Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Chengdu travel guide

Chengdu Tourism | Chengdu Guide

You're Going to Love Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and one of the largest cities in Western China. It is known as a relaxed and laid-back city, in contrast to some of China's other metropolitan centers. It is a rich agricultural center and has become known as China's 'Land of Milk and Honey' due to its excellent produce.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Chengdu

1. Its Position

Chengdu is the gateway to the western hinterlands of China and the plateau of Tibet, with some stunning and wild scenery

2. The Pandas

Any visit must include the Panda Breeding Base in the north of the city. This provides a unique opportunity to see these reclusive creatures.

3. Dujiangyan

Dujiangyan is the place to see some of the best examples of ancient Chinese buildings, engineering and Taoist temples.

4. The Food

Sichuan cuisine is some of the best in China and in Chengdu you will find an incredible variety of dishes not found in the Western world.

5. Sichuan Opera

Do as the locals do and visit a teahouse in the evening to enjoy the unique Sichuan Opera shows.

1. Its Position

Chengdu is the gateway to the western hinterlands of China and the plateau of Tibet, with some stunning and wild scenery

2. The Pandas

Any visit must include the Panda Breeding Base in the north of the city. This provides a unique opportunity to see these reclusive creatures.

3. Dujiangyan

Dujiangyan is the place to see some of the best examples of ancient Chinese buildings, engineering and Taoist temples.

4. The Food

Sichuan cuisine is some of the best in China and in Chengdu you will find an incredible variety of dishes not found in the Western world.

5. Sichuan Opera

Do as the locals do and visit a teahouse in the evening to enjoy the unique Sichuan Opera shows.

What to do in Chengdu

1. The Bamboo Chewers

You can't visit Chengdu, the homeland of the Giant Panda, without experiencing the creatures in their natural habitat. It's no secret that Pandas aren't great at breeding and for a while were in danger of extinction, but due to the efforts of breeding facilities around the world, the giant panda is making a comeback. A huge part of this initiative has been the Chengdu Research Base, where they not only breed pandas and let them live in their natural habitat, but explore the best ways to encourage breeding naturally and how to best help the animal in the future. Entry is only around $9 and you'll get an informative video (with English subtitles) which explains the critical role the base plays in the preservation of the species, before being given the opportunity to wander around for as long as you like.

2. The Center Of Taoism

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Qingcheng is the most important center of Taoism and the beauty of the temples is incredible, as is the combination of ancient architecture and the 36 peaks of the mountain around you and the views below. The Waterfalls at Mount Qingcheng are also worth seeing and you don't need to go far to find them. If you want to transport yourself back to ancient China and feel connected to nature, then this is the place to come.

3. Written In Stone

Built during the Qing Dynasty in 1672, this temple is dedicated to Emperor Liu Bei, who ruled during the Three Kingdoms period. What makes this temple so unique and special to visit, other than the spectacular architecture, are the ancient stone tablets it has on display. Most have poems and sayings on them, but the most famous is called The Triple Success and dates back to 805 AD. Seeing something that ancient is an incredible experience. With 37,000 square meters of forest and walkways, you can easily spend an entire day here wandering around in nature and connecting with China's fascinating history.

4. Imposing Carving In Rock

This giant Buddha statue depicts Maitreya, who is said to be the future Buddha of this world. This 71 meter statue is carved directly into the cliff face and faces the river, and has Maitreya sitting with his hands resting on his knees. The reddish rock makes the statue even more striking against the river and green trees. Construction started in 713 and so much rock was removed to build the statue that the river's flow was altered.

5. Ancient Systems Prosper

You might be wondering why we want to send you to an irrigation system, but the Dujiangyan irrigation system is a world heritage site and is 2,000 years old, making it not only the oldest, but also the only surviving irrigation system without a dam in the entire world. Even today, it continues to be of benefit to countless people.

1. The Bamboo Chewers

You can't visit Chengdu, the homeland of the Giant Panda, without experiencing the creatures in their natural habitat. It's no secret that Pandas aren't great at breeding and for a while were in danger of extinction, but due to the efforts of breeding facilities around the world, the giant panda is making a comeback. A huge part of this initiative has been the Chengdu Research Base, where they not only breed pandas and let them live in their natural habitat, but explore the best ways to encourage breeding naturally and how to best help the animal in the future. Entry is only around $9 and you'll get an informative video (with English subtitles) which explains the critical role the base plays in the preservation of the species, before being given the opportunity to wander around for as long as you like.

2. The Center Of Taoism

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Qingcheng is the most important center of Taoism and the beauty of the temples is incredible, as is the combination of ancient architecture and the 36 peaks of the mountain around you and the views below. The Waterfalls at Mount Qingcheng are also worth seeing and you don't need to go far to find them. If you want to transport yourself back to ancient China and feel connected to nature, then this is the place to come.

3. Written In Stone

Built during the Qing Dynasty in 1672, this temple is dedicated to Emperor Liu Bei, who ruled during the Three Kingdoms period. What makes this temple so unique and special to visit, other than the spectacular architecture, are the ancient stone tablets it has on display. Most have poems and sayings on them, but the most famous is called The Triple Success and dates back to 805 AD. Seeing something that ancient is an incredible experience. With 37,000 square meters of forest and walkways, you can easily spend an entire day here wandering around in nature and connecting with China's fascinating history.

4. Imposing Carving In Rock

This giant Buddha statue depicts Maitreya, who is said to be the future Buddha of this world. This 71 meter statue is carved directly into the cliff face and faces the river, and has Maitreya sitting with his hands resting on his knees. The reddish rock makes the statue even more striking against the river and green trees. Construction started in 713 and so much rock was removed to build the statue that the river's flow was altered.

5. Ancient Systems Prosper

You might be wondering why we want to send you to an irrigation system, but the Dujiangyan irrigation system is a world heritage site and is 2,000 years old, making it not only the oldest, but also the only surviving irrigation system without a dam in the entire world. Even today, it continues to be of benefit to countless people.

1. The Bamboo Chewers

You can't visit Chengdu, the homeland of the Giant Panda, without experiencing the creatures in their natural habitat. It's no secret that Pandas aren't great at breeding and for a while were in danger of extinction, but due to the efforts of breeding facilities around the world, the giant panda is making a comeback. A huge part of this initiative has been the Chengdu Research Base, where they not only breed pandas and let them live in their natural habitat, but explore the best ways to encourage breeding naturally and how to best help the animal in the future. Entry is only around $9 and you'll get an informative video (with English subtitles) which explains the critical role the base plays in the preservation of the species, before being given the opportunity to wander around for as long as you like.

2. The Center Of Taoism

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Qingcheng is the most important center of Taoism and the beauty of the temples is incredible, as is the combination of ancient architecture and the 36 peaks of the mountain around you and the views below. The Waterfalls at Mount Qingcheng are also worth seeing and you don't need to go far to find them. If you want to transport yourself back to ancient China and feel connected to nature, then this is the place to come.

3. Written In Stone

Built during the Qing Dynasty in 1672, this temple is dedicated to Emperor Liu Bei, who ruled during the Three Kingdoms period. What makes this temple so unique and special to visit, other than the spectacular architecture, are the ancient stone tablets it has on display. Most have poems and sayings on them, but the most famous is called The Triple Success and dates back to 805 AD. Seeing something that ancient is an incredible experience. With 37,000 square meters of forest and walkways, you can easily spend an entire day here wandering around in nature and connecting with China's fascinating history.

4. Imposing Carving In Rock

This giant Buddha statue depicts Maitreya, who is said to be the future Buddha of this world. This 71 meter statue is carved directly into the cliff face and faces the river, and has Maitreya sitting with his hands resting on his knees. The reddish rock makes the statue even more striking against the river and green trees. Construction started in 713 and so much rock was removed to build the statue that the river's flow was altered.

5. Ancient Systems Prosper

You might be wondering why we want to send you to an irrigation system, but the Dujiangyan irrigation system is a world heritage site and is 2,000 years old, making it not only the oldest, but also the only surviving irrigation system without a dam in the entire world. Even today, it continues to be of benefit to countless people.

Where to Eat in Chengdu

There is great food all over Chengdu. Look out for Lanzhou Lamian, which has outlets across the city. It serves great local food, with noodle dishes from just ¥4. Wenshu Temple Vegetarian Restaurant on Wenshu Street does a great buffet for ¥35 and spicy hotpot dishes from ¥50.

When to visit Chengdu

Chengdu in January
Estimated hotel price
$144
1 night at 3-star hotel
Chengdu in January
Estimated hotel price
$144
1 night at 3-star hotel

Chengdu has sweltering summers and cold wet winters, so Spring and Fall are the best times to visit.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Chengdu

Plane

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport lies 12 miles outside of the city center and has flights from across China and many international connections. You can take the number 1 express bus into the city center for ¥10 or take a taxi for ¥45.

Train

Chengdu has excellent train connections from all across China, with many high-speed bullet trains, such as the service from Chongquing which costs ¥97.

Car

Chengdu is at the center of an extensive highway network across Western China, with the G317 running to the northwest, the G318 connecting with Tibet in the west and the G5 running northeast from Beijing.

Bus

The city is served by a number of bus services from other Chinese cities, such as Hongyan, with a fare of ¥108 to Chengdu.

Plane

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport lies 12 miles outside of the city center and has flights from across China and many international connections. You can take the number 1 express bus into the city center for ¥10 or take a taxi for ¥45.

Train

Chengdu has excellent train connections from all across China, with many high-speed bullet trains, such as the service from Chongquing which costs ¥97.

Car

Chengdu is at the center of an extensive highway network across Western China, with the G317 running to the northwest, the G318 connecting with Tibet in the west and the G5 running northeast from Beijing.

Bus

The city is served by a number of bus services from other Chinese cities, such as Hongyan, with a fare of ¥108 to Chengdu.

Airports near Chengdu

TFUChengdu Tianfu Intl
CTUChengdu
MIGMian Yang

Airlines serving Chengdu

Lufthansa
Good (7,199 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,372 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,112 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,896 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (808 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,845 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,285 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,596 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,695 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,312 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,915 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,324 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (790 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (929 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (151 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (899 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,512 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (336 reviews)
China Southern
Good (103 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Chengdu

Where to stay in Chengdu

Jinjaing District - is a young and lively area with lots of bars and international brand shopping.

Popular Neighborhoods in Chengdu

Wuhou District - is a large and wealthy neighborhood with some historic sights, such as the Wuhou Temple and the ancient Jinli Street.

Qingyang District - is a picturesque neighborhood to the west of the city center and is home to the stunning Qingyang Palace.

Wuhou District - is a large and wealthy neighborhood with some historic sights, such as the Wuhou Temple and the ancient Jinli Street.
Qingyang District - is a picturesque neighborhood to the west of the city center and is home to the stunning Qingyang Palace.
Most popular hotel in Chengdu by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Chengdu

Most booked hotels in Chengdu

See all
Grand Parcvue Hotel Residence Chengdu
4 stars
Excellent (9.4, Excellent reviews)
$102+
View
The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, Excellent reviews)
$199+
View
Dorsett Chengdu
4 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
$66+
View
The St. Regis Chengdu
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
$201+
View
Grand Hyatt Chengdu
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$190+
View
Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Center
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$106+
View

How to Get Around Chengdu

Public Transportation

Chengdu has an extensive and efficient modern metro system. Tickets cost from ¥2-¥4 depending on distance. Local buses cost ¥2.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful and metered. Flag fall is ¥9 and then you will pay ¥3 per mile.

Car

Chengdu has a hugely congested rush hour in the morning and evening, so driving at these times is best avoided. Car rental is from around ¥130 per day.

Public Transportation

Chengdu has an extensive and efficient modern metro system. Tickets cost from ¥2-¥4 depending on distance. Local buses cost ¥2.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful and metered. Flag fall is ¥9 and then you will pay ¥3 per mile.

Car

Chengdu has a hugely congested rush hour in the morning and evening, so driving at these times is best avoided. Car rental is from around ¥130 per day.

Find car hire in Chengdu

The Cost of Living in Chengdu

Shopping Streets

Chunxi Road is the city's main shopping street, with more than 700 stores selling everything from fashion and jewelry to books and music. Songxian Qiao Antique Market in the Qing Yang District is great for crafts, antiques and souvenirs.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk bought in Chengdu will cost around ¥12.25, and a dozen eggs is priced at ¥7.80.

Cheap meal
$4.21
A pair of jeans
$74.53
Single public transport ticket
$0.45
Cappuccino
$5.87

Chengdu Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Chengdu city guide for the best Chengdu travel tips. To help you organise your Chengdu trip ideas, this Chengdu visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.