Top 10 Things to Do in Chengdu: Land of Abundance (2026)

The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the #1 attraction for a reason. You can see pandas of all ages, from tiny pink newborns to clumsy toddlers.

Heming Teahouse (鹤鸣茶社) is the soul of Chengdu. Order a cup of green tea ($4), sit in a bamboo chair, and watch the world go by.

You will hear a "clinking" sound. That's the ear cleaner. For a few dollars, professional masters use tiny tools to clean and massage your ear canal. It sounds scary, but it's incredibly relaxing (and addictive).

Chengdu hotpot is an ocean of oil and chili peppers. It is an experience, not just a meal. Locals love "fly restaurants" (tiny, hole-in-the-wall spots), but for a first-timer, big chains like Shu Daxia (蜀大侠) or Xiao Long Kan (小龙坎) are authentic and cleaner.

Order a split pot (Yuanyang Pot) so you have a non-spicy side to rescue your tongue.

The Leshan Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world, carved into a cliff face 1,300 years ago. It is massive—his toenail is bigger than a dinner table.

Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East (1 hour). You can hike down the stairs (2 hours queue) or take a boat to see the full view from the river (fast and best photo angle).

Touristy? Yes. Beautiful? Absolutely. Jinli really comes alive at night when thousands of red lanterns are lit up. It feels like stepping into a movie set. Try the snacks: sticky rice cakes, spicy rabbit heads (if you dare), and Dan Dan noodles.

Unlike other crowded temples, Wenshu is an active monastery with locals praying and chanting. It's incredibly peaceful.

Must Do: Eat at their vegetarian restaurant/buffet. It's famous in Chengdu and very cheap.

"Face Changing" (Bian Lian) is a secret art where performers swap masks in a blink of an eye. Go to Shufeng Yayun Teahouse (蜀风雅韵). It's an old-school venue where you sit in bamboo chairs, sip tea, and watch fire-breathing, puppetry, and comedy.

In the heart of the modern shopping district (Chunxi Road), there is a massive panda sculpture climbing up the wall of the IFS Mall. Take the elevator to the 7th floor rooftop garden to take a selfie with the panda's face.

Walk next door to Taikoo Li, a gorgeous open-air mall built around an ancient temple.

A short train ride away is the most mysterious archaeological site in China. The bronze masks found here look "alien" (giant eyes, huge ears) and don't match typical Chinese history. The new museum building is spectacular. It's a must for history buffs.

The "Wide and Narrow Alleys" are renovated Qing dynasty streets. Yes, they are commercial, but the architecture is authentic and beautiful. It's a great place to see Sichuan folk arts, buy souvenirs, and eat snacks. Go in the morning to beat the crowds.