Things to do
Chengdu, sight by sight
The attractions worth your time, with the timing, crowds, and trade-offs that guidebooks skip.
Chengdu is not a city of must-see monuments. Its best experiences are a conservation base, a few old streets, a small number of historical sites, and a park where the city goes to sit down. This hub collects our honest guides to each.
Use the cards to decide what fits your trip, then check the related questions for timing and logistics. If you only have two days, start with the Panda Base and People's Park.
All attractions
Start with this one
7:30–8:00 a.m.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The classic Chengdu panda morning: arrive early, watch the pandas eat, and leave before the crowds and the afternoon naps take over.
Free
Jinli Ancient Street
A restored old-street experience next to Wuhou Shrine: lanterns, snacks, souvenir stalls, and a lot of people. Go for the atmosphere, not for quiet history.
Free
Kuanzhai Alley
Three parallel Qing-style alleys with tea houses, restaurants, and polished courtyards. More comfortable and more expensive than Jinli; best in the morning or late afternoon.
1.5–2 hours
Wuhou Shrine
Chengdu's Three Kingdoms history stop: red walls, bamboo, statues, and the tomb of Liu Bei. Pair it with Jinli next door for a half-day route.
1.5–2 hours
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
A peaceful garden museum dedicated to the Tang poet Du Fu, with bamboo paths, reconstructed cottages, and far fewer crowds than the pandas.
Free
People's Park
Chengdu's living-room park: teahouses, bamboo, matchmaking corners, and the best cheap seat in the city. Go for the atmosphere, not a checklist.
Closed for upgrade until April 30, 2027; reopening expected May 2027
Jinsha Site Museum
A Bronze Age Shu kingdom site with the famous gold Sun Bird disc, jade, ivory, and an indoor excavation hall. The museum is closed for a major upgrade through April 2027, so check the status before planning.
Free with advance reservation
Sichuan Museum
A free, comprehensive museum near Du Fu Thatched Cottage with strong bronze, Han dynasty, Tibetan, and ethnic collections. A reliable rainy-day anchor in western Chengdu.
About CNY 10; verify current price
Qingyang Palace
The largest Taoist temple in southwest China: a working temple with a famous bronze goat, a cheap teahouse, and busy festival days. Calm on weekday mornings.
Free garden; heritage area about CNY 20
Wangjiang Pavilion Park
A riverside bamboo park honoring the Tang poet Xue Tao, with quiet teahouses and a small heritage area. A calmer alternative to People's Park.