Choose from 32 Fun Things to Do in Chengdu
ShowingFilter 21-32 of 32 listings.
Sanxingdui Museum
When a Sichuan peasant in 1929 unearthed a piece of jade while digging ditches in a field, he set in motion a chain of events which would lead to the largest discovery of Shu relics known to modern China. Located 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) north of the city of Chengdu, the Sanxingdui (Three Star Piles) Archeological Site covers an area of nearly 5 square miles (12.9 square kilometers) and has yielded thousands of cultural Shu relics which are now on display at the Sanxingdui Museum.
Though mass excavations began in earnest in the early 1930s, it was the unearthing of two sacrificial chambers in 1986 which sent shockwaves through the archeological community. Included amongst the buried relics were ornate and peculiar bronze facial masks dating back nearly three thousand years as well as gold and jade objects which help prove that the Sanxingdui area was the capital of the Ancient Shu kingdom.
All of the relics which are now on display in the museum hold particular cultural, historical and scientific value, and are regarded as some of the finest and most insightful pieces of Sichuan culture ever to be unearthed. In addition to the myriad smaller artifacts discovered at Sanxingdui, larger pieces such as a 12 foot (3.7 meter) tall bronze tree and 8 foot (2.4 meter) tall bronze statue comprise some of the more mystifying and exceptional relics currently on display.
In addition to the treasures themselves an entire section of the Sanxingdui Museum is devoted to the archeological process of locating, removing and caring for objects which are miraculously intact after sitting forgotten for thousands of years. Open to the public since 1997, Sanxingdui Museum is a true cultural treasure set just on the outskirts of modern Chengdu.
Though mass excavations began in earnest in the early 1930s, it was the unearthing of two sacrificial chambers in 1986 which sent shockwaves through the archeological community. Included amongst the buried relics were ornate and peculiar bronze facial masks dating back nearly three thousand years as well as gold and jade objects which help prove that the Sanxingdui area was the capital of the Ancient Shu kingdom.
All of the relics which are now on display in the museum hold particular cultural, historical and scientific value, and are regarded as some of the finest and most insightful pieces of Sichuan culture ever to be unearthed. In addition to the myriad smaller artifacts discovered at Sanxingdui, larger pieces such as a 12 foot (3.7 meter) tall bronze tree and 8 foot (2.4 meter) tall bronze statue comprise some of the more mystifying and exceptional relics currently on display.
In addition to the treasures themselves an entire section of the Sanxingdui Museum is devoted to the archeological process of locating, removing and caring for objects which are miraculously intact after sitting forgotten for thousands of years. Open to the public since 1997, Sanxingdui Museum is a true cultural treasure set just on the outskirts of modern Chengdu.
Address: Chengdu, China
Hours: Ticket Hours: 8:30am - 5pm; Exibition Hours: 8:30am - 6pm; Bronze Exhibition Hall: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Admission: CNY 80
From $ 15
Wangjiang Tower Park & Tomb of Wang Jian
Situated on the banks of the Jinjiang River in Chengdu, Wangjiang Tower Park is dedicated to Xue Tao, a Tang Dynasty female poet who penned some 500 poems. Her marble statue sits amid a bamboo grove. The similarly named Tomb of Wang Jian sits nearby and serves as the final resting place for the emperor of the short-lived Shu Kingdom.
The Basics
These neighboring attractions lie off the main tourist circuit in Chengdu, each offering insight into a notable figure in the city’s history. Visitors to the park can stop at a traditional teahouse for tea made from water drawn from the Xue Tao Well or wander amid the 150 species of bamboo (a favorite plant of Xue Tao).
A visit to the neighboring tomb—the only known above-ground burial site of an imperial Chinese ruler—reveals the only life-size statue of Wang Jian, along with a series of stone statues depicting soldiers and musicians. Some sightseeing tours of the city stop at the park, along with other Chengdu attractions, such as the giant panda breeding center, Wide and Narrow Street, and Factory Memorial Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park and tomb are must-sees for history buffs, literary-minded travelers, and those looking for an escape from the crowds.
- Give yourself 90 minutes to two hours to tour both the park and nearby tomb.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- It’s free to enter the park, but the tomb and a few other structures charge an entrance fee.
How to Get There
To get to Wangjiang Tower Park, take Bus 19, 35, or 1107 to Wangjianglou Gongyuan station.
When to Get There
Both attractions are open daily throughout the year, though it’s a good idea to avoid visiting on Chinese national holidays when they’ll get crowded with domestic tourists. The best time to enjoy the park is in spring (March to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild.
Xue Tao Paper
In addition to being a celebrated and prolific poet, Xue Tao was known for inventing a type of delicate paper, today known as Xue Tao Paper, made from water drawn from the well found within the park. Colorful and delicate, the paper was considered of much better quality than the standard coarse, yellow paper used at the time.
Address: China
From $ 67
Renmin Park (People's Park)
Located in central Chengdu, Renmin Park (People’s Park) offers a glimpse into the day-to-day life of local residents who come here to relax, exercise, play games like mah-jongg or chess, sing and dance, or find love matches for their loved ones. It’s a great place to slow down, have a cup of tea, and experience life as the locals do.
The Basics
A visit to Renmin Park is included in a number of guided Chengdu tours, ranging from half-day to multi-day options. The 28-acre (11.5-hectare) park is beautifully landscaped, with numerous walking paths and flower gardens, as well as an artificial lake where you can rent paddleboats. One of the best ways to enjoy Renmin Park is to people-watch over a cup of tea from one of the many teahouses in the park. Highlights include Jinshui Creek (with numerous trees and flowers along its banks), Heming Teahouse (the largest and best preserved teahouse in the park), Artificial Hill’s waterfall, Goldfish Island (home to hundreds of fish), the Orchid Garden, and the Bonsai Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Renmin Park is open to the public and free of charge.
- Festivals and flower shows are held here on occasion, and entrance fees may apply.
- With a dedicated kids’ play area and arcade rides, it’s a great option for a family outing.
How to Get There
Renmin Park is located in central Chengdu. Take the Line 2 subway and get off at Renmin Park Station. A number of buses also stop at the park, including the 5, 13, 43, 53, 78, and 905.
When to Get There
Renmin Park is pleasant to visit year-round. For flower lovers, spring and summer are the best times to see blooms, while the chrysanthemum show is held in November.
Other Parks in Chengdu
Other Chengdu parks nature lovers should check out include Huanhuaxi, Chengdu’s largest park; Baihuatan Park, known for its bonsai garden and gingko trees; Wangjiang Park, known for its scenic pavilions and many species of bamboo; and Culture Park, which hosts many Sichuan opera performances and cultural exhibitions.
Address: China
From $ 15
Wenshu Temple
Located in northern Chengdu, Wenshu Temple is often regarded as the best-preserved Buddhist temple in the city. Originally known as Xinxiang Temple, the Buddhist center was later renamed after a 17th-century monk who famously inhabited the monastery. The temple features an 11-story iron pagoda—the largest of its kind in China.
The Basics
Though nestled amid a fast-paced street in the Sichuan capital, the grounds of the Wenshu Monastery offer visitors well-manicured gardens and intricate statues and carvings at every turn. Sip a cup of tea from the temple teahouse and vegetarian restaurant while listening to folk music, or visit the numerous cultural relics housed within the monastery grounds, including a broken skull fragment from the monk scholar Xuan Zhang and a jade Buddha from Myanmar (formerly Burma) brought to China in 1922.
Only a few sightseeing tours include the temple, but it’s possible to see it as part of a customized private tour of Chengdu, along with any other attractions you may be interested in.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wenshu Temple is a must-see for those with an interest in Buddhism or travelers looking for an escape from the crowds.
- Entrance to the temple is free.
- The Wenshu complex is an active temple, so please be respectful of the devotees there to worship.
How to Get There
To get to the temple, arrive with a tour group or r take Metro Line 1 or Bus 16, 52, or 55 to Wenshuyuan Station.
When to Get There
While typically buzzing with devotees, Wenshu Temple isn’t as frequently visited by tourists as other Chengdu attractions, so there isn’t really a bad time to visit. If possible, opt for a cool spring or fall afternoon when the weather permits sitting outside with a cup of tea.
The Story of Cidu
According to local lore, a Zen Buddhist monk named Cidu came to the temple during the Qing Dynasty and lived in a hut between a pair of trees for several years. When he died and his body was being cremated, an image of Wenshu, a Bodhisattva, appeared in the flames. This led to the belief that Cidu had been a reincarnation of Wenshu; hence, the new temple name.
Address: Chengdu, China
From $ 15
Shigatse
With approximately 50,000 residents, the sprawling city of Shigatse is Tibet’s second-largest town. Home to thriving businesses, unique shopping and a number of religious and historical sites, Shigatse attracts travelers from across the globe—in part, because the central police station proves one of the easiest (and quickest) places to get a Nepal tourist visa.
The city is divided into two distinct sections: the tiny Tibetan town, which serves as a nod to the city’s roots, and a contemporary Chinese neighborhood that offers travelers a bit more modern flare. Travelers can venture to the Tashilhunpo monastery, where Panchen Lamas come to worship at the feet of the world’s largest bronze Buddha. The free market and gift market in the city’s Old Town neighborhood are great places to spend an afternoon searching for handmade crafts from local artisans, while the nearby Shigatse Fortress offers travelers an impressive look at the city's past.
Practical Info
Shigatse is located on the Friendship Highway and accessible via public bus and minibus from Lhasa, Gyantse, Lhatse, Sakya, Dromo and several other destinations.
Address: Shigatse, Tibet, China
From $ 1,880
Yamdrok Lake
Located about 62 miles (100 km) to the southwest of Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake is the largest lake in southern Tibet and one of the country’s three sacred bodies of water. More than 45 miles (72 km) long with depths of up to 197 feet (60 meters), this freshwater lake is a beautiful jade green color; the mirror-like surface reflects the clouds. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it’s also a place of pilgrimage for the Tibetan people and is said to be the life-spirit of the Tibetan nation. Legend has it that if its waters dry up, Tibet will no longer be habitable. The waters of the lake are also rumored to make the old young again and improve the intelligence of children. Legends aside, Yamdrok Lake is known for commercial fishing and a variety of avian life.
Yamdrok Lake was also home to the Samding monastery, famous for the fact that it was the only one in Tibet to have a female abbot. The residence of the Dorje Pakmo (the highest female Lama), the monastery is currently inactive but is being restored.
Practical Info
It’s about a three- or four-hour trip from Lhasa to the summit of Kamba-la pass, which is 16,319 feet (4974 m) above sea level. From here, guests have the best views of Yamdrok Lake. If desired, they can travel down to the lake to touch the waters.
Address: China
From $ 1,880
Zhaojue Temple
Considered one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in western Sichuan, Zhaojue Temple dates back to the 600s, though little remains of the original architecture. While few traces of the original buildings remain, Zhaojue Temple has made a great contribution to the culture exchange between China and foreign countries. According to Zen history, in the Kamakura period, there were 24 Zen sects in the whole country; 20 of them were from Chengdu’s Zhaojue Temple Yuanwu Keqin sect. The temple has served as a birthplace and ancestral temple for many Japanese and southeast Asian Buddhist temples over the years.
Surrounded by towering pines, cypress and bamboo in the foreground and verdant mountains in the distance, Zhaojue Temple is also known as a place of peace and tranquility. Stroll around the grounds and enjoy a meal at the excellent vegetarian restaurant there, or if pandas are of interest, the Chengdu Zoo is located just next door.
Practical Info
Zhaojue Temples is located at 333 Zhaoqing Road in the Chenghua District of Chengdu, about 3.1 miles (5 km) from the Chengdu city center. Buses are plentiful from Zhaojue bus station, and the site is also located next to the Chengdu Zoo.
Address: 333 Zhaoqing Rd, Chengdu, China
From $ 87
Sichuan Opera House
For more than 100 years dancers, singers and other performers have been presenting traditional Sichuan operas for travelers and tourists seeking a true cross cultural experience. Divided into two distinct spaces, the VIP Chinese Opera House and the Liyuan Opera House, Sichuan Opera House is a must-see stop on any Chengdu visit.
Arrive early to watch dancers and singers expertly apply makeup and get an up close look at the colorful traditional costumes that bring life to this one-of-a-kind act. Audience members will experience the music of five ancient styles, including thumping percussion and high-pitched melodies. Stick puppets and hand shadows are part of this multi-sensory experience that is sure to redefine the meaning of opera for western travelers.
Practical Info
The opera house is located in the Chengdu Cultural Park on Qintai Road. Shows take place every evening from 8 pm until 9:30 pm.
Address: Qintai Lu #23, Chengdu, China
Admission: Ticket prices start at 150 yuan
From $ 20
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Dating back nearly 2,000 years, Wuhou Memorial Temple in a southern suburb of Chengdu is steeped in history and lore. The site is meant to honor Liu Bei, emperor of the Shu Kingdom, as well as his much revered military strategist Zhuge Liang—two immensely popular figures in Chinese history.
The Basics
Rebuilt in 1672, Wuhou Memorial Temple evokes a sense of nostalgia, with its old cypress trees and classic Chinese architecture. The grounds are divided into five sections, including two gates, a corridor, and a pair of halls—the Hall of Liu Bei and the Hall of Zhuge Liang—honoring the two historical figures. The temple often features in Chengdu city sightseeing tours, along with other Chengdu attractions, such as the Chengdu giant panda research base, Jinli Street, and Qingyang Palace. Opt for a private tour to combine the temple with other attractions on your must-see list.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Wuhou Temple is a must-visit for history buffs and spiritual travelers.
- Give yourself about an hour to tour the temple grounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Much of the temple complex is wheelchair accessible.
- Luggage lockers are available near the main entrance to the temple.
How to Get There
The best way to get to the temple using public transportation is to take the Chengdu Metro (Line 3) to Gaoshengqiao Station. From there, walk eastward on Wuhouci Avenue to the temple entrance. Half a dozen public buses also stop at nearby Wuhouci Station.
When to Get There
Since many of the temple’s attractions are outdoors, it’s a good idea to visit during the spring (March to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather in Sichuan province is mild. Expect big crowds on Chinese national holidays.
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Bei and Liang lived during the “Three Kingdoms Period” (AD 169–280)—an era that has attained a somewhat cultlike following among literary buffs and fans of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a 14th-century epic novel. While Three Kingdoms fans will consider this to be somewhat of a pilgrimage, those not familiar with the novel will still enjoy ambling among the cypress- and bamboo-covered pathways of the temple complex.
Address: China
From $ 15
Wuyou Temple
After visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha, make your way to Wuyou Temple on Wuyou Mountain. Traverse the picturesque Haoshang Bridge, a shortcut to the temple over the river, and make the climb up the steps to the Wuyou Temple.
Built in the Tang Dynasty, the site consists of seven Buddhist palaces, all surrounded by lush trees. Featuring an ancient courtyard on the outside with various statues of the Buddhist pantheon inside, this well-preserved temple is a gem. Be sure to make note of the 500 Arhats Hall with its beautifully painted life-sized clay figures of 500 of the Buddha's disciples. Though the stairs up might seem like a workout (it takes about 30 minutes to reach the temple), the views afforded at this height are worth the walk.
Practical Info
This temple is rarely crowded, as many visitors simply go to see the Giant Buddha and then leave. There is a bit of a climb up the hill, but the temple at the top is serene and peaceful. Entry into Wuyou Temple is included in the price for visiting the Grand Buddha and is open from 7:30am to 4:30pm.
Address: Chengdu, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am–4:30pm
Admission: 90 RMB
From $ 84
Shufeng Yayun Teahouse
Located in the Chengdu Culture Park, the Shufeng YaYun Teahouse was once a gathering place for famous Sichuan operatic actors. Now, it is one of the hot spots for visitors to Chengdu and holds the China Sichuan Opera Unique Skills Performance each evening. This helps preserve and share traditional Sichuan arts while providing a glimpse into the past as one of the most popular Sichuan Opera theaters in the area.
Don’t be misled by the term "opera" in relation to the performance that takes place here; instead, it’s more of a variety show of traditional Sichuan exhibitions like puppetry, dancing, singing, music, hand shadows, comedic theater and the culmination: face changing. The performances take place in an open-air theater, and light snacks are served. Knowledge of Mandarin is not necessary, as there is a translator at the show.
Practical Info
Shufeng YaYun Teahouse is located in the Chengdu Culture Park beside Qingyang Palace and near Wuhou Ancestral Temple and Dufu Cottage. Tickets for the show cost between 150 RMB and 320 RMB, depending on the location of your seat and the time of the year.
Address: No.23 Qintai Road, Chengdu, China
Admission: 150-320 RMB
From $ 15
Song Xian Qiao Market
Song Xian Qiao Antique City is the country's second-largest antiques market and an excellent place to shop for souvenirs. With more than 500 separate stalls selling everything from exquisite watercolor paintings to fake Buddha statues and everything in between, Song Xian Oiao market is a treasure trove for shoppers and people-watchers alike.
The market stretches over five acres and houses between 500 to 800 stalls at any given time. For the most established vendors, look in the three-story buildings along Modi and Huan Hua creeks, and if you're looking for a true treasure, compare and contrast pieces and be on the look out for clever replicas.Stalls are not the only place of commerce here; lined up along the creeks and beneath the shop awnings, hawkers from around China display their wares on carpets. It's a hustling, bustling, overwhelming display that is not to be missed. The market is also a great place to sample fresh, local snacks.
Practical Info
The market is located near Du Fu's Cottage and Wu Hou Temple on Huan Hua Bei Lu Road. It's open from approximately 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends can get quite crowded. Bargaining is expected and almost required"”be sure to counter with less than half of the asking price and proceed from there.
Address: Huan Hua Bei Lu Road, Chengdu 610021, China
Hours: Daily 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
From $ 31