Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a city where ancient culture meets breathtaking natural beauty, making it a top destination for Chengdu travel and Sichuan attractions. From serene mountains like Qingcheng Mountain to the adorable pandas in Panda Valley, Chengdu perfectly blends history, nature, and city charm. Visitors can explore Wuhou Shrine and Wenshu Monastery, stroll through tranquil forests, discovering surprises around every corner. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or traveler seeking a slower pace, Chengdu offers a rich mix of humanistic charm, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
1. Qingcheng Mountain | A Peaceful Escape in Nature
No Chengdu trip is complete without visiting Qingcheng Mountain. This serene forested area is like a natural oxygen bar, perfect for refreshing your mind and eyes. Wander along trails lined with streams and waterfalls, and don’t miss Wulong Gorge, where cascading waterfalls, trickling streams, and ancient stone bridges create picture-perfect scenery. Bamboo raft rides and Cuijing Lake nearby add to the breathtaking natural experience.
Deep in the forest lies a quaint wooden cabin, Qingcheng Tianxia You. Follow stone paths through layers of bamboo to discover the cabin subtly nestled amid greenery. Inside, the scent of pine mingled with earthy aromas instantly relaxes you, slowing time and letting days feel longer and lighter.
2. Sanxingdui Museum | Unlocking the Mysteries of Ancient Shu
Sanxingdui Museum is a key site for exploring the origins of Chinese civilization. It houses the largest urban ruins from the Xia and Shang periods discovered in the Sichuan Basin. The museum’s collection spans 2800–1100 BCE and includes bronze masks, exquisite jade, and gold artifacts, revealing the extraordinary creativity and artistry of the ancient Shu people.
Sanxingdui was the birthplace and core of Shu civilization, serving as a political, economic, cultural, and religious hub for over two thousand years. The museum provides a rare glimpse into the development, peak, and eventual decline of this unique civilization, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history.
3. Jiuyan Bridge | A Thousand-Year Story in Light and Shadow
Originally built during the Ming Dynasty (Wanli era) as Hongji Bridge, Jiuyan Bridge played an important role in local water management. In the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Jiuyan Bridge for its nine arches. Today, the old bridge stands opposite Anshun Covered Bridge, forming a charming contrast of old and new.
After rain, nightfall brings enchanting reflections on the water, reminiscent of a layered ink painting. Jiuyan Bridge combines historical architecture and modern lighting, offering both a sense of history and urban romance. Nearby bars add vibrancy to Chengdu’s nightlife, making it a popular evening destination.
4. Panda Valley | Get Up Close with Pandas
For an unforgettable panda experience, visit Panda Valley in Dujiangyan:
✅ See giant pandas up close
✅ Enjoy lush, high-quality natural surroundings
✅ Compact and easy to explore
Giant pandas rest from 12:00–2:00 PM, so start with red pandas. From the park entrance, follow the left path past the large stone marker to reach Panda Villas 1–3 and the nursery. Feeding time at around 2:00 PM lets visitors photograph pandas as close as five meters away. Don’t miss Mei Lan, whose smile is irresistibly cute!
5. Wuhou Shrine | Millennia of Devotion
At Wuhou Shrine, sunlight filters through bamboo onto ancient steles and inscriptions, as if history is speaking. The shrine features the “Three Wonders”: writings of Pei Du, calligraphy by Liu Gongchuo, and carvings of Lu Jian.
The Eastern Corridor houses statues of famous officials, with Zhuge Liang prominently displayed. Sunlight highlights his robes, symbolizing enduring wisdom. The main hall features seven red sandstone steles inscribed by top scholars from the Qianlong era, including the famous Chu Shi Biao. Outside, cypress trees and quiet corners evoke the serenity described by poet Du Fu centuries ago.
6. Chengdu Museum | A Museum That Brightens Your Mood
Chengdu Museum is the city’s largest museum, housing nearly 200,000 artifacts from the Neolithic era to the Republic of China. The museum offers a complete historical narrative, enriching any visit to Chengdu.
— Smiling Terracotta Figures: Han Dynasty pottery figures capturing joyful scenes of singing and dancing, reflecting the optimistic spirit of ancient Bashu people.
— Shadow Puppets: Traditional Sichuan puppetry brings stories of life and folk art across centuries to life through light and movement.
7. Wenshu Monastery | Chengdu’s Spiritual Heart
Also called Konglin Hall, Wenshu Monastery was founded during the Sui Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. Its classical wooden architecture is among the best-preserved Buddhist temples in Chengdu.
Famous for Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, the monastery is considered the city’s most spiritually potent temple. Visitors come to pray for success or family well-being, enjoying deep peace. The grounds feature tea houses and vegetarian restaurants for a traditional tea or meal in a serene atmosphere.
Things You might to Know about:
1. Six major halls, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Great Hero Hall, and Manjushri Pavilion
2. Thousand Buddha Peace Pagoda with 1,000 intricate Buddha statues
3. Wenshu Fang street in front, lined with historic architecture, local snacks, and cozy tea houses
8. Dujiangyan | A Blue-Lit Wonder at Night
At Dujiangyan, stroll along Nanqiao Bridge and feel the evening breeze over the Min River. Lights at night transform the water into a dreamy blue spectacle called “Blue Tears.” While the river appears green to the naked eye, photography captures a magical luminescent blue, blending light and flowing water for a romantic, otherworldly experience.
9. Jinsha Site | Witness the Glory of Ancient Shu
Discovered during construction, the Jinsha site contains foundations of large buildings, ceremonial areas, residential zones, and tombs. Its iconic Golden Sun Bird symbolizes Chengdu and Chinese heritage, showcasing the craftsmanship of Shu civilization over 3,000 years ago.
Unlike Sanxingdui, Jinsha reflects everyday life in ancient times. The expansive site includes lawns, ebony trees, and small deer, echoing the wildlife that once roamed the area.
10. Wangping Street | Old Charm Meets Urban Trend
Wangping Street captures authentic Chengdu life with a mix of traditional shops, food stalls, and modern cafés. Late afternoon is ideal, as the street transitions from daytime leisure to lively nightlife.
The area offers iconic Chengdu cuisine like hot pot, skewers, and bobo chicken, while artisan shops and boutiques showcase contemporary culture. Riverside coffee shops and bars invite visitors to relax, sip tea or drinks, and enjoy the city’s slow, leisurely lifestyle.
Travel Tips for Chengdu
Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) or fall (September–November)
Getting around: Metro, buses, and taxis are convenient
Local experiences: Tea houses, Sichuan opera, and street food tastings enrich your travel experience
Chengdu effortlessly blends history, culture, and nature. Whether exploring ancient ruins, walking forest trails, or sipping tea in a quiet courtyard, every corner tells a story—inviting travelers to linger, discover, and fall in love with its charm.