Top 50 Best Things to Do in Chengdu
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Chengdu

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breedingtop_1
    󰺂9.4
    29.25
    Chengdu.Panda base/Theatre General Hospital11.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoPanda Base's new favorite "Nao Nao" is adorably round
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Observe pandas in their natural habitat up close
    11 giant panda venues | Red panda Flora
    󱨠Saved by 11354 users󱨠67927 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    This was my second visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Panda Breeding. The first time was two years ago when I spent two hours queuing to see Hua Hua. This time, I went straight to Xingxing's maternity ward to see the level 25 panda cub, Xiao Huihui. The base is huge; if you want to see everything, you should take the shuttle bus.

  • Dujiangyan Scenic Areatop_2
    󰺂9.2
    42.55
    Dujiangyan.Dujiangyan Scenic Area58.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoScaly-Sided Mergansers Arrive for Winter, Dujiangyan's Best Birdwatching Season Is Here | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Experience the ancient Water Release Festival around Qingming Festival
    󱨜Waterworks used for 2000 years
    󱨠Saved by 4035 users󱨠34500 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M50***55M50***55

    This is a place with a rich cultural heritage; I should visit it more often. I didn't get to climb Yulei Mountain today, but I saw the Fish Mouth, Feisha Weir, and Baopingkou. The weather was also nice today. I'll definitely come again next time.

  • Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museumtop_3
    󰺂8.9
    26.59
    Chengdu.Du Fu thatched cottage/Sichuan people's Hospital3.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoWintersweet in bloom in Chengdu | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Du Fu, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, lived and created here for nearly four years
    󱨜Du Fu's later years residence
    󱨠Saved by 2655 users󱨠27944 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    gogo_0930gogo_0930

    Check out Du Fu Thatched Cottage! Passing through the rustic wooden gate, a thatched pavilion nestled among bamboo groves houses the inscription "Shaoling Thatched Cottage," while the statue of the poet saint in front of the Grand Hall is both solemn and approachable. Every blade of grass and every tree is imbued with the charm of Tang poetry, as if you can hear the recitations from a thousand years ago—it's definitely worth it.

  • Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum
    4
    󰺂8.7
    26.59
    Chengdu.Wuhou Temple Commercial Area2.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Immersive Drama "The Eternal Prime Minister" Has Been Relaunched
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊A millennium-old temple commemorating the heroes of the Three Kingdoms
    󱓊Phootography | Red Wall Bamboo Shadow
    󱨠Saved by 3313 users󱨠14400 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Wuhou Temple is definitely worth visiting. I went there with a sense of reverence because I love reading "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and admire Zhuge Liang. I saw the two memorials to the emperor, many rubbings, and statues of Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, and many other heroes of Shu Han. The environment inside is also quite nice, and many tourists were taking photos.

  • Mount Qingcheng
    5
    󰺂8.6
    42.55
    Dujiangyan.Qingcheng Piedmont Scenic Area55.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Dujiangyan Snow Mountain Season is about to begin | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Stroll along Longyinxia Plank Road and enjoy the waterfall scenery
    󱓊Taoist culture experience
    󱨠Saved by 2290 users󱨠14350 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M59***60M59***60

    The autumn break brought an insane number of people; it was so crowded you could barely move. The scenery was just heads everywhere. Although it's a Taoist holy site, the level of commercialization far exceeded my expectations. The cultural aspects probably require explanation; simply visiting doesn't offer much of an experience. However, the scenery on the back mountain is truly beautiful, and the entrance fee is only 20 yuan. Compared to that, the front mountain seems like a poor value for money.

  • Panda Valley
    6
    󰺂8.2
    20.74
    Dujiangyan57.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoPanda Valley's winter chill, animals leisurely enjoy the warm sun
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Panda Training & Release Base
    󰋄Spring azaleas & autumn foliage photography
    󱨠Saved by 2226 users󱨠2237 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Just needed to bring my passport to enter and it was seamless. The pandas were so cute and active. The facility got busy with tours at around 10am on a Saturday in December. Finding the keychain was a bit more of a challenge but was actually outside of the center near the food market. ho

  • Liyuan Guild Hall-Chuan Opera Changing Face (wenshuyuan store)
    7
    󰺂8.1
    26.54
    Chengdu.Wenshu Monastery/Longhu Shangcheng Sky Street1.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Tea & Sichuan Opera show
    󰀆Face-changing in Sichuan Opera
    󱨠Saved by 2692 users󱨠6378 positive reviews
    4.9/5
    M70***64M70***64

    Because the time was uncertain, I didn't book tickets in advance and bought them on-site, so my seats were towards the back. The performance was fantastic, especially the face-changing and interactive segments—absolutely amazing! 👍 The 70-minute show included martial arts performances, rod puppetry, long-spouted teapot kung fu tea, diabolo, leather-bound lantern dance, water sleeve dance, hand shadow play, face-changing, and fire breathing—great value! Definitely worth the time to experience!!

  • Wen Shu Fang
    8
    󰺂8.1
    Chengdu.Wenshu Monastery/Longhu Shangcheng Sky Street2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Chengdu
    Highlights:
    󱨜Experience traditional culture in a Western Sichuan courtyard
    Destination for antique and calligraphy appreciation and collecting
    󱨠Saved by 1663 users󱨠216 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    难 得糊 涂难 得糊 涂

    Chengdu's Wenshufang, located at No. 66 Wenshuyuan Street in Qingyang District, is a national AAAA-level open-air historical and cultural district built around the ancient Wenshuyuan Temple. Admission is free and the area is open 24 hours a day, though it's recommended to plan a three- to four-hour visit. The district's architectural style is inspired by traditional western Sichuan courtyards, with blue tiles, white walls, and carved eaves. This creates a unique "courtyard-style commercial street" feel, earning it the nickname "Chengdu's Double Embroidery"—the sound of Buddhist chants echoes within the red walls, while the bustling market life unfolds beyond. Wenshufang's core identity can be summarized as "Zen culture combined with traditional Chengdu folk customs." Within the district, there's a temple every 100 steps and a pagoda every 1,000 steps. In addition to Wenshuyuan Temple (built in the Sui Dynasty and inscribed by Emperor Kangxi), the district also preserves the remains of the "Nine Palaces and Eighteen Temples," including the Five Mountains Palace, Lengjia Nunnery, and Aido Hall. This area boasts the most concentrated religious and cultural heritage in Chengdu's old city. Building on this foundation, the neighborhood has incorporated elements such as the "Empty Forest Zen Road" market for Zen-inspired goods, the "Manjusri Blessed Land" cluster of protected courtyards, the "Folk Old Street" offering intangible cultural heritage crafts, the "Chengdu Salon" teahouse featuring antiques, calligraphy, and paintings, as well as the "Old Chengdu Food Court" and "Tianzi Food Hall." This all-in-one experience combines incense worship, Hanfu travel photography, gaiwan tea, Sichuan Opera face-changing, and century-old snacks (such as dragon wontons, Zhong dumplings, and Lai glutinous rice balls). The atmosphere is enhanced by the lighting of lanterns at night. Wenshufang is a free historical district offering the most concentrated and convenient experience of old Chengdu: burning incense, enjoying vegetarian food, drinking tea, watching opera, strolling the ancient streets, enjoying snacks, shopping for cultural products, and photographing Hanfu costumes. For a quick experience of slow living and the essence of Zen, simply add this area to your half-day itinerary.

  • Chengdu Museum
    9
    󰺂7.8
    Chengdu.Tianfu Square/Chengdu Museum212m from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰀆Largest shadow puppet exhibition
    󰋄Cultural hub at Tianfu Square
    󱨠Saved by 1747 users󱨠4955 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    帕德纳特文征明帕德纳特文征明

    Strolling through the Chengdu Museum is like walking through a time tunnel. From the simple stone tools of the Neolithic Age to the bustling street scenes of the Republic of China era, every artifact tells the story of the vicissitudes and glory of the "Land of Abundance." The historical exhibition "Flowers Bloom in Chengdu" takes you back to ancient Shu, while the shadow puppetry "Shadows Dancing in Myriad Forms" showcases the dynamism of folk art. This is not only a museum of history, but also a warm home for the shared memories of the people of Chengdu, allowing visitors to deeply feel the city's profound cultural heritage and unique charm.

  • Chengdu Natural History Museum
    10
    󰺂7.6
    10.64
    Chengdu.Jianshe Road and Eastern Suburb Memory Park7.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCharacters from Zootopia appear at the Chengdu Natural History Museum
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Huge Mamenchisaurus fossil from Hechuan (79 ft)
    󱓊AR screens for animal info
    󱨠Saved by 913 users󱨠6016 positive reviews
    4.9/5
    M16***81M16***81

    A huge museum! We originally went to see the children's art exhibition, but since we were already there, we also visited the museum's exhibits. The categories were very detailed: dinosaurs, gorillas, lions, birds, butterflies… it really is a huge encyclopedia! It's definitely worth bringing children to visit, allowing them to learn more about nature through hands-on experience. The tickets are also very affordable, making it especially suitable for family trips.

Best things to do in Chengdu (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Chengdu? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Chengdu offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Chengdu

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Chengdu experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

• Chengdu.Panda base/Theatre General Hospital | 11.3 km from downtown

• : Observe pandas in their natural habitat up close,11 giant panda venues | Red panda Flora

Dujiangyan Scenic Area

• Dujiangyan.Dujiangyan Scenic Area | 58.1 km from downtown

• : Experience the ancient Water Release Festival around Qingming Festival,Waterworks used for 2000 years

Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

• Chengdu.Du Fu thatched cottage/Sichuan people's Hospital | 3.6 km from downtown

• : Du Fu, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, lived and created here for nearly four years,Du Fu's later years residence

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Chengdu

If you want to explore attractions just outside Chengdu, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Chengdu, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Chengdu special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Chengdu

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Chengdu

Ready to explore the best of Chengdu? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Chengdu?
These are all Best Things to Do in Chengdu:Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum, Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum, Mount Qingcheng
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Chengdu?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Chengdu include:Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding:4.5, Dujiangyan Scenic Area:4.7, Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum:4.7, Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum:4.6, Mount Qingcheng:4.6
At what locations in Chengdu can Best Things to Do in Chengdu be found?
The Best Things to Do in Chengdu are mainly located in:Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding:Chengdu, Dujiangyan Scenic Area:Dujiangyan, Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum:Chengdu, Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum:Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng:Dujiangyan
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