Where to go in Chengdu? — 9 top, must-go & best places to visit in Chengdu

With a history spanning over two thousand years, Chengdu city has left numerous significant architectural works. What contributes to the picturesque landscape of this city is its fertile soil and favorable climate. Let us dive into about the well-known location that attracts a large number of tourists every year. Hope to help you create an enjoyable journey with your all beloved. So, where to visit in Chengdu and where to go in Chengdu? Let’s check out our suggested 9 top, must-go spots and best places to visit in Chengdu, China as follows!

Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding & Research Base (#best places to visit in Chengdu)

When you go to Chengdu, which is the home of China’s “National Treasure”, the first thing you must definitely do is visiting the sites that currently preserve this rare animal. You may have a close-up look at these amazing creatures in their native habitat at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base.

It was established in 1987 with only six Pandas at that time and as of right now, there are roughly 120 of them. When tours like this are offered, it’s also your chance to visit the museum’s bear reproduction exhibits.

An interesting fact about pandas is that we will often find them while they are sleeping, this is an animal that is only really active during the morning feeding time, so you need to plan your trip in advance when you come here!

The Leshan Giant Buddha (#top places to visit in chengdu)

The Leshan Giant Buddha – a work of great spiritual significance was built and completed after more than 90 years. The Leshan Giant Buddha is about 71 meters high and 24 meters wide, was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1996.

The stone sculpture is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world and at the time of its construction was the tallest statue in the world. It is also the largest Buddha statue in the world, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to visit.

Wu Hou Temple (#where to visit in chengdu)

Wuhou Temple, also known as the Wuhou Shrine Temple of Marquis, is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, Marquis Wu (Wuhou) of the Kingdom of The Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms Period from 221 to 263.

The temple was built in 302 A.D and was reconstructed in 1672 with full of vestiges of the Shu Han Dynasty, including the gilt clay statue of Zhuge Liang clutching a goose feather fan. And until 1961, Wuhou Temple was recognized as a Key Cultural Relics and National Protection Unit of China.

A shrine to Liu Bei, the emperor of the Shu Han empire, is also present here, along with 28 terracotta statues of ministers, generals, and other Shu Han officials that are exhibited in the east and west aisles. On the stone slabs on the temple grounds, there are also several historical tales and poems that date back thousands of years.

If you have ever read the Three Kingdoms and had moments of pity because of the unsuccessful Han Dynasty revival dream of the talented strategist Zhuge Liang, this is a place you must definitely visit when traveling to Chengdu.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System (#where to visit go chengdu)

Built in 250 B.C, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System on the upper reaches of the Min River about 55km northwest of Chengdu is well worth a visit.

Thanks to this ingenious flood control system, the Min River has not been flooded for the past 2200 years and turned the Chengdu Plain in the center of Sichuan Province into the most fertile area in China to this day.

Even now, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System still retains the key economic thought for the rich delta. Besides, this place attracts many tourists because of the technical magnificence of the ancient Chinese people and the beautiful scenery surrounding it.

Wenshu Monastery

Wenshu Monastery was built in 1691 on the ruins of an earlier monastery dating back to the 420s. The Buddhist complex with a total area of more than 12 acres including 5 separate temples from the main materials are wood and stone and to this day it is the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu.

The complex of ten iron statues of Buddhist guardian deities from 960 to 1279, created during the Song Dynasty, is the site’s main attraction, Buddhists from the Thanh Dynasty, which ruled from 1644 to 1911, created more than 100 bronze Buddha statues in addition to several other works using jade and wood.

Numerous other significant cultural artifacts are also included in it, including paintings and calligraphy created by prominent writers and artists in China. This is a location where the essence of thousands of years of Chinese history is preserved, as well as a location where you may completely appreciate the most tranquil and serene moment that you constantly yearn for in the whirlpools of life.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Du Fu Thatched Cottage complex with an area of more than 24 acres, is the place to remember one of China’s most famous poets. It recreates the house where Du Fu lived between 759 and 763 A.D and during that time he wrote more than 250 of his most famous poems.

It is situated in a charming bend of the Huan Hoa River and has lush gardens, pavilions, bridges, and walks lined with trees.

Although it is not original as most of the buildings were built between 1500 and 1800 and were carefully restored in 1949. However, coming here still gives you the impression that you are residing in an aristocratic campus with remnants of the Tang Dynasty poets still visible today.

Huanglongxi Ancient Town (#best places to visit in chengdu)

Huanglongxi Ancient Town is a famous place with a history of more than 1700 years. It is 30km southeast of Chengdu and is very popular with tourists for its beautiful natural scenery and ancient Chinese cultural features. It is frequently referred to as the “Hollywood” of China. Huanglongxi is the cradle of many traditional folk arts, including the fire dragon dance.

Built during the Western Han Dynasty in 206 to 24 BC and so far this ancient town still retains the architectural features from the Thanh Dynasty with 7 main streets and 9 small alleys. In addition, this place is also famous for Co Long Pagoda – the oldest temple in the town, 6 Bodhi trees with more than 800 years old, including one named after the master of the Shu Han Dynasty Zhuge Liang, the mortar Tran Gia’s wind construction dates back to the Qing Dynasty.

Anshun Bridge

One of Chengdu’s most beautiful constructions is the Anshun Bridge, which spans the Jinjiang River in the southeast of the city center with the idea of tranquility and ease. The predecessor of this bridge, though not the original, was constructed in 1746 and destroyed by a terrible flood in 1947.

The bridge was reconstructed in 2003, and since then, each time the city lights up, it has sparkled like a flower.

On the bridge, which spans the river conveniently, there are numerous renowned restaurants and eateries where guests may stop and enjoy themselves. To properly appreciate the bridge’s illuminated entirety and its exquisite reflection on the still surface of the night, you can take a boat on the river.

Wide and Narrow Alley in Chengdu

Discover Chengdu’s old district, which is growing increasingly well-liked by tourists. Due to their extreme narrowness and lack of traffic, these alleyways are only for people who enjoy wandering, this provides the impression that you are in a pre-industrial city that is free of dust and vehicle noise.

In addition to many traditional shops and restaurants lining the alleys, you can also visit more than 20 lovely courtyards and many pleasant public spaces, very suitable for you to relax or enjoy famous dishes. It is also home to a number of important religious sites, including the ancient Manjushri Monastery.

It is also home to a number of important religious sites, including the ancient Manjushri Monastery.

Dubbed the “Kingdom of Heaven”, Chengdu has countless impressive destinations that are always popular with tourists.

We really believe that the aforementioned advice will assist you in planning a trip full of wonderful memories with this city!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Chengdu you can refer to

• Dujiangyan Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng Tour from Chengdu
• Chengdu Gourmet Night Group Tour
• Chasing Dawa for 3 days and 2 nights (free Tibetan travel photography + Gedi Ram +
• Dawa Gengza + Shenmu Lei)
• Chengdu Radio and TV Tower Admission Ticket
• Essence of Chengdu City Private Day Tour
• Chengdu Downtown Private Car Charter
• Chengdu Panda Base Private Day Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class
• Dujiangyan Admission Ticket Chengdu
• Chengdu Food Day Tour with Chengdu Giant Panda Base Ticket
• Dufu’s Thatched Cottage Ticket Chengdu
• Classic Chengdu One Day City Tour
• Giant Buddha and Tea Terrace Town Day Tour from Chengdu
• Chengdu Private Day Tour (With Visit to Chengdu Panda Base and Hotpot Experience)

Read more Chengdu travel guide here: Chengdu travel blog — The fullest Chengdu travel guide for first-timers. And China guide here.