Top 7 Things to Do in Chengdu

Chengdu is one of the historic cities in China as well as the hometown of giant pandas. It has a long history of 2300 years, and enjoys the title of "the land of abundance". Nowadays, Chengdu has become a tourist city with rich culture.

1. Watch Giant Pandas and Join the Panda Keeper Program

Giant pandas are called living fossil by zoologists. Chengdu is the hometown of giant pandas. Dujiangyan Panda Base offers panda keeping programs where participants can help take care of the pandas.

• Introduction to Giant Panda
• Panda Breeding and Research Center

Recommended tours:

• 3-Day Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour
• 1-Day Chengdu Panda and Sichuan Cuisine Tour

2. Watch Magical Face Changing

Magical face changing

Sichuan opera is one kind of opera drama, and opera masks are the most important component element in Sichuan opera. Magical face changing is a visible stunt used to express the character's invisible mood in Sichuan Opera. Magical face changing should not be missed when enjoying Sichuan opera.

• Magical Face Changing in Sichuan Opera
• Chinese Traditional Operas

3. Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone seated Maitreya in the world at 71 meters (233 ft) high and 24 meters (79 ft) wide. As the local saying goes, "The Mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a Mountain". The Leshan Giant Buddha has been included on the World Heritage List.

• Leshan Giant Buddha
• World Heritage Sites in China

Recommended tour:

• 3-Day Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour

4. Visit Chengdu's Historic Sites

Sanxingdui Archeological Site and Museum

Chengdu is a city with a splendid history. There are many historic sites showing the long history and the rich culture of Chengdu, and the religious culture of Taoism.

• The Sanxingdui Archeological Site and Museum
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Jinsha Ruin

Recommended tour:

• 4-Day Chengdu Historic Tour

5. Visit Mout Emei

Mount Emei

Mount Emei is one of the four famous Buddhist mountains of China. It is one of the most well-known summer destinations in China thanks to its scenery and cultural and religious attraction.

• Mount Emei Travel Guide

Recommended tour:

• 5-Day Chengdu and Its UNESCO Neighbors

6. Relish Chuan Cuisine

Sichuan hotpot

Chuan cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in all of China, and it is famous for its spicy-hot flavors, fragrant and various dishes. Dry-braising and dry-stewing are two special cooking methods particular in Chuan cuisine. Visitors can relish local dishes and snacks at Jinli Old Street.

• Chengdu Food
• Chengdu's Top 6 Special Snacks

Recommended tour:

• Chengdu cuisine tour: 72-Hour (3-Day) Visa-Free Tour and the Essence of Chengdu

7. Onward Tours

There are many great tourist destinations near Chengdu City. Visitors can take some onward tours after finishing a tour of Chengdu. Just tell us your interests and requirements, and China Highlights will tailor-make a Chengdu tour for you. Or please see tours below for inspiration:

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou scenery

• Jiuzhaigou: Jiuzhaigou means 'Valley of the Nine Villages'. Honored as "the fairy-tale world", scenery there is so beautiful that it can take your breath away.
• 5-Day Scenic Tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
• More Jiuzhaigou Tours

The Three Gorges

The Three Gorges: Transportation between Chengdu and Chongqing is very convenient. The Yangtze River Three Gorges are the most scenic section of the navigable reaches of the Yangtze. They form a series of natural and cultural attractions on a Yangtze cruise between Chongqing and Yichang on the middle reaches of the Yangtze.

• Join Our Yangtze River Tours or Book a Yangtze River Cruise

Our Popular Chengdu Tours

Let China Highlights plan a unique Chengdu experience for you today. Choose from one of our pre-designed trips, which feature the best Chengdu has to offer. Or try out a custom tour designed specifically with you in mind.

Here are some Chengdu itineraries for your reference (all of them can be customized):

• 3-Day Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour
• 1-Day Chengdu Panda and Sichuan Cuisine Tour