Things to Do in Chengdu
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Chengdu, China — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
World's most accessible panda research centre — best 7:30-10:00am when pandas eat. CNY 55 entry. 2 hours. For 12+ hour layovers.
Jinli Ancient Street + Wuhou Shrine
Restored Qing-dynasty walking street next to the Three Kingdoms-era Wuhou Shrine. Free street, CNY 60 shrine. Best at dusk.
People's Park tea house (He Ming Teahouse)
Chengdu's most famous outdoor tea house — bamboo chairs by the lake, ear-cleaning service (CNY 100), 80+ years of tradition. Tea CNY 25.
Sichuan hotpot at Shu Da Xia or Lao Ma Tou
Authentic mala hotpot — numb-spicy. CNY 150-250 per person. Order beef tendon, lamb, tripe, lotus root, sweet potato noodles.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
Compare tours + attractions in Chengdu across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.
Things to do in Chengdu
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Chengdu and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse ChengduJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Chengdu.Eat here first
Sichuan hotpot (mala numb-spicy). Mapo tofu. Dan dan noodles. Kung pao chicken. Twice-cooked pork. Sichuan tea-smoked duck. Tianfu cola. Sichuan pepper everything.
Local tip
TFU is 51km southeast of Chengdu — the longest airport-to-city distance of any major Chinese hub. Metro Line 18 to People's Park (40 min, CNY 8) is the only fast option. Older Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is 16km from centre — check which airport your connecting flight uses. For 12+ hour layovers, the Panda Base is unmissable (book ahead online).
Where to stay
Hotels across Chengdu — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.