Planning a trip to Chengdu? This vibrant city in Southwest China is famous for its giant pandas, spicy Sichuan food, and surprisingly relaxed lifestyle.
For us, Chengdu is one of our favorite cities in China (right after Shanghai) — it’s fun, affordable, and full of unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what to do, where to go, and how to plan your trip.
Where is Chengdu?
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province in Southwest China, located about 2 hours from Chongqing by high-speed rail (HSR).
It’s one of China’s fastest-growing cities, blending modern city life with culture, nature, and incredible food.
Why Visit Chengdu?
Here’s why Chengdu should be on your China itinerary:
- Home of the giant pandas
- Famous Sichuan cuisine (spicy lovers, you’ll LOVE this)
- A modern city with a laid-back vibe
- Plenty of day trips nearby (mountains, nature, heritage sites)
- More affordable than cities like Shanghai
For us, Chengdu stands out because it’s a perfect mix of fun, food, and variety.
Must Visit Places in Chengdu
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
This is the main reason most people visit Chengdu, and it’s absolutely worth it. Here, you can see both giant pandas and red pandas up close, which is a really special experience. The best time to visit is in the morning or during cooler seasons, as pandas are much more active then. We went there twice — once in the summer, which was really boring, and again in the winter. Watching them roam around and interact outdoors is a completely different (and much better) experience.
2. Chunxi Road
Chunxi Road is the main shopping street in Chengdu, and it’s quite similar to Nanjing Road in Shanghai. The area is always busy and lively, which makes it a great place not only for shopping, but also for food and people-watching. If you enjoy vibrant city energy, you’ll definitely like spending time here.
3. Taikoo Li
Taikoo Li is one of the most aesthetic shopping areas in Chengdu, as it combines luxury brands with beautifully designed architecture. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s still worth visiting because the entire area is thoughtfully designed and very enjoyable to walk around. It’s one of those places where you can just wander and take everything in.
4. IFS Shopping Mall
Located right next to Chunxi Road, IFS is famous for its iconic giant panda climbing the building. Because of this, it has become one of the most popular photo spots in Chengdu. It’s easy to visit while you’re already in the area, so it’s definitely worth stopping by.
5. SKP Chengdu
SKP is a newer luxury shopping complex that stands out for its unique and futuristic design. One of its most famous features is the glowing bamboo installation, which makes the entire space feel very modern and visually striking.
However, the inside of the mall is even cooler — there are lots of LCD screens, a giant monkey in the middle of the atrium, and many other art installations that people often miss.
6. Kuanzhai Alley
Kuanzhai Alley is a historic street filled with traditional architecture, street food, and small shops selling souvenirs. It offers a completely different vibe compared to the modern parts of Chengdu, so it’s perfect if you want to experience the city’s cultural side. At the same time, it’s also a great place to try local snacks while exploring.
7. Jiaozi Park
Jiaozi Park was one of our personal favorite finds, especially because we discovered it randomly on Rednote. It’s a modern public park that lights up beautifully at night, which gives it a very futuristic and aesthetic feel. We didn’t expect much at first, but it completely surprised us and ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
8. Eastern Suburb Memory
Eastern Suburb Memory is a trendy and creative district where you can explore local brands, cafés, and international restaurants all in one place. The area has a very youthful and energetic vibe, which makes it a great spot to hang out.
Explore Our E-Book
Day Trips from Chengdu
1. Jiuzhaigou Valley & Huanglong
Often called the “Switzerland of China,” this destination offers some of the best scenic views in the country — from turquoise blue lakes to stunning mountains and uniquely shaped ponds.
I would recommend staying 1–2 nights here for the best experience. It’s honestly one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen in my life.
2. Dujiangyan
This is where you can visit the viral bookstore and see the famous “blue tears” river. It’s only about 30 minutes away by train from Chengdu, making it a very easy and convenient day trip.
Where to Stay in Chengdu
We stayed in Chengdu for quite a while, so we were lucky enough to try several different hotels in the city. Here are our top 5 stays in Chengdu:
1. Grand Hyatt Chengdu
A luxury hotel located on Chunxi Road. The location is excellent, and Grand Hyatt is known for its exceptional hospitality. If you enjoy luxury and being well taken care of, this is a great choice.
2. InterContinental Century City
Chengdu This hotel feels like an experience in itself. It’s about a 10-minute walk from SKP, and the design is stunning — a mix of traditional oriental elements and luxury.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Chengdu Riverside
Located just across from Eastern Suburb Memory. It offers a cozy stay and feels more like an upscale comfort hotel.
4. Hotel Indigo Chengdu
An upscale boutique hotel located near Jiaozi Park. Indigo hotels are known for their thoughtful design, which makes every stay feel unique while still offering great comfort.
5. Crowne Plaza Chengdu Panda Garden
Yes — it’s a panda-themed hotel! It’s located very close to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (about a 10-minute drive). The hotel itself is an experience — we stayed in the panda-themed room, where everything was designed around pandas, and the entire hotel follows the same theme with a touch of luxury.
Check out our Chengdu vlog here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many days do you need in Chengdu?
I would recommend spending around 4–7 days here, as there are many great day trips you can explore, such as Dujiangyan, Huanglong, and the Leshan Giant Buddha.
2. What is Chengdu famous for?
Chengdu is famous for giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine, and a relaxed lifestyle.
3. When is the best time to see pandas?
Early morning is the best time because pandas are most active then.
4. Is Chengdu worth visiting?
Yes, especially for anyone who enjoyed a big lively city like Shanghai.
5. Is Chengdu expensive?
Chengdu is generally cheaper than major Chinese cities like Shanghai or Beijing.
6. Can you do day trips from Chengdu?
Yes, popular day trips include Dujiangyan’s Blue Tears and Huanglong Jiuzhaigou.
Explore More Hidden Gems in China
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
- All Posts
- Back
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Taiwan
- China
- Singapore
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
Planning a trip to Chengdu? This vibrant city in Southwest China is famous for its giant pandas, spicy Sichuan food,...
A day trip from Shanghai 上海 to Suzhou 苏州 is a great way to see a more traditional side of...
Hangzhou (杭州), one of China’s most beautiful cities, is famous for its stunning scenery, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere. From...
We spent two weeks in Chengdu, and we knew that one of the most popular day trip destinations from Chengdu...
Planning a trip to Jiuzhai valley and Huanglong from Chengdu but not sure where to start? We’ve done the journey...
Shopping in Shanghai is something that you can’t remove from your itinerary because Shanghai is one of the best cities...
