8 Must-Visit Attractions in Chengdu — The City of Pandas, Mala, and World Heritage

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is more than just the gateway to China’s famed giant pandas. It’s a destination rich with flavor, culture, and natural beauty. Often referred to as the City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, Chengdu effortlessly blends ancient traditions with modern comforts, making it a top choice for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Ticy City invites you to explore 8 must-visit places in Chengdu — from iconic wildlife encounters to culinary discoveries and peaceful mountain retreats.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

No visit to Chengdu is complete without seeing its most beloved residents — the giant pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding offers a rare chance to observe more than 100 pandas, including red pandas, in a lush, natural environment.

The best viewing spots are at Villa 1 and Villa 2, where you can watch the pandas play and snack on bamboo. The nursery area is a crowd favorite, especially in the mornings when 3-month-old panda cubs are most active, napping and tumbling around adorably.

Margo Manor Mala Restaurant

Sichuan cuisine is known for its signature mala flavor — a fiery mix of heat and tongue-tingling peppercorns. Margo Manor is one of Chengdu’s most stylish mala restaurants, offering an authentic taste of the region’s spicy food culture.

For those who crave bold flavors and want to experience authentic Sichuan hot pot, this is a must-try culinary stop.

Taikoo Li Chengdu

Located in the heart of the city, Taikoo Li Chengdu is a modern open-air lifestyle complex that brings together ancient Chinese architecture and luxury shopping. Home to global brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Versace, the district also features high-end cafes, cocktail bars, and art galleries.

Don’t miss popular spots like %Arabica and Wang De Chuan Tea Company. International tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping at the nearby IFS complex.

Chuancai Museum (Sichuan Cuisine Museum)

Step outside the city center to discover the Chuancai Museum, the first interactive food museum in China. This is where food lovers can dive deep into the history and flavors of Sichuan cuisine.

Highlights include hands-on cooking classes with local chefs, sampling iconic dishes like Sichuan-style stuffed pancakes, tofu pudding, jelly noodles, and dumplings — all while taking in the unmistakable aroma of Sichuan peppercorns.

Chengdu People’s Park

For a glimpse into everyday life in Chengdu, visit People’s Park — a peaceful city escape where locals practice tai chi, sip jasmine tea, and play traditional music.

Visitors can relax in classic teahouses or try the city’s famous ear-cleaning service, a uniquely Chengdu tradition that blends relaxation and curiosity.

Explore Chengdu’s Surroundings

Thanks to its efficient high-speed rail system and domestic flight network, Chengdu serves as the perfect base for day trips or short getaways. Here are three standout destinations nearby:

Jiuzhaigou Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls. Located near the Tibetan Plateau, it’s ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking serenity in nature.

Mount Emei

One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, Mount Emei is a spiritual and physical challenge. Climbing its ancient stone paths leads to panoramic views above the clouds, ancient temples, and even wild monkeys.

Leshan Giant Buddha

A short train ride from Chengdu brings you to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world at 71 meters. Carved into a cliff more than a thousand years ago, this iconic site is best viewed from both hiking trails and boat cruises.

Chengdu’s Role as a Cultural Capital

Recognized globally for its cultural heritage, Chengdu hosts the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival (ICH) every two years. This event celebrates traditional Chinese arts, crafts, and performances with music, dance, and culinary showcases.

The festival also includes the Trip.Best Awards, a curated list of Chengdu’s top attractions, restaurants, and hotels based on AI-driven reviews and expert input. Highlights include Wuhou Shrine, Sichuan opera, and the Chengdu Museum.

Evenings are illuminated by drone light shows that narrate the city’s history through synchronized aerial choreography — a perfect mix of tradition and technology.

Travel Tips for Visiting Chengdu

Traveling to Chengdu is now easier than ever. With visa-free policies for many countries, modern infrastructure, and user-friendly digital travel tools, exploring this part of China is both smooth and rewarding.

From ancient temples to buzzing shopping districts, fiery cuisine to peaceful teahouses, Chengdu offers a multidimensional travel experience that’s hard to match.

Chengdu is not just a stop on your China itinerary — it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re drawn by the cuddly charm of giant pandas, the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine, or the serenity of nearby mountain temples, Chengdu offers a perfect blend of culture, flavor, and adventure.

Let Chengdu surprise you — one spicy bite, scenic view, and soulful tradition at a time.