Chengdu Deep Travel Guide – Pandas, Culture, and Happiness

One Planet Journey’s Yali Kang continues her deep travel through China, this time visiting Chengdu, the city of giant pandas, ancient tea culture, and spicy cuisine. China’s happiest city is a vast metropolis that still manages to exude a laid-back lifestyle. Get the insights you need to understand Chengdu in this travel guide covering main attractions, culture, neighbourhoods, transport, shopping, out-of-town sights, and of course, pandas, pandas, pandas.

Heard of Chengdu? If you love pandas and Sichuan food, I bet you have. But there is so much more to this 21 million people city. With a history stretching back to the 4th century BC and the ancient Shu civilisation, it’s unique among major cities to have kept its name from its origin to present times. Centrally located as the capital of the Sichuan Province, this city is one to remember. Although 600 kilometres from my hometown of Baoji, I have visited it on many occasions, before (a 10 hour journey) and after the introduction of high-speed rail. A lasting memory is that the whole place smells of Hot Pot. Now it’s time to return and present my second article in the series about deep travel in China, after having visited Xi’an in the first.

Chengdu – A City of Many Charms

Chengdu has a designation of national central city and plays a pivotal role as a hub for finance, technology, culture, trade, and transportation in western China. It ranks among the country’s ten ancient capitals. Chengdu is a bustling metropolis with many famous pedestrian streets worth exploring. The two main reasons tourists choose to travel to Chengdu come in the form of the cute giant pandas and delicious meals.

Food is a big deal with Sichuan cuisine being one of the four major culinary traditions in China. UNESCO has also designated Chengdu a City of Gastronomy. You probably recall the iconic numbing spice of Sichuan peppercorns. Hot Pot is otherwise a quintessential experience, with bubbling pots of spicy broth filled with meat, vegetables, and tofu. Street food in Chengdu is an absolute delight. Must-try dishes include Dan Dan noodles, Mapo tofu, and spicy rabbit’s head. In all honesty, Sichuan food deserves a spotlight of its own, and being a gastronomy centred traveller, I dedicated a standalone guide to its magnificence.

In this article I provide you with all the major sights in and outside Chengdu, like the Panda Breeding Centre, Jinsha Site museum, and the Leshan Giant Buddha, as well as immerse you in authentic cultural activities, for example, tea ceremonies, opera, and mahjong.

I’m attracted to the city’s unique, leisurely, and pleasant lifestyle. Now, join me in a deep travel exploration to find out why Chengdu takes the title of the happiest city in China, 14 years in a row.

Chengdu City Centre – History and Modernity

Chunxi Road Business District 

Let’s get to the action straight away. Chunxi Road is one of the most vibrant commercial hubs in Chengdu. Come here by taking Metro Line 10 from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, heading for Chunxi Road Subway Station. Here you can satisfy all your shopping desires, with malls like Taikoo Li Chengdu and Chengdu IFS.

A standout feature of Chunxi Pedestrian Street is the diverse range of speciality stores from numerous brands. This 100-year-old street has become popular for both foreign tourists and locals. No wonder, with over 700 shops and over 1km in length, including a public square.

Taikoo Li Chengdu 

Chengdu’s fashionable landmark, Taikoo Li, is an open, low-density, block-style shopping mall covering over 120,000 square meters. The mixed development preserves ancient streets and historical buildings while incorporating 2-3 story single-family structures, Sichuan-styled green tile sloping roofs, and large floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls. 

There is a fast lane in the pedestrian area of the mall for big international brands, while the slow lane caters to tea rooms, restaurants, and other cultural establishments.

Chengdu International Finance Square 

The International Finance Square is another giant, consisting of four towers and a podium building. The buildings reach 248 metres, but that’s not what draws the crowds. It’s the enormous Chengdu panda crawling on the facade.

Panda Bookshop 

If you’re a panda lover, you have to visit this bookstore. Walk for about 10 minutes from Daci Temple, or rent a shared bicycle for a quick 5-minute ride. 

From the moment you step inside this Chengdu store, you’re immersed in a whimsical world of pandas. As you’d expect, the shop offers a wide selection of panda-related books and an incredible amount of panda-themed merchandise. Plush toys, refrigerator magnets, bags, badges, cups, and even stamps. Hungry? Then indulge in Chengdu panda cake or bamboo yoghurt bites for a sweet ending to your panda-filled adventure.

Daci Temple 

Daci Temple, also known as the Temple of Infinite Compassion and Mercy, has a convenient location, only a few hundred meters from Taikoo Li. According to historical records, Daci Temple traces it roots to the 3rd century AD. Exquisite murals and bronze Buddhas are its most distinctive and influential cultural relics.

In a frenzied shopping area, Daci Temple offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Visit its teahouse to relax and enjoy a cup of tea when you need a break from it all.

Chengdu Culture and Leisure

The calm demeanour of Chengdu residents reflects a deep-seated philosophy of living in harmony with the world. Despite brimming with vibrancy and modernity, you will witness a seamless fusion of contemporary energy and timeless classical beauty. Here are a few reasons why.

Chengdu Tea Culture 

In Chengdu, tea is more than a drink. It is an essential part of daily life and a symbol of the city’s laid-back lifestyle. For travellers seeking deeper cultural experiences, sampling Chengdu’s tea culture is a good way to understand the local rhythm.

Tea culture in Chengdu is quite informal, not at all as ritualised as experienced in other parts of Asia. It’s accessible to all, and anchored in social interaction. Think relaxed community hangouts where people gather to talk and play games like mahjong, without looking at the time. Connection and slowing down is central to the experience. Teahouses are located in gardens, historic streets, temples, and shopping areas. One of the best-known establishments is Heming Teahouse, in People’s Park (Renmin Park). Despite the peaceful setting near a lake, it gets lively, drawing both tourists and locals. You might have to share a table.

People consume tea everywhere, not only in teahouses. You find them sipping the liquid in parks, back alleys, and riversides. Locals even carry thermos flasks filled with tea as part of their daily routine.

Drink Local Tea

As Sichuan Province is also famous for tea-growing, I suggest you try the regional varieties. The city is close to Emeishan Mountain, a place renowned for its high-quality green tea. Therefore, it’s no exaggeration to say that the most popular tea is Zhu Ye Qing (Bamboo Leaf Green Tea), from this region. It has a somewhat sweet flavour with hints of floral. If you want a more earthy feel, sample Ya’ans Kungfu Black Tea.

Experiencing Chengdu’s tea culture is an easy and soothing way to connect with the city. I enjoy watching the tea masters pouring tea from the narrow and long handle. Quite the show. When you’re in Italy, you have an espresso. In Chengdu, you have centuries of tradition boiled to perfection in a cup of tea.

Ear picking

Ear picking, known as Cai’er in Chinese, is a traditional art form. If you spot someone with a headlamp and an array of finely arranged tools, you’ve found an ear-cleaning master. The entire process lasts about three minutes. It is a relaxing experience, often enjoyed while unwinding at a teahouse. It ends with the crisp sound of the ear picker striking a tuning fork. Curious about how it feels? Try it. It might surprise you how fast it goes and also how comfortable you are placing trust in a stranger.

Massage 

If you want even more relaxation, massage is a must in Chengdu. You can use Dianping (a city guide) to find a suitable place. I recommend a Tui Na (traditional Chinese deep-tissue) massage. Tui Na focuses on restoring the flow of qi (energy) by applying rhythmic pressure to specific points. It is used to treat specific ailments, including muscle pain, joint stiffness, and internal imbalances.

Inside a Tui Na shop, there is a simple and elegant decor with a natural wood colour scheme, which gives it a peaceful ambience. I chose a 50-minute shoulder, neck, and back session. After changing into loose, comfortable clothes, the precise acupressure technique relaxed my shoulders and neck.

Sichuan Opera – Face Changing

Sichuan opera is another culture gem, recognised as one of China’s first intangible cultural heritage projects. A standout feature of this art form is face changing (Bian Lian), where performers seamlessly change their facial makeup multiple times in a blink of an eye. You sit there wondering how they do it. Unlike traditional opera, it has a more playful style with interactive performances, blending singing, dancing, acrobatics, and comedy. Perfect for all ages. The masks represent different emotions or characters, and the quick transformations add a layer of magic and mystery.

You can catch these mesmerising acts at some Hot Pot restaurants, Sichuan eateries, and teahouses. For a deep dive into this art, I highly recommend a visit to the Sichuan Opera House.

Mahjong 

As you stroll through the streets and alleys of Chengdu, you will see groups of people gathered around mahjong tables pretty much everywhere. The clatter of shuffling tiles and the lively calls of the players compose sort of a unique soundtrack to the city’s daily life.

A mahjong table can be a venue for old friends to reunite, or for strangers to meet for the first time. Either way, connections form easily. If you come across a mahjong game during your visit, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this cherished tradition firsthand. You’ll find it to be a mental challenge as well as a social activity.

Jinli Ancient Street

Imagine yourself in the days of the Three Kingdoms with the traditional residential architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The street houses vendors, artisans, and performers, providing a sensory overload of Sichuan flavours and sounds.

This is also one of the most popular attractions in Chengdu, similar to the Kuanzhai Alley. If you go to Jinli at night, the ancient street becomes colourful because of the lights. Thousands of lanterns and folk music and performances make this a lively place. In the Sichuan dialect, it is fun (hǎoshuǎ) and comfortable (ānyì) here.

Kuan Zhai Alley

Kuan Zhai Alley is a charming blend of old Chengdu and contemporary life. It dates back to the Qing Dynasty, when the area served as a residential zone for imperial officials. The restored alleys are now divided into three sections: Kuan (Wide), Zhai (Narrow), and Jing (Well). Each offers a different experience. Kuan retains the traditional courtyard homes and old teahouses. Zhai is more modern lifestyle with boutique shops and restaurants. And last, Jing, showcases Chengdu’s artistic side with galleries and street art. Indulge on local snacks and market browsing.

Nightlife in Chengdu 

Night Cruise on Jinjiang River 

As the city lights illuminate the skyline, the nightlife of Chengdu comes alive. One of the best ways to take it all in is to go on a night cruise along the Jinjiang River. Watch the spectacle from a traditional boat, with the gentle evening breeze helping you soak in the enchanting beauty of Chengdu after dark.

The Jinjiang River night tour allows you to see several iconic landmarks, including the Anshun Bridge, Hejiang Pavilion, Wangjiang Tower, 339 TV Tower, Jiuyan Bridge, and Lan Kwai Fong. Onboard, a variety of cultural activities enhance the experience. The cruise departs from Dongmen Wharf in Jinjiang District and operates year-round from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Anshun Covered Bridge 

Anshun Covered Bridge, designed in the Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural style, is a historic gem in Chengdu. Marco Polo even mentioned it in his travel notes as one of the four most remarkable bridges he encountered. Unfortunately, the original structure suffered repeated damage by floods over the centuries. Therefore, the current bridge stems from the early 21st century, faithfully restored to its historical appearance.

Today, Anshun Covered Bridge is more than a historic curiosity; it is a multi-functional retail space with dining, commerce, and pedestrian accessibility. Why not enjoy a late night drink and watch the city go by?

Chengdu Twin Towers

If you’re seen videos from Chengdu, the Twin Towers in the Tianfu International Financial Centre, will have starred in them. These iconic structures are 220-meter-high super-tall towers, adorned with an all-metal hollow outer net designed in a stunning “ice flower” pattern.

Every New Year’s Eve, the Twin Towers host a dazzling light show. A highlight of the display is the adorable panda “Huahua,” a favourite among tourists and locals alike. To visit, you can take Metro Line 1 from Chunxi Road to the Financial City Station.

Top Attractions in Chengdu

Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Du Fu Thatched Cottage, in the Qingyang District of Chengdu, used to be the residence of Du Fu, one of the greatest realist poets of the Tang Dynasty, during his exile in the city. During the three years and nine months he spent at the cottage, Du Fu composed over 240 poems, including the renowned “Song of the Thatched Cottage Destroyed by the Autumn Wind.” The cottage is a representation of the poet’s challenging life in exile.

One of the main structures, Daya Hall, showcases Du Fu’s life story alongside the evolution of Chinese classical poetry. It offers visitors a deeper understanding of his legacy and the broader history of the art form. If you are interested in Chinese poetry, it is a good place to visit.

Wuhou Shrine

For history buffs, I recommend visiting Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu to learn more about the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). It’s an important historical site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the legendary military strategist and chancellor of the Shu Han Kingdom. Find the shrine in a serene park filled with ancient cypress trees. Liu Bei, the founding emperor of Shu, and other key figures from the era, have their own dedications. Across the site, you will spot beautifully preserved stone tablets, statues, and calligraphy inscriptions. They pay tribute to loyalty, wisdom, and strategy.

Jinsha Site Museum

This Bronze Age archaeological site dates back over 3,000 years and offers insight into the spiritual and ceremonial life of early Chengdu’s inhabitants. Expect to see elaborate sacrificial areas, burial sites, and relics.

The Jinsha Ruins Museum highlights include the Golden Sun Bird Ornament, an intricate gold piece that as become a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage, and the Golden Masks. The exhibits also feature jade, ivory, and lacquerware. Jinsha is only 8 km from central Chengdu, and a must-visit for those seeking to go beyond the surface of the city’s history.

Sanxingdui Museum

This is a bit of a detour, 50 kilometres from Chunxi Road Business District, but for culturally minded visitors it packs a punch. It’s the largest single-building museum in the southwest region. Key relics on display include the Shang bronze sacred tree, the jade sceptre, the bronze standing figure, and the golden staff. They showcase 1,500 precious cultural artefacts unearthed from the Sanxingdui site.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Have you ever tried to heal yourself by spending some time observing animals? It works well for me, and I’m sure Chengdu pandas are on your must-sees when you come to China. Pandas aren’t called a national treasure for nothing. These lovely creatures eat attentively, crawl, roll around, their every move so cute. When you absorb the “magical panda relaxation”, your inner rhythm will also slow down.

You can reach Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding by taxi or subway from the city centre. I advise booking a ticket on the official website. It’s government funded and non-profit with the aim of doing research, animal conservation, and educate tourists on these rare animals. It has over 150 pandas, including the red panda variety, and there is a dedicated museum covering all things panda related.

The research base is home to the Internet celebrity Panda Huahua, who you will immediately recognise. Also, in different panda villas, you can see pandas of different ages. According to the administrator, even animals of the same age have distinct personalities and preferences. For example, some pandas love cleanliness and will not go outside on rainy days. Some like to eat soft food, etc. If you want to see the adorable babies, no bigger than the palm of your hand, visit between July and September and head to the nursery. No words can describe the feeling. Anther tip is to come early in the day as feeding time is between 9-11 am.

Major Attractions outside Chengdu

If you want to get out of the city and have a more peaceful time to explore the countryside, there are plenty of major sights to keep you busy.

Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

This is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China, sprinkled with ancient temples, but also a national key scenic spot. In 2000, it received its designation as a World Cultural Heritage Site, together with the nearby Dujiangyan irrigation system.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is the oldest, and only remaining large-scale water conservancy project in the world today. The uniqueness stems from a water diversion method with no dam needed, a marvel of engineering which has been in continuous operation for over 2,200 years. It brings water to the fertile Chengdu plains.

Transportation Tip: I suggest taking the intercity railway to reach the site. But if you prefer taxi, the fare from Chunxi Road should be around 200 yuan. The journey takes about 80 minutes.

Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha

Mount Emei is at the top of my list for my next trip, and I also recommend it to friends who want to explore Sichuan in a deeper and more meaningful way. Here you find the world’s tallest stone Buddha statue (71 metres), the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved in the 8th century. It stares down at the confluence of three rivers and is one of many Buddhist sites in the area. According to records, the entire construction period lasted about 90 years. The site received its World Heritage Site by UNESCO listing in 1996 as a dual cultural and natural heritage.

Transportation Tip: Use the high-speed rail from Chengdu East Station to Leshan Station, which takes 90 minutes. From there, grab a bus or taxi for another 10-20 minutes.

Daocheng Yading 

Daocheng Yading goes by the name “Soul Last Shangri-La”, so you know you’ve come to a mysterious place. Snow-capped mountains, 4,000 metres high, give way to ancient glaciers, deep gorges, thick forests, and crystal clear lakes. Considered a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhism, there are three holy peaks, Chonggu, Xiannairi, and Yangmaiyong that dominate the scenery.

Transportation Tip: As it is half a day’s drive from Chengdu, I recommend flying there instead. It’s only 1 hour by flight from Chengdu, 1,5 hours from Chongqing and 2 hours from Xian.

Jiuzhaiou

In northern Sichuan Province, named after the nine Tibetan villages in the valley, you find Jiuzhaigou. It is a wonderful place, popular for turquoise alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and colourful forests. The lakes change colour with the seasons based on mineral deposits and algae, as well as trees that fall in. Look for the Five-Flower Lake for an especially beautiful spot. This area has also earned a World Heritage Site listing, offering visitors breathtaking natural beauty and the chance to experience Tibetan culture.

Transportation Tip: First, hop on the high-speed rail from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station. A two-hour journey. Then, take a bus, and you should arrive within 30 minutes.

Welcome to Chengdu

If you want to know the soul of Sichuan, visit Chengdu and experience ancient traditions in a laid-back, modern setting. You may have heard Chengdu is the home of giant pandas, and they are there waiting for you, but this city has so much more in store for you. Historic sites like the Wuhou Shrine compete for attention with teahouses where locals and visitors gather to sip tea and play mahjong. The lively Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Street give you the flavours of Sichuan cuisine, from fiery Hot Pot to street snacks.

Beyond the Chengdu pandas, modern life and ancient culture, you will discover the city’s charm in its unhurried lifestyle and sense of community. Is this the key to their happiness? I hope I’ve convinced you to explore Chengdu and see for yourself. And I trust you’re following me to the next city in China?

Have you seen the Chengdu pandas? Would you go again? Let us know in the comment section! Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.