Things to do in Chengdu

Best Things to do in Chengdu

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Chengdu? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 656 activities in Chengdu, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 450, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Chengdu in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Top Things to Do in Chengdu for a City Full of Pandas, Tea, and Culture

About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city that doesn’t rush. Locals sit for hours in tea houses, chatting over endless cups, while just down the road, the smell of hotpot hits you and makes you crave a bowl. In the parks, you’ll find people playing mahjong, doing tai chi, or dancing together.

Some of the well-known Chengdu tourist attractions include the panda base, Wenshu Monastery, and Jinli Ancient Street. These aren’t just sightseeing stops, they’re part of how the city lives.

So when you’re planning out the things to do in Chengdu, think beyond ticking boxes. Spend time with the pandas, sip tea under old trees, or just wander a market lane. That’s when the city feels real.

Unique Experiences

Panda Rescue Center Volunteer for a Day

You can spend the day helping with the pandas while cleaning enclosures, preparing food, feeding them, even patting a baby panda briefly. It’s one of the most unusual things to do in Chengdu.

• Where: Chengdu, China
• Pricing: It starts from INR 27,000 per person
• Timing: 7 to 8 hours total; starts at 7:00 AM
• When to Visit: Spring or autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds

3. Wolong Panda Volunteering & Feeding Experience

You can suit up, step into a panda enclosure, help clean and feed them, linger over lunch, and still have time to explore the reserve. It’s hands-down one of the most connected things to do in Chengdu.

• Where: Hilton Chengdu Chenghua 99, Cheng Hua Qu
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,600 plus volunteer fee
• Timing: 6 to 7 hours total, depending on group size and transfer times
• When to Visit: Late spring to autumn, when the reserve paths are dry and greenery dense

Half Day City Culture Walk with Food Experience

You can walk through historic laneways, sip tea in a cozy teahouse, sample street snacks, and hear stories about Chengdu’s history. It’s one of the best things to do in Chengdu if you want culture, food, and pace.

• Where: Wenshuyuan Street Wen Shu Yuan Jie, Qing Yang Qu
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,200 per person
• Timing: 3 hours; starts at 1:00 PM
• When to Visit: Any time, but cooler months make it easier to walk and taste slowly

Top Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

You can watch giant pandas eat, nap, and roll around as it’s the city’s most famous stop for a reason. It’s one of the most loved Chengdu tourist attractions, and mornings are best when the pandas are most active.

• Where: Northern suburbs of Chengdu
• Pricing: It starts from INR 700 per person
• Timing: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily (last entry 5:00 PM)
• When to Visit: Mornings, especially spring and autumn for cool weather

Wenshu Monastery

You can walk through peaceful courtyards, sip tea under old trees, and hear the soft rhythm of temple life. It’s one of the best things to do in Chengdu if you’re after quiet and culture together.

• Where: Qingyang District, Chengdu
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: Year-round, though mornings feel calmer before visitors arrive

Jinli Ancient Street

You can wander through stalls selling snacks, crafts, and souvenirs while lanterns swing above. It’s one of those lively things to do in Chengdu that feels fun without trying too hard.

• Where: Near Wuhou Shrine, central Chengdu
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: Shops open from around 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: Evenings are best, when the lights and crowds bring it to life

Sightseeing Tours

Half-Day Panda Breeding Center Tour

You can spend a slow morning watching giant pandas munch bamboo, stretch, and nap with a guide handling the transport and entry. It’s one of the most relaxed things to do in Chengdu, and it gives you time to enjoy the pandas at their most active.

• Where: Dorsett Chengdu 168 Xi Yu Long Jie, Luomashi
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,700 per person
• Timing: 3 hours approx.; starts at 7:30 AM
• When to Visit: Spring or autumn mornings feel best

Chengdu Panda Base and Giant Buddha Tour with English Driver

You can drive out of Chengdu for the day, visit the pandas, then carry on to stand beneath the world’s biggest stone Buddha carved into a cliff. It’s one of the things to do in Chengdu when you want wildlife and awe in one unforgettable day.

• Where: Chengdu, Sichuan, China
• Pricing: It starts from INR 27,300 per person
• Timing: Around 8 to 10 hours; starts at 7:30 AM
• When to Visit: Spring or autumn as cooler weather makes the drive and walk more comfortable

Day Trips

Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan Irrigation System Day Tour

You can spend the day walking through Taoist temples on Mount Qingcheng and learning how the Dujiangyan system has managed rivers for over 2,000 years. It’s one of the Chengdu tourist attractions outside the city that blends culture, history, and scenery perfectly.

• Where: Chengdu, China
• Pricing: It starts from INR 20,000 per person
• Timing: Around 9 hours; usually departs at 8:00 AM, returns by 5:00 PM
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn are best; cooler weather for temple walks and forest trails

Panda, Leshan, and Emei Mountain 2-day tour

You can take a longer trip to see the giant Buddha on one day and spend the next walking Emei Mountain’s trails with temples, monkeys, and wide forest views. It’s one of the best things to do in Chengdu if you have more than a day to spare.

• Where: Chengdu, China
• Pricing: It starts from INR 22,000 per person
• Timing: 2 days, 1 night; usually departs around 8:00 AM on Day 1, returns by evening on Day 2
• When to Visit: April to October due to clear skies, green trails, and comfortable temperatures

Boat Tours

30-Minute Night Cruise on Jinjiang River

You can glide through the heart of Chengdu at night, passing landmarks and relaxing in the city’s calm. It’s one of the most peaceful things to do in Chengdu for a relaxed evening.

• Where: Dongmen Wharf, Tian Xian Qiao Bin He Lu
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,900 per person
• Timing: 30 minutes total; departures typically start around 7:00 PM and run through evening
• When to Visit: Spring to autumn evenings as pleasant weather and clear views make it feel just right

Getting Around

• Metro and buses: Both run across the city and make it simple to reach most Chengdu tourist attractions. They’re cheap, regular, and save you the stress of traffic.
• Taxis and private cars: If you’re short on time or heading out to spots a bit further, this is the quickest way to tick off the top 10 things to do in Chengdu in one day.
• Cycling: Flat streets make riding easy. You can cycle through parks, along rivers, or just use it as a relaxed way to explore.
• Walking: Many central sights are close together, so you can spend hours on foot without even noticing. It’s one of the most flexible things to do in Chengdu if you enjoy people-watching and side streets.
• Guided tours with pickup: Many tours include hotel transfers, which makes it simple to focus on the highlights and save energy for more things to do in Chengdu later.

Traveller Tips

• Plan your mornings: Most panda bases open early, and that’s when pandas are awake. If seeing them is on your list of things to do in Chengdu, mornings give you the best chance.
• Carry small cash: Cards are common, but small food stalls and teahouses still prefer notes. It makes enjoying street snacks or joining little local activities a lot easier.
• Dress for comfort: From walking ancient streets to temple courtyards, you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. Comfortable shoes help you get through more things to do in Chengdu without feeling worn out.
• Use evenings well: The city has a different vibe after dark. Whether it’s food streets, tea houses, or river cruises, this is when you’ll find some of the most fun things to do in Chengdu.
• Leave space in your plan: Some of the most memorable things to do in Chengdu aren’t planned. It could be stumbling into a market, watching locals dance in the park, or being invited for tea.