5 Hidden Gems in Chengdu for a Relaxing & Fun Summer (June-July)!

While summer in Chengdu brings crowds and heat, savvy locals have long moved beyond Chunxi Road and the Panda Base. They escape to cool alleyways and off-the-beaten-path spots, finding joy in laid-back novelty. 1⃣ **Dongjiao Memory·Boiler Plaza** 📍No.4, Jianshe South Branch Road, Chenghua District 🎫 Free 🚇 Metro Line 8 "Dongjiao Memory" Station 🧊 A repurposed industrial creative park with photogenic retro boilers, graffiti walls, and vintage steam engines. Breezy evenings are perfect for sipping tea while watching pink-hued skies—industrial summer vibes at their best. Pop-up exhibitions and street performances add cultural flair. 2⃣ **Jianshe Alley: Eat+Stroll+Chill Trinity** 📍Jianshe Alley, Jinjiang District 🎫 Free 🚇 8-min walk from Metro Line 2 "Niuwangmiao" Station 🧊 Chengdu youth’s favorite hangout for street food, vintage teahouses (try steamed pork buns!), and lazy afternoons. Lantern-lit alleys at night make great photo ops. Explore quirky Chinese novelty shops and art spaces—take it slow. 3⃣ **Huanhuaxi Park + Du Fu Thatched Cottage Combo** 📍No.37 Qinghua Road, Qingyang District 🎫 Park: Free | Cottage: ¥50 (check official rates) 🚇 Metro Line 4 "Caotang North Road" Station 🧊 A rare natural oasis with dense shade for classic Chengdu-style cooling. Rent a bike to ride past wild ducks, lotus ponds, and bridges before ending at the poetic Du Fu Thatched Cottage—a cultural retreat. 📌 Tip: Plenty of restrooms and snack stalls. 4⃣ **Phoenix Hill Music Park: Plane-Spotting on the Lawn** 📍Dongfeng Road, Chenghua District 🎫 Free 🚇 15-min walk from Metro Line 8 "Shilidian" Station 🧊 Sprawling lawns, strong breezes, and direct views of Shuangliu Airport’s flight paths—ideal for picnics, music, and gazing at soaring planes. Spontaneous street performances add a slice-of-life charm. 5⃣ **Sichuan University Wangjiang Campus: Century-Old Shaded Walkways** 📍No.29 Wangjiang Road, Wuhou District 🎫 Free 🚇 10-min walk from Metro Line 3 "Mozijiao" Station 🧊 A tranquil summer escape with 100-year-old ginkgo trees, red-brick buildings, and the classical **Wangjiang Pavilion**. Few crowds, just cicada songs and old-Chengdu slowness. 📌 *"If Chengdu feels too hot, noisy, or commercial—you’re just not in the right places."* Bookmark this guide to fall in love with Chengdu, the effortlessly cool way.