City Guides | Chengdu
Chengdu Travel Guide
For Australians
Laid-back, Cultural, and Culinary
Welcome to chengdu
Chengdu (成都, Chéngdū) is the capital of Sichuan Province. The city is known for its laid-back lifestyle, spicy cuisine, and as the home of giant pandas. Let's explore the top attractions, activities, food, and hotels in Chengdu.
Population
21 million
Location
South West
Known for
24/7 Hot Pot
Top Attractions in chengdu
Giant Panda Research Base
Chengdu is home to the world's most famous conservation centre for giant pandas. At this research base, visitors can observe the beloved animals in a near-natural habitat. Early morning visits offer the best chance to see pandas during their most active hours. If you have kids, get ready to purchase endless panda merchandise.
Jinli Ancient Street
Jinli Ancient street is a beautifully restored historic street that captures the essence of old Chengdu. This 550m long street dates back over 1,800 years. Stroll through to experience traditional architecture, eat local street food and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Sichuan culture. Make sure you try ‘San Da Pao’, a distinctive snack of Sichuan Province made from sticky rice, brown sugar, sesame, and beans.
Leshan Giant Buddha
Located about two hours from Chengdu by car, this UNESCO World Heritage site features the world's largest carved stone Buddha. The statute stands 71 metres tall, carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers. The fastest way to get to the Leshan Giant Buddha is by taking the high speed bullet train (approx 1 hour journey). To see the full view of the Leshan Giant Buddha, purchase a boat ride ticket for around 150 CNY.
ACTIVITIES in chengdu
Explore Tibetan Quarter
Chengdu's Tibetan Quarter, often referred to as "Little Lhasa," is a vibrant area that immerses visitors in Tibetan culture without the need to travel to Tibet. Located near Wuhou Temple, this neighborhood features traditional Tibetan restaurants, shops selling handicrafts, and colorful clothing. Visitors can enjoy dishes like yak meat and momos while exploring the lively streets filled with locals dressed in traditional attire. The area is also known for its unique atmosphere, where tourists can experience authentic Tibetan life and cuisine, making it a must-visit destination in Chengdu.
Visit Chengdu Museum (New Hall)
The Chengdu Museum New Hall (成都博物馆, Chéngdū Bówùguǎn) is a large city museum located on the west side of Tianfu Square. Completed in 2016, this humongous 65,000 square meter museum houses an extensive collection of nearly 200,000 objects.
Try Chendu Hot Pot
Hot pot is the spirit of Sichuan cuisine, and Chengdu is renowned for it. Hot pot is a communal dining experience where you cook various ingredients in a simmering pot of broth at your table. Chengdu's hot pot is famous for its spicy and numbing mala flavour, created with Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, and numerous aromatics. You’ll find 24/7 hot pot restaurants all across the city.
WHAT TO EAT in chengdu
Don't miss these local specialties:
Mapo Tofu – a spicy tofu dish that originated in Chengdu.
Kung Pao Chicken – try the authentic Sichuan version.
Hotpot – Sichuan's most famous culinary experience.
Dan Dan Noodles – spicy noodles with minced pork.
Twice-Cooked Pork – a classic Sichuan dish.
Where to Eat:
Popular eateries for an authentic taste of Chengdu:
Chen Mapo Tofu – the original restaurant that invented Mapo Tofu.
Jinli Old Street food stalls – for a great street food experience.
Chengdu hot pot restaurants – numerous options throughout the city.
GETTING AROUND chengdu
Chengdu Metro
The Chengdu Metro is a modern and efficient subway system that makes navigating the city easy and features English signage throughout.
Didi & Taxis
Ride-hailing apps like Didi are widely used in Chengdu and offer an English interface for easy navigation. Taxis are also readily available, but having your destination written in Chinese can be helpful for drivers.
Buses
Chengdu has an extensive bus network that covers the city well, although it can be challenging for non-Chinese speakers to navigate. Key stops often have electronic displays showing arrival times.
Walking
Many of Chengdu's attractions, such as Jinli Ancient Street and the Panda Base, are best explored on foot.
POPULAR HOTELS IN chengdu
XISHU GARDEN INN
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9.8 Rating on Expedia (Exceptional)
Grand ParcVue Hotel Residence
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9.6 Rating on Expedia (Exceptional)
Ascott Raffles City Chengdu
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9.2 Rating on Expedia (Wonderful)
Hilton Garden Inn Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley
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9.2 Rating on Expedia (Wonderful)
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