Chengdu is a city that boasts both captivating cultural landscapes that make you linger and forget to leave, as well as unforgettable natural scenery that will stay in your mind forever after just one visit. As the lyrics go, “You can hold your friend’s sleeve and walk to the end of Yulin, sitting at the entrance of a small bar.” Chengdu is such a city with stories.
📍Chengdu
Chengdu is a city full of artistic atmosphere. When you come here, there are several must-visit places to check in:
📍Taikoo Li
As a bustling commercial area on Chunxi Road, Chengdu Taikoo Li has many places to visit and take photos, such as Kejia Alley, IFS, Daci Temple, and the Love Zebra Crossing. Each spot is very photogenic.
📍Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
How can you miss seeing the adorable and lovable giant pandas when you come to Chengdu? With their round heads and chubby bellies, who can resist the cuteness of giant pandas? If you want to see the pandas, remember to go early and check the weather forecast. If the temperature is high, the pandas might not be out.
In addition, you can make reservations in advance on the Meituan App or the Panda Base mini-program for purchasing tickets.
Be sure to book tickets in advance.
Ticket price: 55 RMB/person.
Sightseeing car: 30 RMB/person, unlimited rides throughout the day.
📍Twin Towers
It is the go-to choice for out-of-towners visiting Chengdu and a must-visit place for checking in. You can also see the pandas there, which are super cute.
- Light show: 19:00~22:00
- Selfie spot: Behind the engraved stone at Tianfu International Financial Center (it’s best to bring a companion, as taking selfies can be difficult).
📍Wenshu Monastery
Wenshu Monastery faces south and covers an area of more than 200,000 square meters. It is the most well-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu. It was first built during the Sui Dynasty’s Daye period and has a history of over a thousand years. The architectural style is typical of the ancient architectural style of the Sichuan western plains. It has natural landscapes such as bamboo groves and ponds, creating a beautiful environment.
As one of Chengdu’s calling cards, Wenshu Monastery not only welcomes tourists for sightseeing but also welcomes citizens to come and enjoy leisure time, experiencing tranquility and comfort amidst the scent of incense.
📍Du Fu Thatched Cottage
It is a garden with a very rich cultural heritage. The cottage completely preserves the layout from the Qing Dynasty’s Jiaqing period when it was rebuilt. Starting from the west gate, the five main buildings – the main gate, the kitchen, the Poetry and History Hall, the firewood gate, and the Ministry of Works Shrine – are arranged along a central axis.
Du Fu lived here for nearly four years and created more than 240 poems.
- Opening hours: 9:00~18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
- Ticket prices: Tickets can be purchased online through the WeChat public account or on-site. Adult tickets are 50 RMB, student tickets are 25 RMB, and annual passes are 100 RMB/year.
- Recommended visit duration: 3~4.5 hours
📍Wuhou Shrine
Construction began in the first year of the Shu-Han Dynasty’s Zhangwu period. It was originally a shrine dedicated to commemorating Zhuge Liang, also known as the Kongming Temple, Zhuge Shrine, or Prime Minister’s Shrine. Later, it was merged into a shrine for both the emperor and his minister.
Strolling among the red walls and green bamboo, where the green shade covers the sun, every brick and tile seems to evoke historical stories. It is a must-visit pilgrimage site for every friend who loves history and culture.
- Opening hours: 9:00~18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
- Ticket prices: Full-price ticket 50 RMB, half-price ticket 25 RMB
📍Eastern Suburb Memory
Eastern Suburb Memory is built on the former site of the state-owned Hongguang Electron Tube Factory, which was one of the 156 projects aided by the Soviet Union during China’s “First Five-Year Plan” period. It has a deep historical heritage and industrial heritage value.
The factory area, postcards, chimneys, machines, towers, workshops, etc., are all traces of industrial activities. There are many unique and photogenic attractions worth checking out.
⚠️Tips:
- 💦Chengdu is a spicy city. When ordering, choose mild spiciness and bring digestive medicines like antacids in advance, especially for friends with sensitive stomachs.
- 💦You can use the Alipay app to get a Chengdu electronic transportation card for seamless subway access by scanning the code.
- 💦This summer, travel with your friends, girlfriends, or family. Chengdu is a city that will not disappoint you when you visit.
