Where to Go at Night in Chengdu

Chengdu's nightlife strikes a perfect balance between relaxation and energy. It features the bustling atmosphere of hotpot restaurants and the chic vibes of neon lights. Both tourists and locals can find their own rhythm of nightlife here.

Young people prefer dynamic venues like bars, nightclubs, and live houses, while middle-aged and older adults tend to enjoy tea houses, night markets, or park strolls. Students love exploring night markets, discovering food, and soothing their souls.

As a local guide, here are my top recommendations for different types of nightlife, popular among locals too.

Fifi Xie

7 Years as a Local Guide in Chengdu

Hello I'm Fifi, a local girl. My Chinese name, "Fei Fei飞飞," was given by my grandfather, hoping I could fly out of Chengdu and the mountains. However, my mom changed it to the more feminine "Fei Fei菲菲." So, as "Fifi," who is somewhat "stuck" in Chengdu, I've been introducing this leisurely and beautiful city to visitors from all over the world since 2018. From a poor small town to a prosperous metropolis, I've witnessed the vitality of this city and been gently sheltered by it. I hope to share this strength and beauty with every guest who comes here.

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• Top Night Markets
• Top Night Views
• Top Night Shows

Top Night Markets in Chengdu

Top Recommendation: Yulin Street 玉林街道

• Location: Yulin West Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu
• Duration: 1-3 Hours
• Suitable for: Young people and those who enjoy vibrant local nightlife

Yulin Road gained fame from Zhao Lei's song "Chengdu", which captures the essence of strolling through the city's streets until the lights go out. The song perfectly embodies the local phrase "巴适得板" (meaning very comfortable).

Yulin Street is more than just one bar or street. It's a collection of old neighborhoods. Its lively streets and vibrant energy thrive among old residential areas, where new and old coexist harmoniously.

If time allows, arrive around 5 or 6 PM. You can take the subway to Fangcao Street Station, Exit D, and walk along Fangcao East Street.

This street is lined with charming shops, including vintage stores, boutiques, and dessert shops, each with unique decor perfect for photos. Notable places include CARPARK Coffee and 咔嚓BB机.

Then head to Yujie Lane (玉洁巷), home to quaint bookstores and bars. Visit "退步集旧书房" for a literary vibe. On weekends, the Creative Arts Park might host trendy market events, attracting many young people.

Continue through Yulin Zhongheng Alley 玉林中横巷/Yulin Comprehensive Market 玉林综合菜市场 (bustling with snacks and daytime activity) to Yulin Street.

Here, you'll find the famous "Yulin Skewers", "Wang Ma's Hand-Torn Rabbit", and "Lao Huang's Hand-Torn Rabbit", showcasing Chengdu's love for rabbit dishes.

Spicy rabbit snacks

A few minutes further is Yulin Third Alley 玉林三巷, featuring bars with folk music, often with free performances on weekend nights. Cross Yulin Fourth Alley (Aiqing Street 爱清街) and Yulin East Road to reach Yulin West Road, the highlight of the night.

This area is a hub for young people, with vibrant folk music bars, renowned hotpot restaurants (like Youth Hotpot), and a street adorned with colorful lights and decorations. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Experience Chengdu's lifestyle with us: 1-Day Chengdu Lifestyle Tour.

Second Recommendation: Jinli 锦里古街

• Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Suitable for: Everyone

Jinli is a blend of history, culture, natural scenery, and folk life, akin to Chengdu's version of the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival 清明上河图" painting.

At night, the street is illuminated with bright lights, red lanterns, and colorful decorations, recreating the bustling life of the Shu Han Dynasty.

Night view of Jinli, Chengdu

Though not very long, Jinli encapsulates much of Chengdu's charm. Just 20 meters in, you'll find a shop called "Blowing Sugar Figurines 吹糖人", showcasing a traditional sugar art form. Some local artisans have inherited this craft, creating intricate designs in just three minutes.

This art once attracted children with the sound of a gong. While now fixed in tourist spots, it remains a nostalgic symbol of old Chengdu. Kids can even participate by blowing the sugar (with guidance), creating edible and memorable keepsakes.

About 10 meters further is a stall called "Sugar Painting 画糖人", where sugar is used as ink and a spoon as a brush to create vivid designs on a slate.

Sugar Painting

The classic spinning game at the stall offers a "blind box" surprise, where children spin to select a design, and the artist improvises, adding an element of excitement and creativity.

Continuing to the right at the fork, you'll find a small workshop for seal engraving. Here, a skilled artisan can design a personalized seal based on your name, with customizable stone options, resulting in a unique piece rich in Chinese cultural heritage.

In the center of the fork is a store selling Shu Brocade and Shu Embroidery. Both are renowned intangible cultural heritages representing the pinnacle of Sichuan silk craftsmanship.

Shu Brocade embodies Chengdu's philosophy of meticulous workmanship. Inside, you can appreciate the elegance of Shu Brocade and the finesse of Shu Embroidery. If you're looking for a gift, a scarf or a cheongsam would be a delightful choice.

Jinli's intriguing shops offer much more to explore, inviting you to savor and experience them slowly.

Note: Jinli offers a wide variety of snacks, but they tend to be pricey and the taste is average.

3.Fuqin Night Market 抚琴夜市

• Location: No. 4, Fuqin East Alley, Jinniu District, Chengdu
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Suitable for: Food lovers and those eager to explore local snacks

Chengdu boasts many snack streets, but Fuqin Road is my favorite for its reasonable prices and diverse offerings. You can find a wide array of local specialties here, so make sure to save room for these authentic treats.

Here are some food recommendations:

• Jianghe Si Hotpot 将合肆火锅: Great taste and value.
• Tiepi Che Skewers 铁皮车串串
• Old Liu's BBQ 老刘烧烤
• Green Stinky Tofu 绿色臭豆腐: Made from fresh tofu, crispy and delicious.
• One Yuan Grilled Beef Tendons 一元烤牛肉筋
• Mickey Mouse 米老鼠: Made from pumpkin, reminiscent of childhood with a sweet, savory flavor.

There's so much delicious food that you won't leave until you're full! Enjoy delicious Sichuan food with us: 1-Day Chengdu Panda and Sichuan Cuisine Tour.

Top Night Views in Chengdu

1.Anshun Lang Bridge 安顺廊桥

• Location: Hejiang Pavilion, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Suitable for: Everyone

Anshun Lang Bridge dates back to the Yuan Dynasty and was a crucial hub on the ancient Southern Silk Road. It was listed by the Italian traveler Marco Polo as one of the four most impressive bridges in China.

At night, the bridge dazzles with neon lights, surrounded by illuminated bars and restaurants, casting a dreamy reflection on the river. It is a key landmark of Chengdu's nightlife.

The best time to visit is at dusk to watch the sunset over the river and then enjoy the leisurely night scene.

Anshun Lang Bridge

Hejiang Pavilion is located at the confluence of two rivers in Chengdu and is one of the best spots for photographing the bridge.

Nearby, you'll find the city's only heart-shaped traffic light and heart-shaped graffiti on the crosswalk. It used to be a popular spot for locals to take wedding photos, symbolizing a beautiful wish for their marriage.

As you walk along the river towards the bridge, you'll encounter many young people singing with a guitar and microphone, creating a romantic and pleasant atmosphere for passersby.

Continuing on, you'll reach Chengdu's Lan Kwai Fong bar street. Crossing Anshun Lang Bridge leads to another bar street on the opposite bank, known for its vibrant music scene due to its proximity to the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, offering a relaxing and enjoyable stroll.

Note: If you wish to enjoy drinks and experience the nightlife, be aware that prices here are not cheap, but the quality in Lan Kwai Fong is generally better.

2.Dongmen Wharf 东门码头

• Location: Binhe Road, Tianxianqiao, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Suitable for: Everyone

Dongmen Wharf is a testament to Chengdu's historical waterfront and a symbol of modern cultural and tourism innovation.

Whether you're tracing the millennia-old prosperity described by Chinese Poet Du Fu, or experiencing a "time travel" through neon lights, this spot satisfies both the traditional and international allure of Chengdu.

If time allows, consider combining a night cruise of Jinjiang River with exploring nearby shopping areas to feel the city's unique rhythm of "fast fun and slow living".

Using LED screens and projection technology, the riverbank recreates the bustling trade scenes of the Tang and Song dynasties, accompanied by ancient music and sound effects.

The boat departs from Dongmen Wharf, passing through Shuijin Bridge, Lan Kwai Fong, Hejiang Pavilion, extending to Jiuyan Bridge and Chenghua Park 339. The entire journey is about 4 kilometers and takes 1 hour.

If you choose not to take the boat, you can stroll around the wharf. Nearby, there are cultural and creative stalls selling panda-themed products and Shu embroidery accessories.

Riverside tea rooms offer gaiwan tea, with red lanterns hanging everywhere and a rich array of Chinese crafts, creating a strong cultural atmosphere.

Look at our popular intinerary for inspiration: 6-Day Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Leshan and Emei Tour.

3. Chengdu South Financial City 成都南面金融城

• Location: Chengdu Financial City
• Duration: 1-3 Hours
• Suitable for: Everyone

Chengdu Financial City is the city's core business district, renowned for its dazzling lights, modern landmarks, and ecological landscapes. It's an excellent choice to experience the international urban style of Chengdu, blending the city's ancient charm with new vitality.

Chengdu South Financial City

Here are the must-see illuminated landmarks:

Financial City Twin Towers 成都南面金融城:

• Standing at 218 meters, the Twin Towers feature themed light shows on their LED facades, such as "Poetry on the Moon" for Mid-Autumn Festival and "New Year Celebrations" for Spring Festival.
• These shows incorporate elements like poetry, pandas, and Jiaozi culture, creating an immersive light and shadow feast.
• Best Viewing Time: Nighttime during holidays (e.g., 19:30-21:00) for optimal effects; basic lighting on regular days.
• Viewing Spots: Jiaozi Park, Jiaozi Ring Pedestrian Bridge, Global Center Plaza.

Jiaozi Ring 交子之环

• The world's first circular landscape bridge inspired by "Jiaozi," it synchronizes with the Twin Towers' lights. The bridge's light bands and reflections create a "time tunnel" visual effect.

China Merchants Financial Center 中国华商金融中心

• The red maple stone and glass curtain walls exhibit a unique texture under night lighting.
• The top floor offers a panoramic view of Financial City. The neon signs of nearby culinary landmarks (like Michelin-starred restaurants) add a lively atmosphere.

Global Center 环球中心

• The largest single building in the country, featuring a wave-shaped roof with gradient lighting at night.

Jiaozi Pedestrian Bridge 交子人行桥

• An artistic bridge connecting the High-Tech Zone and Jinjiang District. It offers a futuristic feel when lit at night, with views of the Twin Towers.

SKP - Tower of Life SKP-生机之塔

• Designed to resemble bamboo, with mist symbolizing the "water of life" descending from the sky. The tower is adorned with colorful gradient lights, creating a stunning night scene.

Top Night Shows in Chengdu

1.Shu Feng Ya Yun 蜀风雅韵

• Location: Cultural Park, Qintai Road, Chengdu
• Duration: 1.5 Hours
• Suitable for: Everyone

Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera Performance

Shu Feng Ya Yun offers a unique Sichuan Opera experience, blending traditional tea house culture with live performances.

This style reflects the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu residents, allowing audiences to enjoy tea and snacks while watching the show. The semi-open stage creates a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging audience participation rather than passive viewing.

You can also experience local life activities such as trying on costumes, makeup, massages, and ear cleaning.

The performances feature a variety of traditional acts, including face-changing, fire-spitting, lantern rolling, shadow puppetry, puppetry, excerpts from classic operas, erhu, and suona music. This showcases the traditional street culture of old Chengdu.

The show lasts for 1.5 hours, with the number of performances varying by season. Seating is divided into VIP, A, and B sections, with prices and viewing experiences improving the closer you are to the stage. It's advisable to book tickets in advance.

2.Furong Guocui 芙蓉国粹

• Location: Sichuan Opera Theater, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
• Duration: 1.5 Hours
• Suitable for: Everyone

This is the birthplace of Sichuan Opera face-changing, performed at the Sichuan Opera Theater. The actors are professionally trained, and the seating is tiered like a cinema, providing a theatrical experience.

The show features renowned artists from the Sichuan art scene, presenting meticulously arranged classic performances that highlight all the unique skills of Sichuan Opera.

The face-changing, fire-spitting, puppet face-changing and fire-spitting, costume changing, triple face-changing, and lantern rolling are particularly impressive and unforgettable.

Additionally, shadow puppetry, acrobatics, and puppet performances are crowd favorites.

Shadow puppetry

The performance lasts 70 minutes, with the number of shows varying by season. Seating is divided into VIP, A, B, and C sections, with better viewing experiences and higher prices the closer you are to the stage. It's advisable to book tickets in advance.

Discover Chengdu with China Highlights

China Highlights offers customized tours in Chengdu and across China, tailored to your interests and preferences.

Whether you're fascinated by Sichuan Opera, eager to explore local cuisine, or want to delve into the rich history and culture of the region, China Highlights can create a personalized itinerary for you.

You can check our Chengdu tours for inspiration or contact us directly to tailor make a trip.

• 5-Day Chengdu, Leshan and Mount. Emei Tour
• 3-Day Giant Panda and Giant Buddha Tour
• 5-Day Chengdu and Bipenggou Tour