Local Cuisine
Chengdu is renowned for its delicious traditional cuisine, influencing many other parts of the world. In addition, this city is home to spicy Sichuan dishes and different local flavors. Exploring the local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Chengdu and is one of the most unique experiences you can have here.
Hot Pot
Hot Pot is a staple for many Sichuan dinners, perfect for cool nights. Hot Pot comprises vegetables and meats boiled in a spicy oil-based soup. Hot pot ingredients vary by region, although sesame paste, chili peppers, and numbing pepper powder are always used to give it its traditional Sichuan flavor. What makes hot PotPot so popular among locals is that it can be tailored to each diner’s taste while still providing delicious and hearty meals at an affordable price.
The key to getting the most out of your hot pot experience is buying high-quality ingredients – fresh vegetables and quality meat will make all the difference. Also important is correctly balancing the flavors with your choice of sauces, which usually consists of two parts chili sauce mixed with one part sesame paste. Toppings such as assorted pickled vegetables and preserved egg yolk transform the simple ingredients into a flavorful feast that no visitor should pass up!
Street Food
Street food is a cornerstone of the Chengdu cuisine experience. Whether it’s sampling the flavors of traditional Sichuan dishes, or discovering more unusual local delicacies, indulge in the city’s rich gastronomic culture with a visit to one of Chengdu’s many vibrant night markets.
Start your journey with “Chuan Chuan Xiang,” a rare over-the-counter snack filled with varied ingredients, including peanuts and liver, then fish through the many street-side snack stalls serving delicious plant-based treats such as Chongqing tofu cubes or spicy eggplant. If you’re feeling something more daring, why not try the Red Chili Pig Ears, comprised of cold stewed pig ears seasoned with chili pepper? Right next door, you can also find “GuoKui,”; crispy wheat pancakes shaped like udders and filled with savory beef or vegetables.
Finish your street food tour by grabbing some freshly made Mapo Doufu for dessert!
Tea Houses
Chengdu is known for its strong tea culture, where you can visit one of the many traditional tea houses. It returns to one of China’s most influential figures in literature and philosophy, Li Bai. He wrote about tea drinking in Chengdu during the Tang and Song Dynasties.
Tradition still lives on, with locals offering a variety of teas served in traditional ways that are not found elsewhere in China. The local choices can range from green liang cha, smoky black Pu’er, flaky jasmine, or fragrant blossoming teas to bitter verbena, chrysanthemum, and yin zhen silver needle white tea. Depending on the establishment and regionality of the teahouse, you may also be able to taste famous local rice wine and broths made from secret recipes memorable for their flavorsome tastes.
Even if you don’t try all of these unusual varieties while visiting Chengdu, they are exciting drinks that locals enjoy daily throughout Sichuan province.
Cultural Experiences
Chengdu, China, is a melting pot of culture and history. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture, from traditional markets and tea houses to Buddhist temples and delicious Sichuan cuisine.
In this section, let’s take a look at some of the experiences that the city has to offer and let you have a truly unique cultural experience:
Visit the Panda Research Base
The Giant Panda Research Base is an exciting and educational place in Chengdu. It is a sanctuary for giant pandas and a research facility dedicated to this beloved species. The research base allows visitors to observe pandas up close and learn about their behavior and environment from skilled attendants. It’s also a great place to take pictures of these lovable animals, as professional photographers can be hired onsite at an additional fee.
The area encompasses over 100 acres and contains indoor habitats and outdoor spaces for pandas. Additionally, guests will find a bamboo forest, aviaries for lively tropical birds, and smaller mammals such as rabbits, red pandas, parrots, raccoons, and turtles inhabiting miniature gardens and waterways.
Moreover, if you stay until late in the evening, you can witness the arrival of nocturnal animals that call the research center home. Visiting this beautiful destination is an unforgettable experience treasured by all ages!
Explore the Wuhou Temple
Built in the 6th century, the Wuhou Temple Complex is one of the oldest and most important symbols of Sichuan, China’s cultural heritage. It was built to commemorate Zhuge Liang, an influential historical figure from the Three Kingdoms period, famous for his political stewardship, military strategy, and diplomatic success.
The complex consists of the memorial and clock towers on either side of Zhuge Liang’s mausoleum. Both towers offer a captivating glimpse into China’s ancient past as they are decorated with carvings and colorful sculptures that pay homage to Zhuge Liang’s outstanding accomplishments. The Wuhou Temple is a tribute to courage, strength, and wisdom through its many memorials that honor Zhuge Liang’s tenacity.
Visiting this historic temple gives travelers an up-close look into Chengdu’s special heritage, as local culture is intertwined within every aspect of this complex. With verdant trees dotting laneways constructed hundreds of years ago to recreate scenes from ancient Chinese literature, there are many inspiring sights to behold on the temple grounds.
Other attractions within the complex grounds include:
- Hall of Ancients, where visitors can see weapons and weapons systems used during the Three Kingdoms Period;
- Mandarin duck pavilions crafted during Bejing’s Qing Dynasty;
- Central Plain gardens feature intricately landscaped ponds, corridors, and pavilions dating back centuries.
Whether you join in on traditional activities such as Chinese calligraphy or stroll through its hallowed halls, there are plenty of ways to be immersed in this vibrant culture during your visit to Wu Hou Temple Complex.
Visit the Du Fu Cottage
The Du Fu Cottage is a cultural landmark in Chengdu and a must-see for any visitor. Established in honor of the 8th-century poet and scholar Du Fu, it is a complex of structures, including memorial cottages, historical sites, and a museum, all set amid tranquil gardens.
The main stone cottage was built during the Qing dynasty to express love and admiration for Du Fu’s work — it is an important cultural heritage site with many unique styles ranging from traditional classical to religious architecture. Other highlights include pavilions, towers, and pagodas, all gracing around 8 hectares of exquisitely designed gardens inspired by his poetry. In addition, the museum located in the compound presents visitors with an overview of Du Fu’s life and works and other artifacts from Chinese culture through displays of artwork and documents.
Whether traveling for work or leisure, visitors to Chengdu should make it a point to go on this cultural journey to appreciate China’s rich culture at its best.
Outdoor Activities
Chengdu, China, is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, offering various activities for visitors of all ages. From hiking to mountain biking to river rafting and rock climbing, there are plenty of activities to fill up your days.
Here, we’ll explore the best outdoor activities available so that you can get the most out of your time in Chengdu:
Hiking at Mount Qingcheng
No visit to Chengdu, China, is complete without a hike up Mount Qingcheng. Located in the city’s far southeast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled within a valley known as the “birthplace of Taoism.” It is one of the most influential Taoist sites in the world and offers breathtaking views on which to reflect.
The hike is an adventure park-esque experience, with winding paths and hidden gardens spread throughout its charming landscape. The path leads deep into Mount Qingcheng, featuring stunning clusters of ancient courtyards and temples. It takes roughly two hours to climb up to Jin Ding Peak – although depending on your fitness levels, you may take less or more time – for a fantastic view overlooking Chengdu’s bustling cityscape below.
Not only will visitors get breathtaking photo opportunities from their trekking adventure, but they can also explore some interesting landmarks along the way. Points of interest include Laoxianchi (great view), Golden Hall (Jinguangong), Double Dragon Hall (Shuanglongdian), Siyanjin Bronze Statue Temple (Yinchangan), and Huoshaogu (Mint Gate). So whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, there’s something for everyone at Mount Qingcheng!
Visit the Sanxingdui Museum
The Sanxingdui Museum is in southwestern Guanghan city, Sichuan Province. It is known worldwide for its archaeological discoveries and as a major exhibition venue for ancient artifacts. The museum covers an area of more than 50,000 square meters. It is divided into two sections, the first being an outdoor section that features ancient architectural structures, stone carvings, and other relics. The second section is an indoor museum with interactive displays about the ancient Shu civilization this area was once home to. Highlights include ritual bronze wares cast during the 12th century BC, many jade carvings from 4500 years ago, and thousands of pottery pieces from 5500 years ago. This impressive collection gives visitors insight into China’s long history and civilization.
For outdoor enthusiasts who would like to explore even more of what Guanghan offers, there are outdoor activities such as exploration trails to explore nearby ancient ruins or city pathways around the Zhujiang River or through historic sites like Jinkouhua Garden or Shunhou Village. There’s plenty to see and do when visiting Chengdu!
Go River Rafting on the Min River
The Min River is a major tributary of the Yangtze River in western China, running through the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan. It’s a great place for river rafting, offering exhilarating rapids from Class I to Class III and some beautiful scenery.
Rafting on the Min River is an exciting way to explore the stunning nature of southwest China and take in stunning mountain views along the way. It’s an ideal activity for beginner and intermediate-level rafters, with plenty of maneuverable inner tubes. Before hitting the rapids, you’ll be given safety instructions, and after a few practice maneuvers, you’ll begin your adventure!
During two or three hours on the river, you can stop off at one or two points to swim or take pictures. After concluding your trip, you will be taken back to wherever you had started from.
With its stunning views and convenient access from Chengdu city, this outdoor activity will surely provide thrills and make lifelong memories! Paddle through perfect rapids on China’s renowned rivers while taking in majestic mountain vistas at every turn – go river rafting on Min River today!
Shopping
Chengdu, China, offers plenty of shopping options for travelers looking for souvenirs and gifts. Plenty of stores in the city offer local products and international brand names. From bustling markets to high-end shopping malls, the choices are plentiful.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular shopping spots in Chengdu:
Jinli Street
Jinli Street is a commercial pedestrian street in Chengdu that can easily be reached by subway. It is one of the oldest streets and has been around for several centuries. Tourists enjoy the multiple attractions, such as teahouses, Tibetan-style handicrafts, street performances, and local snacks at Jinli Street.
On this commercial street, countless shops can purchase souvenirs and specialties from Sichuan Province. These shops feature handcrafted items such as:
- fans
- embroidery work
- stoppers made from different types of wood
- jewelry and shawls
- Chinese painting materials
- Chinese clothes
Additionally, many restaurants offer local delicacies ranging from hot Pot to spicy boiled fish.
There are also bars in some parts of Jinli Street for travelers to experience a nightlife atmosphere in Chengdu. However, tea Shop culture provides a more serene atmosphere for customers than bars. At these teahouses, people enjoy live performances by local minstrels singing ancient folk songs from China’s southwest regions. International visitors appreciate the cultural experience of sitting with residents and listening to the traditional music performed by professional musicians playing ancient local instruments such as lutes or flutes accompanied by hand drums called bazi gu.
Experience all that Chengdu offers at Jinli Street – touring culture, shopping specialties, and living locals’ nightlife!
Chunxi Road
Chunxi Road, located in the commercial district of Chengdu, is a shopping paradise for tourists and locals alike. This pedestrian-only shopping street has a range of stores and eateries, offering everything from trendy modern items to traditional Chinese handicrafts.
You can find big-name international brands and local labels tucked away in narrow alleyways.
The street features various arcades popular with shoppers on hot days, while the wide selection of bars and restaurants is great for taking a break from the crowds. So whether you’re buying souvenirs or stocking up on daily items, Chunxi Road has it all. Here you can find items such as:
- Silk fabrics
- Tea sets
- Porcelain dolls
- Jewelry – perfect for keeping or giving away as gifts
- Branded clothes like jeans and T-shirts at bargain prices.
Taikoo Li
Taikoo Li is an upscale shopping area in Chengdu, China. It includes a vibrant mix of malls, restaurants, cafes, and other entertainment venues. As a result, Taikoo Li is often referred to as the hub of Chengdu’s shopping and leisure scene. You can find everything from luxury goods and designer fashion to local items such as teapots and spice sets here.
The area has fashionable outlets, entertainment options, cultural attractions, international cuisine, chic hotels, and boutique stores. In addition, dozens of shops offer luxury brands ranging from Dior to Louis Vuitton to Prada. For those looking for a more traditional Chinese shopping experience, various marketplaces offer bargain products such as antiques and handmade crafts like paper-cutting artworks or jade jewelry.
Taikoo Li has several specialty stores selling local items like pandas made from Sichuan chili peppers or embroidered handkerchiefs with distinctive designs from skilled artisans in nearby villages.
In addition to its vast array of shops and boutiques, plenty of restaurants serve creative dishes featuring fusion recipes or traditional Sichuan cuisine that will have your taste buds tingling with pleasure soon after walking in the door! Many cafés provide comfy seating for customers to enjoy pastries or afternoon tea.
Taikoo Li boasts two significant cinemas in the district, allowing visitors – locals and tourists –to enjoy top blockbusters or indie hits on big screens daily! Furthermore, it also hosts cultural events like concerts held at Gaosheng Cultural Square and international exhibitions at TaiKexpo, which allows patrons around the globe to interact with each other on exciting topics related to culture, art, or business!
Nightlife
Chengdu offers a vibrant nightlife scene with various bars and clubs to entertain you. So whether you’re looking for a place to dance the night away or enjoy some drinks with friends, there will undoubtedly be something for you to enjoy in Chengdu.
In this section, we’ll dive into some of the best nightlife spots and activities that Chengdu has to offer:
Live Music Venues
Chengdu is bustling with energy and offers a variety of venues for hearing live music. So whether you want to listen to a rock band or traditional Sichuan opera, there’s something for everyone here.
Some of the must-visit venues include:
- JJ Music Club is the city’s most famous live music venue in the bustling Chunxi Road shopping district. It features classical jazz riffs from local artists and international acts regularly.
- Lan Town Music Bar, located on Wuhouci Street. It features live performances from underground Chinese indie musicians alongside well-known acts worldwide.
- Zebra Cafe serves up an intimate atmosphere and showcases live music every night of the week. This cozy cafe also serves delicious desserts and drinks at reasonable prices.
- Yisimu Café has weekly performances of traditional Sichuan Opera with authentic instruments in a retro-style setting dating back more than 100 years ago!
No matter your taste in music or budget, Chengdu has it all for LIVE entertainment!
Bars and Clubs
Chengdu, China, offers fantastic nightlife experiences for visitors and locals alike. So whether you want to mingle with lively locals in a bar or dance the night away in the city’s hottest clubs, Chengdu has something to offer everyone.
For many, the night begins with a few drinks at a bar. There are plenty of bars and cocktail lounges to choose from in Chengdu – most feature live music or DJs playing top tunes along with friendly staff and customers out for an entertaining evening. Popular bars include Yinxi Bar, Purple Whale Bar, and Monster Bar.
Looking for a lively party scene? You’ll find some of the best clubs in Chengdu. Popular nightclubs such as Starlight Disco feature the best music worldwide and talented DJs spinning beats until dawn. Other well-known clubs include White Chocolate Club, Crave Club, and Blue Lotus Nightclub — all guarantee a fun nighttime experience!
KTVs
Karaoke bars, known as KTVs, are a smart way to spend an evening in Chengdu, particularly among students and young professionals. KTVs features private rooms to rent to sing classic and contemporary Chinese songs with friends.
Depending on the location, you can often bring snacks and drinks or order them directly from the KTV. In addition, many venues carry karaoke machines that you can use for free, and some offer snacks like popcorn and other specialties.
After a night of singing, continue your night at one of the many bars and nightclubs in the city.