Top 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

See pandas and join the volunteer program in Dujiangyan Panda Base

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

Or you can visit Panda Breeding and Research Center to see most pandas and cubs there.

2. Watch Magical Face Changing

Sichuan Opera with 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.

3. Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha

Visit Leshan Giant Buddha by hiking

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.

4. Visit Chengdu's Historic Sites

Sanxingdui

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 Buddhism or Taoism, such as the Sanxingdui Museum, Jinsha Ruin Museum, Wuhou Shrine, Wenshu Monastery, Qingyang Palace and more.

5. Visit Mount Emei

Sunrise at 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 attractions.

6. Relish Sichuan Cuisine

Spicy Hot Pot

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 to Sichuan cuisine.

You can relish local dishes and snacks at Jinli Old Street or Kuanzhai Alleys.

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 the tours below for inspiration:

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou means 'Valley of the Nine Villages'. Honored as "the fairy-tale world". The scenery there is so beautiful that it can take your breath away.

The Three Gorges

Yangtze River Cruise

Transportation between Chengdu and Chongqing is very convenient, so you can combine visiting the Three Gorges.

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.

You can Join Our Yangtze River Tours or Book a Yangtze River Cruise with us.

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):

• 8-Day Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou and Chongqing Tour
• 9-Day Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie Nature Tour