Curious about Chengdu? This essential travel guide unlocks the secrets of China’s laid-back capital of pandas, spicy cuisine, and timeless charm.
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is famous for its giant pandas, spicy food, and relaxed vibe. It’s a city where ancient teahouses sit beside modern skyscrapers, and where every meal promises a taste of China’s boldest flavours. Whether you’re stopping by for a day or staying longer, Chengdu offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and culinary adventure.
What to do
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
No trip to Chengdu is complete without a visit to the city’s most famous residents. The Chengdu Panda Base is a leading conservation centre where you can observe giant pandas in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats. Arrive early in the morning when the pandas are most active—feeding, playing, and sometimes even tumbling over each other. The base also offers opportunities to learn about ongoing conservation efforts and see adorable panda cubs in the nursery.
Stroll Jinli Ancient Street
For a taste of old Chengdu, head to Jinli Ancient Street. This bustling pedestrian thoroughfare is lined with traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, souvenir shops, and street food stalls. By night, the street glows with red lanterns, and local performers entertain crowds with folk music and traditional acts. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts and sample authentic Sichuan snacks.
Explore Kuanzhai Alley
This historic district consists of three main lanes: Kuan (Wide), Zhai (Narrow), and Jing (Well). Each offers its charm, from traditional teahouses and boutique shops to contemporary art galleries and cosy cafés. Kuanzhai Alley is perfect for a stroll, people-watching, and sampling local delicacies. Don’t miss the chance to try a cup of Sichuan tea and watch the world go by.
Relax in People’s Park
To experience Chengdu’s famous “slow life,” spend an afternoon in People’s Park. Locals gather here to practice tai chi, play mahjong, sip tea, and enjoy boat rides on the lake. The park is a microcosm of Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle and a fantastic spot for people-watching. Visit one of the traditional teahouses for a cup of jasmine tea and a plate of local snacks.
See the Wuhou Temple and Thatched Cottage of Du Fu
History and literature enthusiasts will appreciate these two cultural landmarks. The Wuhou Temple is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a legendary strategist from the Three Kingdoms period, and features beautiful gardens and historic artefacts. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu is a tribute to one of China’s greatest poets and offers peaceful gardens and exhibits about his life and work.
Where to Stay
Chengdu offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Staying near the city centre or close to People’s Park puts you within easy reach of major attractions.
Chengdu Flipflop Hostel
A top pick for backpackers and solo travellers, this colourful hostel offers private rooms and dorms, friendly staff, and daily activities.
📍Jiuyanqiao Area | Website
From: S$25 per night
Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou
Convenient, clean, and great value. This well-known chain hotel offers reliable service, complimentary breakfast, and a central location close to major attractions.
📍 Qingyang District | Website
From: S$95 per night
Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu
Located in Kuanzhai Alley, this hotel fuses Qing Dynasty architecture with modern luxury. A great option for those wanting an immersive cultural stay in the heart of old Chengdu.
📍 Qingyang District | Website
From: S$180 per night
Niccolo Chengdu
Housed in the towering IFS complex, Niccolo offers panoramic city views, elegant rooms, and an indoor pool. Located in the heart of Chengdu’s shopping and business district, it’s ideal for business and leisure travellers.
📍 Chunxi Road | Website
From: S$320 per night
The Temple House
A stunning blend of historic courtyards and sleek modern design, this Swire Hotels property is centrally located near Taikoo Li. With minimalist rooms, a spa, and a tea house, it’s perfect for travellers seeking tranquillity and style.
📍 Jinjiang District | Website
From: S$400 per night
What to Eat
Chengdu’s food scene is legendary—for both the variety and the authenticity you’ll find in nearly every neighborhood. Here’s where savvy locals and seasoned travelers recommend you go for the city’s foodie musts:
Hot Pot
Chengdu’s hot pot is legendary. A communal dining experience where diners cook their meats, vegetables, and noodles in a bubbling, spicy broth. The broth is flavoured with Sichuan peppercorns and chilli, creating a numbing, fiery sensation known as “ma la.” For an authentic experience, visit a local hot pot restaurant and order a variety of ingredients to share with your table.
For local recommendations, visit:
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Shujiuxiang Hot Pot: An all-time local favourite for traditional beef-fat broth and fresh sides. Expect a line during peak hours, locals say the wait is worth it!
Address: No. 160-12, Section 1, 1st Ring Road West, Qingyang District
Why go: Classic local taste, beautiful riverside location, highly rated by Chinese diners.
- XiaoLongkan Hot Pot: Hugely popular with locals and now with multiple branches; renowned for its spicy, numbing broth and lively atmosphere. Go to the Chunxi Road branch, which central to most tourists
Why go: Consistently recommended by residents and visitors, with entertaining extras like the face-changing opera show.
- Hongshe Chongqing Lao Huoguo: For the most old-school, fiery experience, this hotpot in a residential area is beloved by locals, perfect for those seeking the “real” deal.
Address: North East Chengdu, best to check maps/Dianping for directions
Why go: It’s packed with locals and is famous for its extreme spice and authentic flavours.
- Hai Di Lao Hot Pot: Open 24/7 and famous for its service as much as its food. Though now a chain, many locals keep it in their regular rotation.
Why go: Reliable, great for groups, English menus, and “split pot” options for those who can’t handle the heat.
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Hotpot Street (Yulin Area): Locals often recommend finding a busy spot in side streets off Yulin Food Street. Go where the crowds are, and you’ll rarely go wrong.
Street Food
Chengdu’s street food scene is vibrant and diverse. On Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley, you’ll find vendors selling skewered meats, sweet rice cakes, spicy tofu, and more. Don’t miss the chance to try chuan chuan xiang (串串香), a local favourite of skewered meats and vegetables cooked in a spicy broth.
Jinli Ancient Street: A classic for sampling authentic snacks as you browse the historic alley’s stalls: try skewered meats, spicy tofu, guokui (stuffed flatbread), and sweet treats.
Why go: Night or day, this street lets you eat like a local while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Fengdu Food Street: A hidden gem filled with affordable, mouthwatering local snacks such as “dan hong gao” (egg baked pancakes) and “chuan chuan xiang.” Great for authentic eats on a budget.
Shaxixian Food Street: Ideal for budget travellers and food lovers, with classic noodle stalls, dumpling shops, and snack vendors in a lively local scene.
Sichuan Cuisine
Sichuan cuisine is famous for its bold, spicy flavours. Must-try dishes include mapo tofu (tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce), kung pao chicken (stir-fried chicken with peanuts and chilli), and dan dan noodles (noodles with a spicy, savoury sauce). Look for busy local restaurants for the most authentic flavours.
Chen Mapo Tofu (Qinghua Road): The birthplace of the iconic mapo tofu; don’t miss this historic spot!
Why go: A pilgrimage for fans of spicy tofu, recommended by foodies worldwide.
Yu Zhi Lan: Michelin-starred, renowned for multi-course Sichuan gastronomy and handmade noodles.
Why go: A splurge for those seeking the absolute best fine-dining Sichuan experience.
Jinxuan Sichuan Dish Ting: Known for classic dishes like kung pao chicken; always busy with locals.
Where: No. 80, Renmin South Road, 2nd Section.
Ma’s Kitchen & Taolin: Both are popular local chains well rated by city residents and on food apps, great for everyday Sichuan fare
Teahouses
Chengdu’s teahouse culture is an integral part of local life. In People’s Park, join the locals for a cup of jasmine tea and a plate of snacks. Teahouses are perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and soaking in the city’s laid-back vibe.
He Ming Teahouse (People’s Park): The city’s most famous teahouse, beloved by locals for over a century. Watch tea pourers perform, try the ear-cleaning service, and soak in the slow life.
Address: Renmin Park, 12 Shaocheng Rd.
Open: 9 am–9 pm daily
Tip: Arrive early for the best people-watching and a true taste of Chengdu’s culture.
Wenshu Monastery Teahouse: Located in a Buddhist temple garden, this tranquil spot offers a peaceful break (and top-quality teas) after sightseeing in the area.
Teahouses in Wide & Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi): Choose a teahouse with a garden terrace for a relaxing escape in the heart of town. Many offer Sichuan opera performances along with snacks and endless refills.
Pro Tips:
- To eat exactly where locals do, try the Dianping app; it is the Chinese equivalent of Yelp, full of up-to-date crowd-sourced recommendations, star ratings, and maps.
- For most hot pot and teahouse spots, go at off-peak hours to avoid waits.
- In tourist areas, look for busy stalls/restaurants with a local crowd they’re almost always the best bets.
What to see
Giant Pandas
The Chengdu Panda Base is the top attraction for animal lovers. In addition to giant pandas, the base is also home to red pandas and other native wildlife.
Historic Streets
Jinli Ancient Street
The Chengdu Panda Base is the top attraction for animal lovers. In addition to giant pandas, the base is also home to red pandas and other native wildlife.
Historic Streets
Jinli Ancient Street
Kuanzhai Alley
Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley offer a mix of old-world charm and modern energy. These pedestrian streets are ideal for shopping, dining, and photography.
City Landmarks
Twin Towers
Anshun Covered Bridge
Chengdu’s skyline is dotted with modern landmarks such as the Twin Towers and the Anshun Covered Bridge. At night, these structures are illuminated, creating a dazzling backdrop for evening strolls.
Nearby Nature: For a change of pace, take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Qingcheng. The Leshan Giant Buddha is the world’s largest stone Buddha statue, carved into a cliff overlooking the river. Mount Qingcheng is a sacred Taoist mountain with scenic hiking trails and historic temples.
Getting There & Around
Getting There
Chengdu is exceptionally well-connected, making it easy for both international and domestic travellers to access the city:
By Air: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport serve a wide network of flights. There are direct connections to major Asian cities, including Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul, as well as long-haul flights to key hubs in Europe and Oceania. Both airports are modern, with efficient customs and transport links to the city centre.
By Rail: Chengdu is a major stop on China’s high-speed rail network. High-speed trains link Chengdu to Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Shanghai, while regular trains connect to less-served cities throughout Sichuan province and beyond.
By Road: Long-distance buses and highways connect Chengdu to neighbouring provinces and popular scenic spots in Sichuan. The city’s four major bus stations facilitate regional travel.
Getting Around
Once you have arrived, navigating Chengdu is straightforward and efficient:
Metro: Chengdu’s metro system is extensive, punctual, and user-friendly. Most stations feature English signage and ticket vending machines, making it accessible to international visitors. The metro links key attractions such as People’s Park, Wide & Narrow Alley, and Chunxi Road.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are plentiful, affordable, and metered. Mobile ride-hailing services like Didi Chuxing operate much like Uber, offering convenient app-based bookings. For ease, have your destination details handy in Chinese, especially when heading to lesser-known spots.
Buses: Public buses cover a broad area of the city and are a budget-friendly option. Many routes have announcements in English.
Bicycles and E-Scooters: Chengdu is a bike-friendly city with shared bicycle and e-scooter schemes (such as Meituan and HelloBike) widely available for short trips or park explorations.
Walking: Central Chengdu is pedestrian-friendly, especially around Jinli Ancient Street, Kuanzhai Alley, and major shopping and historic districts.
Pro Tip: Download translation and map apps (like Baidu Maps or Google Maps) in advance; consider purchasing a transport IC card for hassle-free metro and bus rides.
When to Go
Best time to visit: The best times to visit Chengdu are spring from March to May and autumn between September and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are chilly but manageable.
Exploring beyond Chengdu
Leshan Giant Buddha
A short trip from Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of ancient engineering. The statue towers over the confluence of three rivers and can be viewed from both land and boat.
Mount Qingcheng
Another UNESCO site, Mount Qingcheng is one of the birthplaces of Taoism. The mountain offers scenic hiking trails, ancient temples, and tranquil forests.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
For those with more time, Jiuzhaigou Valley is a stunning national park known for its crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and colourful forests. It’s a bit farther from Chengdu but well worth the journey for nature lovers.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Chengdu’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse. For a unique experience, take a night cruise on the Jinjiang River to see the city’s illuminated skyline. The Twin Towers and Anshun Covered Bridge are particularly striking at night.
Sichuan Opera
For a taste of traditional culture, attend a Sichuan opera performance. The famous “face-changing” act is a highlight, with performers rapidly switching masks in a mesmerizing display.
Autoventure Adventure
Interested in more than just Chengdu? AA is organising an epic Autoventure trip from Shanghai to Lhasa, taking in some of China’s most breathtaking landscapes. Find out more and sign up here – https://aas.com.sg/trips/26d25n-aa-fly-drive-shanghai-to-lhasa/.
