Choose from 39 Fun Things to Do in Southwest China
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 39 listings.
Happy Valley Chengdu
While small compared to the Happy Valley parks in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, Happy Valley Chengdu features more than 40 rides and provides an action-packed day out for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Happy Valley Chengdu is made up of seven uniquely themed areas, including Sunshine Harbor, Happy Hour, Caribbean Cyclones, Charming Bashu, Flying Island, Magical Castle, and Leap Across the Mediterranean. Within these zones, you’ll find all the usual theme park fare, including roller coasters, water rides, bumper cars, and a ferris wheel, plus various concerts, extreme sports / street dance performances, and magic shows. There’s also a huge shopping mall located within the park, which features a range of food and retail options.
Happy Valley Chengdu has its own IMAX movie theater, plus the Sky Venture, a vertical wind tunnel originally designed for military purposes that simulates the feeling of skydiving.
Insider’s Tip
Entry into Happy Valley Chengdu can be booked as part of a day tour, which means a hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, it’s possible to take a local bus or a taxi to the park, which is located on Huaxi Avenue beside the third ring road.
Address: 16 Huaxi Avenue, Chengdu 610036, China
Hours: Open daily 9am-9:30pm
Admission: CNY190
From $ 90
Du Fu Cottage
The former home of Du Fu, one of China’s most revered and influential poets, this 24-acre (10-hectare) park and museum is now dedicated to his life and legacy. Inside, you can see examples of his work, while the ground’s lush gardens and pretty streams provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Chengdu.
The Basics
Du Fu composed more than 240 poems during the four years that he lived at this site, starting sometime around 760 AD. His original cottage was destroyed, but numerous memorials have been built on the same spot since the Song Dynasty. Today, the compound hosts a recreated thatched roof cottage that serves as a museum to Du Fu, honoring his work and that of other Chinese poets. The extensive grounds are also home to flowering gardens, winding streams, pretty bridges, pagodas, and pavilions amid bamboo, bonsai, and plum trees.
Du Fu Cottage is located near other popular attractions, including Wuhou Temple, so consider a day trip from Chengdu that visits multiple sights. For a greater appreciation of Du Fu, his poetry, and the impact he had on Chinese literature, tour the cottage with a guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Du Fu Cottage is a must-visit for history lovers and those interested in classical Chinese literature.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside exhibition rooms.
- Free umbrellas are available with a refundable deposit.
- Plan for enough time to stroll through the extensive grounds.
How to Get There
Du Fu Cottage is located at 37 Qinghua Street, Qingyang District, in western Chengdu. Take the Line 4 subway to North Caotang Road Station, then walk south for about 15 minutes. Or take the 19, 35, 58, 82, 151, or 1024 bus and get off at Dufu Caotang stop.
When to Get There
Du Fu Cottage is open year-round, with longer opening hours in the summer and shorter hours in the winter. Ticket sales stop one hour before closing time. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll see different blossoms in the gardens: plum trees in the spring, lotus in the summer, chrysanthemums in the fall, and orchids in the winter.
Largest Collection of Du Fu’s Works
Within Du Fu Cottage, you’ll find more than 30,000 pieces of Du Fu’s work, including over thousands of relics. There are examples of his poems carved in stone, in wood, in calligraphy on wood, handwritten copies, photocopies, modern print editions, translations of his poems in 15 languages, as well as murals depicting scenes from his most famous poems.
Address: China
From $ 15
Erhai Lake
The name ‘Erhai’ translates to ‘ear-shaped sea’ — the name giving to the 97-square-mile (250-square-kilometer) lake sandwiched between the town of Dali and the Cangshan Mountains in China’s Yunnan Province. It’s one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in all of China and the seconds largest highland lake after Dianchi.
The local Bai people — one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic minority groups — have long used the waters of the lake for fishing using a rather unusual method. Fisherman train cormorants to catch fish (mostly carp) and return them to the fishing boat. Parks along the banks of the lake offer hiking and cycling opportunities, but most visitors choose to explore the lake by boat. These tours allow visitors to see cormorant fishing in action as well as visit some of the lake’s many islands and temples.
Practical Info
To get to Erhai Lake, catch the No. 2 bus from the North Gate of Dali’s old town.
Address: Dali, Yunnan, China
Hours: 8:30am to 6pm
From $ 132
Huanglong National Park
Brilliant turquoise pools, quiet rivers, cascading waterfalls and mystical yellow rocks are just part of what makes Huanglong National Park, a UNESO World Heritage site, worth a visit.
Travelers love wandering the scenic passes that wind through incredible blue waters and the popular cable car offers impressive views of the landscape down below. Easy walking trails stretch over calcified rock and loop through dense forest, offering an up-close look at this unique
and fragile ecosystem. Visitors warn that while the climb is easy, the air is thinner, so be prepared for a shift in altitude—and perhaps a little light-headedness that follows.
Practical Info
The park is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. It is located 150 kilomteres northwest of Chengdu and 65 kilometers west of Songpan. Travelers agree it’s best to visit this park in the fall when water levels are at their peak and rivers and waterfalls are most impressive.
Address: Huanglong National Park, Sichuan, China
Hours: The park is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Admission: CNY 200 in peak season (April 1 - November 15) CNY 60 in low season (November 16 - March 31)
From $ 475
Jinsha Site Museum
This popular museum is a rare blend of modern Chinese civilization and old-world Shu State history, known for its “three mosts” distinction. Opened in 2006, the Jinsha Site Museum is recognized as holding the most ancient ivory; unearthing the most gold artifacts and uncovering the most jade during the Bronze Age. It is home to a Relics Hall, Exhibition Hall, Cultural Heritage Protection Center and an Ecological Garden. Travelers are drawn to the museum’s rich history, well-kept gardens and impressive collection of lifelike, hand-carved stone figures. Visitors can wander the grounds and take in scenes from daily life dating back some 3,000 years in the famous exhibition hall, then catch a colorful performance at the Cultural Heritage Protection Center.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets cost 80 CNY for adults and sales stop at 5:30 p.m. The museum is accessible via the 306 Bus from Shuangliu Airport, which transfers to the 5 or the 111. The 52 bus from North Train Station also offers trips to Jinsha Site Museum, though travelers must transfer to the 7. The 5, 81 and 7 buses, which start from Chengdu City center travel directly to the museum.
Address: Chengdu, China
Hours: Daily 8am - 6pm
Admission: Adults 80 CNY
From $ 15
Leshan Giant Buddha
Standing 233 feet (71 meters) tall, the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds the record as the largest Buddha sculpture in the world. A Buddhist monk—hoping to earn divine protection for the local fishermen—carved the massive statue into a cliff, starting in 713. Ninety years later, the carving was finished.
The Basics
A day tour to the Buddha statue from Chengdu starts with a scenic 2-hour drive, often followed by a guided tour of the statue. The tour also stops at several of the Buddhist temples that surround the statue, including the Grand Buddha Temple located behind the giant Buddha's head and Wuyou Temple, where you'll find some of the best views of the statue.
You can also take a boat ride on the Mingjiang River to see the Buddha from a different perspective. Tours to the statue are frequently combined with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and if you have an extra day in your itinerary, it's possible to combine your visit to the statue with a tour of Mount Emei, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains and another UNESCO-listed site.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Leshan Giant Buddha is a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Day trips to the statue from Chengdu typically last eight to 10 hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Be prepared to climb up and down steps that could be challenging for those with limited mobility.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Located 85 miles (137 kilometers) south of Chengdu, the Leshan Buddha is best visited on a day trip from the Sichuan capital. To get there independently, take the long-distance bus from Xinnanmen Bus Station in Chengdu to Leshan Xiaoba Station and then take Bus 13 to the site.
When to Get There
Due to Leshan’s rainy climate, it’s best to visit during the spring or fall when temperatures are warm and relatively dry. The area receives about 80 percent of its annual rainfall during the summer.
Notable Details of the Stone Buddha
To help protect the giant Buddha statue from Leshan’s frequent rainfall, its builders constructed a hidden drainage system—a series of gutters and channels that displace rainwater to help protect the integrity of the statue. Among the other interesting features are 1,012 buns of coiled hair embedded into the carved head of the Buddha.
Address: Mt Emei, Shizhong, Southwest China, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Dedicated to giant panda care, China’s Dujiangyan Panda Base, set near Chengdu in the Sichuan province, focuses on rehabilitation, disease prevention, and public education, all to conserve the endangered giant panda. Although the species is one of the rarest in the world with a global population of less than 3,000 individuals in the wild and in zoos, it’s possible to spot dozens of the monochromatic bamboo eaters at the panda base—most are being cared for as elderly, disabled, sick, injured, or vulnerable wild pandas on the road to recovery, but some are healthy, including several in quarantine before and after they leave the country.
Visitors to the research center can volunteer for a day, and once you’re outfitted in work garments and after a physical exam to ensure you’re safe to work with the fragile bears, you can alongside dedicated panda experts to observe and record animal behavior, clean enclosures, prepare food for the pandas, and simply explore the base. Supervised photo opportunities with pandas require additional fees (1800 RMB per person) that go toward supporting research at the base. All panda interactions are closely monitored by trained staff.
The sprawling 126-acre site is divided into six separate zones dedicated to various areas of research and care. Guests will find 40 sets of enclosures, a panda hospital, a medical lab, and an educational center with a small auditorium and interactive displays covering the center’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Practical Info
The Dujiangyan Panda Base is about 34 miles (55 km) from Chengdu city center. Advance booking of most tours and activities at the base is essential, as a daily limit of 30 volunteers is implemented.
Address: 1375 Xiongmao Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
Hours: 7:30am–6pm
Admission: CNY 58
From $ 70
Chongqing Zoo (Chongqing Dongwuyuan)
Travelers don’t have to venture out into nature to get an up close look at one of China’s top wildlife attractions. That’s because since 1955 Chongqing Zoo has been showcasing the country’s most rare and most beloved animals—like giant pandas and the South China Tiger—to visitors. This destination is stationed along the Yangtze River and serves as a hub for both research and conservation. It’s home to some 230 species and more than 4,000 animals.
In addition to natural landscapes, protected areas and animal exhibitions, families will find an amusement park, outdoor stage, restaurant and even a dry skating rink. The Chongqing Zoo is the perfect place to spend an afternoon—or even an entire day—getting a unique look at nature without ever leaving the city.
Practical Info
The zoo is located about 8 kilometers from the center of the city on Xijiao Road in the Jiulongpo District of Chongqing. Entrance fees are CNY30 per person between February and October and CNY20 per person from December to January. Fees are reduced for children and travelers with luggage can store their bags at the Visitor center near the zoo’s main entrance.
Address: Xijiao Road, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, China
Admission: CNY30 per person between February and October and CNY20 per person from December to January.
From $ 47
Cangshan Mountain
Famous for its colorful azalea flowers, Cangshan Mountain rises over the city of Dali and the shores of Lake Erhai beyond. Visitors can either hike or take a cable car up the mountain, where a paved road leads down past various points of interest. From Zhonghe Temple at the top of the cable car, various hiking trails branch out into the surrounding forests toward smaller temples, pools, waterfalls and scenic areas.
Cangshan Mountain is also a famous producer of a variety of marble called Cangshan Stone, recognizable by the unique patterns in the smooth rock. Local artists carve the marble into animals, people or natural scenes — popular souvenirs available on the mountain or in shops in Dali Old Town.
Practical Info
There are no restaurants or cafes on the mountain, so be sure to bring lunch or some snacks with you when you visit.
Address: Dali, Yunnan 671000, China
Hours: 8:30am-6pm
Admission: 40 RMB
From $ 129
Chengdu Culture Park
The Chengdu Culture Park, a downtown green space, specializes in displaying Chinese culture. Located next to Qingyang Palace, there are a variety of special events that take place at the park; it’s also a popular place to watch the Sichuan Opera, a theater form unique to China. Some of the special events include the Lantern Festival carnival, a flower festival, art displays and photography displays. Also in the area is the old Taoist Qingyang Temple, which dates from the Tang period (618-907), while the present buildings are from the Qing period (1644-1911). Also of interest is the Pavilion of the Eight Trigrams, featuring eight stone pillars carved with dragon patterns.
A gathering place for the community, the garden features lush foliage, bonsai displays and historical monuments and sculptures. It’s an area frequented by card players and Mahjong players enjoying the day and a bit of fellowship.
Practical Info
Chengdu Culture Park is located at 23 Qingtai Road in the Qingyang District, about a two-block (15-minute) walk west of Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao holds court. Entry to the park is free.
Address: 23 Qingtai Road, Chengdu, China
From $ 20
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Originally built in 256 BC, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is the world’s oldest non-dam irrigation facility. A marvel of engineering, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dujiangyan uses the natural topography of the region, as well as hydrological features of the river, to irrigate 1.65 million acres (668,700 hectares) of farmland.
The Basics
View key portions of the irrigation system from the Anlan cable bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge reinforced with steel. It replaces a wooden bridge that crossed the span a thousand years ago. Be sure to visit Erwang (Two Kings) Temple, an ornate wooden structure built to honor the irrigation system’s two designers, Li Bing and his son. There are also other temples and scenic riverside trails for visitors to enjoy.
Many visitors combine a trip to Dujiangyan Irrigation System with a trip to nearby Mount Qingcheng. While it’s possible to visit either independently, a guided tour will help travelers gain a better understanding of the irrigation system history and engineering.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The grounds are vast, so plan for several hours at the site and wear comfortable shoes.
- You can rent English audio guides for a fee.
- A full day tour of Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng can take upwards of 10 hours.
How to Get There
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is located 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Chengdu. From Chengdu airport, there is a direct bus to Dujiangyan City, which takes about 90 minutes. From Chengdu, take the ChengGuan Line from Chengdu North Railway Station to Dujiangyan Railway Station, or Lidui Park Station, about 30 minutes. Visitors can also take a bus from Chadianzi Bus Station in Chengdu to Dujiangyan Bus Station.
When to Get There
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is open year-round, but offers slightly reduced hours in the winter. The best times to visit are from April to October, when the weather will still be pleasant and the trees lush and green. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Key Components of Dujiangyan Irrigation System
There are three key components to the irrigation system: the Yuzui (Fish Mouth), a levee in the middle of the river shaped to control the flow of water that enters the two channels; the Baopingkou Diversion Passage, used to regulate the amount of water entering the system; and the Feishayan Spillway, which discharges silt and regulates water quality.
Address: China
From $ 15
Huanglongxi
An ancient town located about 18.6 miles (30 km) southeast from Chengdu, Huanglongxi is named for the Huanglong River, which flows through it. The town consists of seven well-preserved, ancient streets, which were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and also includes three temples: Gulong, Zhenjiang and Chaoyin. These three, along with two others in the immediate area, are what attract visitors to the site. Pay particular attention to the preserved stilt houses (built in levels to hold livestock on the ground floor), which are remnants of the Shu people, as well as the ancient 800-year-old banyan trees.
Also near Huanglongxi are the Ancient Buddha Cave; the Buddha Weir, a narrow, stone-walled canal that leads fish into a closed tank where they can be caught; and an old military encampment called the Old Battlefield. Huanglongxi is also home to cliff tombs, which are burial sites of the Han Dynasty that have received architectural interest in recent years. The picturesque landscape and preserved buildings have also attracted filmmakers (more than 200 movies have been filmed here). With this, Huanglongxi has earned the title of the "Hollywood of China."
Practical Info
Huanglonxi is accessible by bus from either the Jin Sha Bus Station or the Xinnanmen bus station in Chengdu; the trip will take between 70 and 80 minutes. Once you arrive, the town is navigable by foot and admission is free.
Address: Huanglongxi, China
From $ 15
Gyantse
Once a hub for trade with India and later a battlefield under British attack, Gyantse is a city steeped in history with a culture and people still deeply rooted in tradition. Travelers who venture to this destination, which is located along the Nyang-chu River, will find sprawling fields in quiet residential neighborhoods, while Buddhist temples and lively local markets exist closer to the center of town.
Gyantse’s size makes it easy to navigate on foot, and several sites are certainly worth making a visit. Pelkor Choede, known as the center of Gyantse, is a yellow hat monastery that, despite a lack of upkeep, showcases local religion and tradition through interior paintings and traditional architecture. Travelers learn about the city’s past at Gyantse Dzong, an ancient fort that’s also home to an Anti-British Imperialists museum. And the eight-story Gyantse Kumbum showcases ornate artwork and highly detailed Buddhist images that are sure to impress most any traveler.
Practical Info
Public buses run routes between Gyantse, Xigatse and Lhasa, but most travelers still elect to arrive via organized tour from the capital.
Address: Gyantse, Tibet, China
From $ 1,880
Lingyun Temple
Located on Lingyun Mountain, Lingyun Temple is also referred to as the Great Buddha Temple because of its spot at the head of the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world.On both sides of the entrance gate to the temple are four memorial monuments, with the principal building composed of the Tianwang, or Heavenly King Hall, the Precious Hall of the Great Hero and the Scripture Collection Hall, all of which neatly form a multi-tiered courtyard house.
It’s said that in the year 713, the confluence waterway of the Dadu, Min and Qingyi rivers was a rushing torrent and a danger to both shipping vessels and the livelihood of the local people. A monk of the Lingyun Temple believed that the waters might be calmed if a giant likeness of Buddha was chiseled out of the cliffs, facing the turbulent waterway, so the Leshan Giant Buddha was created and has supposedly been protecting those who navigate the river ever since.
Practical Info
A great option for a day trip, Lingyun Temple is located about a two-hour drive outside of Chengdu. Take a taxi from Leshan City to the Giant Buddha or take a ferry ship from Leshan Harbor to the Giant Buddha.
Address: Lingyun Mountain, Leshan, China
Hours: Daily 9am-4:50pm
Admission: 90 RMB
From $ 84
Luodai
Visitors flock to Luodai, an ancient town located in the Sichuan area of China, about 12.8 miles (20 kilometers) from Chengdu City. Situated at the base of Er’eshan Mountain as part of the Longquanshan Mountains, Luodai is considered the largest and best-preserved Hakka ancient town in the western part of the country. Ninety percent of Luodai’s inhabitants are Hakka, and the Hakka language is still spoken here.
Built more than 1,000 years ago, Luodai has a long history and, now, a vibrant tourist culture. The architecture and layout of the ancient town preserves the typical styles from Ming and Qing dynasties, with old streets, Hakka folk houses and narrow alleys. There are also several parks, a museum and four guildhalls, which add great historical and artistic value. Created in the typical architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the guildhalls feature exquisite carvings of Chinese motifs like dragons, flowers, phoenix and other birds. Be sure to check out the picturesque Yudai Lake and Jinlong Great Wall and Temple.
Practical Info
Luodai Ancient Town is located about an hour’s bus ride from downtown Chengdu and makes a pleasant day trip. You can take bus #81 or #58 from Chengdu city to Wuguiqiao Long Distance Bus Station. Public buses from Wugui go directly to Luodai every five minutes, while traveling via private vehicle takes about 30 minutes from Chengdu to Luodai. Entrance is free.
Address: Luodai, China
From $ 15
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Set in northern Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou Valley is regarded by many Chinese as a place akin to being heaven on Earth. One of China’s most famous National Parks, Jiuzhaigou Valley is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where giant pandas (albeit only about 20) still roam the forested hillsides. A remote wilderness set on the steps of the Tibetan Himalayan Plateau, Jiuzhaigou Valley is a 278 square mile (720 square kilometer) wonderland of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls and snowcapped mountain peaks which form the southern edge of the Minshan mountain range.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is literally translated as “Nine Village Valley,” of the nine Tibetan villages from which the park derives its name, and seven are still inhabited and accessible to park visitors and trekkers. With a population numbering little more than 1,000 inhabitants, the simple villages of Jiuzhaigou are an alluring and mystical complement to the pristine panoramas and scenery.
Located 205 miles (330 kilometers) from the city of Chengdu, this once inaccessible valley is rapidly growing in visitor popularity and is now accessible by either a ten hour bus ride or a 40 minute plane flight. Myriad trekking options lay scattered throughout the park, despite elevations which range from 6,600 to 15,700 feet (10,621.7 to 25,266.7 kilometers). Scores of visitors opt to trek to serene backcountry outposts such as Five Color Pond in the Zechara Gully, where travertine mineral formations provide a kaleidoscope of colors drifting in the high-altitude waters.
While the presence of wild giant pandas understandably dominates talk of the park’s flora and fauna, Jiuzhaigou Valley also houses over 140 bird species as well as golden monkeys, golden pheasants and the rarely sighted and reclusive snow leopards. Though the future of Jiuzhaigou Valley remains uncertain amid concerns over growing visitor numbers, the entire region nevertheless ranks as one of China’s most revered and scenic natural outposts.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is literally translated as “Nine Village Valley,” of the nine Tibetan villages from which the park derives its name, and seven are still inhabited and accessible to park visitors and trekkers. With a population numbering little more than 1,000 inhabitants, the simple villages of Jiuzhaigou are an alluring and mystical complement to the pristine panoramas and scenery.
Located 205 miles (330 kilometers) from the city of Chengdu, this once inaccessible valley is rapidly growing in visitor popularity and is now accessible by either a ten hour bus ride or a 40 minute plane flight. Myriad trekking options lay scattered throughout the park, despite elevations which range from 6,600 to 15,700 feet (10,621.7 to 25,266.7 kilometers). Scores of visitors opt to trek to serene backcountry outposts such as Five Color Pond in the Zechara Gully, where travertine mineral formations provide a kaleidoscope of colors drifting in the high-altitude waters.
While the presence of wild giant pandas understandably dominates talk of the park’s flora and fauna, Jiuzhaigou Valley also houses over 140 bird species as well as golden monkeys, golden pheasants and the rarely sighted and reclusive snow leopards. Though the future of Jiuzhaigou Valley remains uncertain amid concerns over growing visitor numbers, the entire region nevertheless ranks as one of China’s most revered and scenic natural outposts.
Address: China
From $ 70
Mt. Emei (Emeishan)
At 10,167 feet (3,099 meters), Mt. Emei is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes over 70 temples, monasteries, and attractions, culminating in the Golden Summit, where visitors can take in the giant Puxian Buddha and stunning mountain views.
The Basics
It’s possible to hike up Mt. Emei, but many visitors choose to take the bus up, and hike or take the cable car the rest of the way. The top attraction at the Golden Summit is the 157-feet-tall (48 meter) statue of the Puxian Buddha facing in 10 directions. There’s also an observation platform to take in the stunning views. With the right timing, visitors might see the “Four Wonders of Mt. Emei”—the Golden Summit Sunrise, the Sea of Clouds, the Divine Lights, and the Buddha’s Halo.
Many visitors staying in Chengdu combine a visit to Mt. Emei with a trip to nearby Leshan Giant Buddha, which is only about 30 minutes away. Such guided tours usually last two days, and it’s possible to add a side trip to see some pandas as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are separate fees for the mountain, some of the temples, the bus, and the cable car.
- Bring a jacket or warm layers for the top, as it will be much cooler than at the base, even in the summer.
- It often rains at Mt. Emei, so bring an umbrella or a rain jacket.
- Be careful of the monkeys. They can be aggressive and have been known to attack and rob visitors.
How to Get There
Mt. Emei is located 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Chengdu. High-speed trains take about an hour and most depart from Chengdu East Station, with a few departing from Chengdu South Station. Buses depart from the Tourist Bus Station in Chengdu and take about three hours. Visitors then need to take a taxi from Emeishan City to Baoguo Village, at the base of the mountain.
When to Get There
Sunrise and sunsets are the best time to be at the top of Mt. Emei. April and October are the best months to visit, as there are generally fewer cloudy days. It can snow during the winter.
Top Attractions on Mt. Emei
Those with more time should consider visiting some of the other top attractions on Mt. Emei, including Baoguo Temple (the mountain’s largest temple), Fuhu Temple (noted for its gardens), and Qingqin Pavilion (built on an outcropping in the middle of a stream). Popular mid-mountain attractions include Wannian Temple (the oldest temple on Mt. Emei) and Elephant Pool Temple.
Address: Emeishan, Southwest China 614201, China
From $ 199
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is considered a Chinese national treasure. Opened in 1987 to care for rescued wild pandas, the 165-acre (67-hectare), open-air sanctuary is now one of southern China’s most popular destinations due to its focus on breeding, conservation, and introducing new pandas into wild populations.
The Basics
As one of the world’s most successful giant panda breeding centers—credited with more than 100 panda births—Chengdu Research Base provides visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about this threatened species. Inside, you can walk through the forested landscape; watch as giant pandas play, nap, and munch native bamboo; visit the panda nursery, subadult enclosure, and adult compound; and watch informational videos on panda behavior and the challenges of working with and breeding captive pandas.
Many full-day sightseeing tours of Chengdu include a visit to the breeding center, while some combo tours also visit popular Sichuan Province attractions such as the Leshan Grand Buddha or Jinsha Site Museum. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The breeding center is a must-see for families with kids and animal lovers.
- Photography is allowed within the compound, but flash is prohibited.
- It takes about three hours to walk the entire campus, so remember to wear comfortable shoes.
- Steep inclines and other obstacles may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The research base is located roughly 17 miles (27 kilometers) outside Chengdu’s city center. As such, the easiest way to visit is by taxi or through an organized tour. It’s also possible to take buses 87 or 198 from downtown Chengdu to the Panda Base bus stop.
When to Get There
The base is open year-round and is most crowded on weekends and Chinese national holidays. Opt for an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Most pandas are born in summer; for a chance to see baby pandas, visit in July or August.
Other Animals at the Chengdu Panda Base
Giant pandas aren’t the only wild animal residents of the panda base. You can also observe red pandas, lesser pandas, golden monkeys, black-necked cranes, black swans, and other rare animals in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
Address: 1375 Xiongmao Avenue, Chengdu, Southwest China, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am-6pm
Admission: RMB 58
From $ 15
Jinli Ancient Street
Stretching for 1,148 feet (350 meters), just east of Wuhou Temple, Jinli Ancient Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Chengdu, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period. Restored in 2004, this historical lane paved with green flagstone still teems with shops, restaurants, and food stalls in traditional architecture.
The Basics
Jinli Ancient Street is a great place to sample local snacks and delicacies, and to pick up souvenirs, especially locally made handicrafts. In addition to the numerous shopping and dining options, you’ll find a number of performances along the street, ranging from classic Sichuan opera and folk plays to shadow puppets, folk drama, and even traditional weddings.
With so many options available, you may find it helpful to go on a guided tour to help navigate the shops and recommend local delicacies to try, as well as to learn about the street’s long history. Day tours tend to include other top attractions such as Wuhou Temple and Qingyang Palace, and can even include a visit to see Chengdu’s famous giant pandas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jinli Ancient Street is a must-visit for foodies, shoppers, and history buffs.
- Sichuan opera performances are also held in some restaurants and teahouses on the street. These performances are free with the purchase of food or tea.
- Bring cash, as few vendors accept credit cards here.
How to Get There
Jinli Ancient Street is located just east of Wuhou Temple. Take bus number 1, 57, 82, 334, or 335 and get off at the Wuhou Ci (Wuhou Temple) stop.
When to Get There
Jinli Ancient Street’s shops and snack vendors tend to close around 10pm, while bars generally stay open later. At night the street is illuminated by traditional Chinese lanterns, which lend it a romantic atmosphere. Weekends are very busy, and the street is packed with locals and visitors alike.
Popular Gifts and Snacks
Among the many products sold on Jinli Street, popular items include lacquerware, old porcelain, Shu embroidery, clay figurines, paper cutouts, calligraphies, paintings, and folk handicrafts. Must-try street snacks and local specialties include dumplings, wontons, ma po tofu, fried sugar balls, and buckwheat noodle dishes.
Address: China
From $ 15
Kuan-Zhai Lane (China's Lane)
When Chinese soldiers of the Qing Dynasty returned from war with Tibet in 1718, many of the soldiers and their families based themselves around Kuan-Zhai Lane in the Sichuan city of Chengdu. Though only 3 of the original 42 lanes remain from the period of military housing - Kuan, Zhai, and Jing - these three lanes collectively comprise an area of Chengdu now known to travelers as China’s Lane.
Although the name literally translates to “Wide-Narrow” Lane, both Kuan and Zhai lanes exist as narrow alleyways, with one being imperceptibly wider than the other. Along with the third lane, Jing, these three parallel alleyways are recognized as one of Chengdu’s three historic conservation districts.
Ranking as one of the finest pedestrian thoroughfares in downtown Chengdu, Kuan-Zhai Lane offers a visually pleasing blend of traditional Sichuan architecture fused with modern Chengdu commerce. Dozens of quadrangle homes built in the Qing style stand nestled between fashionable cafés, nightclubs and clothing boutiques; and visitors can sip tea in a traditional tea house on Kuan before grabbing a beer at a trendy bar just one street away over on Zhai. Next door on Jing Lane is a 1,300 foot (3,962.4 meter) long wall that depicts a thousand years of Chengdu history and is an informative complement to the old style architecture and various antiques being sold throughout Kuan-Zhai.
With many modern hotels opening in and around the Kuan-Zhai Lane area there rarely is a shortage of activity in what is arguably one of Chengdu’s most cosmopolitan yet traditional districts.
Although the name literally translates to “Wide-Narrow” Lane, both Kuan and Zhai lanes exist as narrow alleyways, with one being imperceptibly wider than the other. Along with the third lane, Jing, these three parallel alleyways are recognized as one of Chengdu’s three historic conservation districts.
Ranking as one of the finest pedestrian thoroughfares in downtown Chengdu, Kuan-Zhai Lane offers a visually pleasing blend of traditional Sichuan architecture fused with modern Chengdu commerce. Dozens of quadrangle homes built in the Qing style stand nestled between fashionable cafés, nightclubs and clothing boutiques; and visitors can sip tea in a traditional tea house on Kuan before grabbing a beer at a trendy bar just one street away over on Zhai. Next door on Jing Lane is a 1,300 foot (3,962.4 meter) long wall that depicts a thousand years of Chengdu history and is an informative complement to the old style architecture and various antiques being sold throughout Kuan-Zhai.
With many modern hotels opening in and around the Kuan-Zhai Lane area there rarely is a shortage of activity in what is arguably one of Chengdu’s most cosmopolitan yet traditional districts.
Address: Chengdu, China
From $ 15