China Travel — Top 10 Attractions in Chengdu (Tips, Photos, and Maps)

Chengdu is located in the western part of the Sichuan Basin, in the heart of the Chengdu Plain. It is one of the top ten ancient capitals of China and one of the first national historical and cultural cities, as well as the birthplace of the ancient Shu civilization. The Jinsha Site in Chengdu has a history of 3,000 years. According to the saying by King of Zhou Tai Wang, “In one year it became a town, in two years it became a city, and in three years it became Chengdu,” which is how Chengdu got its name. The Shu Han, Cheng Han, Former Shu, and Later Shu dynasties all established their capitals here. Chengdu has always been the administrative center of various dynasties. During the Han Dynasty, it was one of the five major metropolises in the country. In the Tang Dynasty, it was one of China’s most developed industrial and commercial cities, known historically as “Yang Yi Yi Er.” During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was the second largest city outside of Bianjing and invented the world’s first paper currency, the Jiaozi. Chengdu boasts numerous historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Wuhou Shrine, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Jinsha Site, Ming Shu Wang Mausoleum, Wangjiang Tower, and Qingyang Palace, making it one of the best tourist cities in China.

01. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

• Description: Located on the northern outskirts of Chengdu, this base mimics the natural habitat of giant pandas and provides optimal conditions for their breeding and care. It also includes a museum, research lab, and training center.
• Ticket: ¥55
• Opening Hours: Daily 07:30-18:00 (Ticketing until 17:00)
• Getting There: Bus to Chengdu Zoo Station, then transfer to bus 198/198A to Panda Base Station (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Address: 1375 Panda Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

02. Dujiangyan Irrigation System

• Description: An ancient irrigation system built during the Warring States period, still in use today. It includes the Fish Mouth, Flying Sand Weir, and Bottle Mouth, controlling water flow from mountains to plains.
• Ticket: ¥80
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 (Dec-Feb), 08:00-18:00 (Mar-Nov)
• Getting There: Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station, then intercity train to Dujiangyan Station (¥10, 20 minutes).
• Address: Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

03. Qingcheng Mountain

• Description: Known for its lush greenery and Taoist heritage, Qingcheng Mountain is a serene place with Taoist temples and scenic beauty.
• Ticket: ¥80 (Front Mountain); ¥20 (Back Mountain)
• Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 (Weekdays); 08:00-18:00 (Weekends)
• Getting There: From Dujiangyan Station, take an intercity train to Qingcheng Mountain Station (¥5, 8 minutes). Buses are available to the entrance.
• Address: Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

04. Jinsha Site Museum

• Description: A major archaeological site showcasing artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, including the famous Sun God Bird gold foil.
• Ticket: ¥70
• Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:00). Closed on Mondays.
• Getting There: Bus routes 5, 79, 82, 83, 84, 100 to Qingyang Avenue North Station or Jinsha Site East Gate Station.
• Address: 2 Jinsha Site Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

05. Wenshu Monastery

• Description: The largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, with over 300 Buddha statues and significant historical artifacts.
• Ticket: Free
• Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
• Getting There: Bus 42, 75, 126, 127 to Daan West Road West Station; or Metro Line 1 to Wenshu Monastery Station.
• Address: 66 Wenshuyuan Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

06. Du Fu Thatched Cottage

• Description: The former residence of the famous Tang dynasty poet Du Fu, featuring exhibits related to his life and work.
• Ticket: ¥50
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 (Last entry at 15:00)
• Getting There: Metro Line 4 to Caotang North Road Station; Bus 1024 to Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Station.
• Address: 37 Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

07. Kuanzhai Alley

• Description: A historic area featuring wide and narrow alleys, showcasing Chengdu’s traditional architecture, tea houses, restaurants, and local culture.
• Ticket: Free
• Opening Hours: All day
• Getting There: Metro Line 2 to People’s Park Station, 400 meters walk; or Metro Line 4 to Kuanzhai Alley Station.
• Address: Jinhe Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

08. Wuhou Shrine

• Description: A large museum dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period, focusing on the Shu Kingdom and the famous strategist Zhuge Liang.
• Ticket: ¥50
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30
• Getting There: Bus 1, 57, 82, 334, 335 to Wuhou Shrine Station; or Bus 8, 21 to Wuhou Shrine East Street Station.
• Address: 231 Wuhou Shrine Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

09. Jinli Ancient Street

• Description: A vibrant street near Wuhou Shrine, known for its historical ambiance, traditional architecture, and local snacks.
• Ticket: Free
• Opening Hours: All day
• Getting There: Bus 1, 57, 82, 334, 335 to Wuhou Shrine Station; or Bus 8, 21 to Wuhou Shrine East Street Station.
• Address: 231-1 Wuhou Shrine Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

10. Chengdu People Park

• Description: A central park where locals enjoy leisure activities, including tea drinking, tai chi, and socializing.
• Ticket: Free (¥12 during flower exhibitions; ¥8 for major events)
• Getting There: Metro Line 2 to People’s Park Station; Bus 4, 5, 13, 14, 29, 30, 43, 47, 53, 57, 64, 78, 81, 93, 94, 98, 340.
• Address: 8 Xiaonan Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Feel free to use this guide to enhance your travel planning or share it with others interested in exploring Chengdu!