Things to do in Chengdu.
Chengdu is China's most relaxed major city — the capital of Sichuan, home of the giant panda, and the country's undisputed food obsession. It runs on teahouses, hotpot and a slower pace, and it's the gateway to some of China's most spectacular mountain scenery. Two or three days cover the pandas, the old lanes and a Leshan day trip comfortably.
What to see
Giant Panda Breeding Base
The reason most people come. Go at opening (around 7:30am) when the pandas are fed and active — by midday they're asleep. Allow a half-day and book ahead in peak season.
Sichuan hotpot
The city's signature meal — a bubbling, numbing-spicy broth you cook at the table. Ask for a mild (or split) pot if you're not used to the heat of Sichuan peppercorns.
People's Park & teahouses
Where Chengdu slows down: bamboo chairs, endless tea refills and even a traditional ear-cleaning. The most authentic afternoon in the city.
Kuanzhai & Jinli alleys
Restored old lanes of Qing-dynasty courtyards, snacks and crafts. Touristy but atmospheric, especially in the evening when the lanterns come on.
Leshan Giant Buddha
A day trip to the world's largest stone Buddha, carved into a riverside cliff. Around 1.5 hours by high-speed rail; combine with Mount Emei if you have an extra day.
Wenshu Monastery
Chengdu's best-preserved Buddhist temple, with a calm tea garden and a renowned vegetarian restaurant. A peaceful counterpoint to the hotpot and crowds.
Where to stay
The best base: on the metro, walkable to shopping and the old lanes, and packed with international chain hotels. Where we'd stay first.
More atmospheric and central-historic, near the Wide and Narrow Alleys and People's Park. Good boutique options.
A few hotels sit close to the panda base in the north — handy only if pandas are your sole priority, as it's far from everything else.
Stick to international chains or English-listed hotels to guarantee foreign-guest registration. Search Chengdu hotels on Trip.com → See our Stay guide on which hotels accept foreigners.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Chengdu?
See the giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (go at opening time when they’re most active), eat Sichuan hotpot and mapo tofu, relax with tea and an ear-cleaning in People’s Park, wander the restored Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley lanes, and take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha. Many visitors also use Chengdu as the gateway to Jiuzhaigou and the Tibetan foothills.
How many days do you need in Chengdu?
Two days is enough for the pandas, the old lanes, a hotpot dinner and a teahouse afternoon. Add a third day for the Leshan Giant Buddha day trip, or longer if you plan to head into the mountains at Jiuzhaigou or Mount Emei.
When is the best time to see the pandas in Chengdu?
Visit the panda base right at opening (around 7:30–8:00am), when the pandas are fed and most active. They tend to sleep through the heat of the afternoon. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; summer is hot and humid, winter is grey but mild.
Where should I stay in Chengdu?
Base yourself in the city centre around Chunxi Road / Tianfu Square for the metro, shopping and easy access to the old lanes. The area near the Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai) is more atmospheric. Stick to international chains or hotels listed in English on Trip.com to guarantee foreign-guest registration.
Is Chengdu worth visiting?
Yes — Chengdu is one of China’s most relaxed and food-obsessed cities, and the giant pandas are a genuine highlight you can’t see like this anywhere else. It also opens the door to spectacular Sichuan scenery. Two to three days fit neatly into a wider China itinerary.