangtze River, the Min and Tuo Rivers pass through the city limits rendering the land with breathtaking greenery.

The city of Chengdu has a long history of prosperity and grandeur. Historical findings have shown that the city was the capital of the Shu Kingdom in the 4th century BC. These relics can be seen at the Jinsha Site Museum and they showcase how the ancient civilization was highly evolved and cultured. Chengdu City also has the well-known Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a protected bamboo forest area where the endangered species of giant pandas are reared in their natural habitat.

Besides sightseeing in the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes, there are other tourist activities that make the city a fun-filled destination. Walking along the Jinli Street is a popular tourist activity. The street is lined with old-style shops selling artistic souvenirs like accessories made with Shu embroidery, antiques, lacquer showpieces, folk art, calligraphic works, Chinese paintings of local celebrities, etc. Other enjoyable activities one can indulge in include KTV bars, reading libraries, massage parlors, and teahouses.

Where To Stay

Attractions

Besides being the nearest airport to world-famous nature parks and giant panda breeding grounds, the city of Chengdu also has its own popular tourist attractions. The city has several places where families with kids can spend an entire day filled with enjoyable activities.

The Kuanzhaixiangzi is a promenade that is a favorite of locals and tourists. The street is dotted with Qing-style teahouses, restaurants, and modern snack bars where people like to hang-out especially in the evenings. Another attraction that is popularly visited in the evenings is the Tianfu Square. After sunset, the square comes alive with a synchronized sound and light fountain show. The People's Park is another place where the locals and tourists enjoy a relaxing day.

The Chengdu Zoo has several tropical animals, mammals, birds, and other species. It is very close to the Panda Research Base and is usually visited at the same time. The zoo doubles as an amusement park and even has a food court.

The museums in Chengdu City are a treat for those who are interested in history and the culture of a city. The Sichuan University Museum consists of exquisite examples of ancient stone carvings, bronze artifacts, furniture, silk, puppets and other folk art, and more. The Jinsha Archaeological Site has relics that date back to 3,000 years. Some of the items on display are pottery, jade items, blades, artworks of gold, building foundations, etc.

Chengdu City also has new-wave entertainment facilities like Nu Space. It is a concert hall where one can see live shows of rock, punk, experimental, classical, folk, electronic, and other forms of music. This site also has shops selling records and souvenirs. For those who prefer more traditional art forms, the Sichuan Opera will be a real treat. The operatic style is very beautiful with shadow play, comedy, and strongly emotive dancing accompanied by traditional music.

Getting Around

Getting There

Weather

Spring and Autumn are the best times to go to Chengdu since midsummer can be sweltering (highs in summer commonly surpass 30 °C), and the winter is wet and cold. Chengdu is also one, if not the, cloudiest city in China with 24% possible sunshine on average every year.

Home > Sichuan > Chengdu > Chengdu Travel Guide