Chengdu is one of those destinations that slowly wins you over. It blends ancient culture, relaxed city life, unforgettable food and natural beauty, all while staying refreshingly authentic. As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is not about rushing from one attraction to another. It is about experiences, flavours and stories you carry home.

If you are planning China as part of a well-organised journey, Chengdu deserves a dedicated spot on your itinerary. Here is a detailed guide to what you should not miss while exploring this fascinating city.

Visit the Giant Pandas at Chengdu Research Base

No trip to Chengdu is complete without meeting its most famous residents. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the best places in the world to see giant pandas up close in a naturalistic environment.

Arrive early in the morning when pandas are most active. You can watch them eating bamboo, playing or climbing trees. The base also focuses on panda conservation and research, offering valuable insight into how China protects this endangered species.

This experience is gentle, meaningful and ideal for travellers of all age groups.

Walk Through Jinli and Kuanzhai Ancient Streets

Chengdu’s old streets offer a window into its past. Jinli Ancient Street is lively and colourful, lined with traditional architecture, lanterns, souvenir shops and local snack stalls. It is perfect for an evening stroll, especially after sunset.

Kuanzhai Alley, also known as Wide and Narrow Alleys, presents a calmer contrast. Here you will find restored courtyards, tea houses and boutiques that reflect Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Take your time, sip tea and simply observe the local rhythm of life.

Experience Sichuan Cuisine and Real Hot Pot

Chengdu is recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, and food is a serious affair here. From street snacks to iconic dishes, every meal is an experience.

Must-try dishes include:

• Sichuan hot pot with its spicy, numbing broth

• Kung Pao chicken prepared the authentic way

• Mapo tofu packed with bold flavour

• Dan dan noodles and local dumplings

Even if you are cautious about spice, Chengdu’s chefs can adjust flavours while preserving the essence of Sichuan cooking.

Relax the Chengdu Way at a Tea House

Tea culture is deeply rooted in Chengdu’s daily life. Locals spend hours chatting, playing mahjong or reading the newspaper at tea houses, especially in People’s Park.

Order a jasmine or green tea, sit back and absorb the surroundings. Some tea houses also offer traditional ear-cleaning services, a unique local custom that adds to the experience.

This slow-paced break gives you a genuine feel of Chengdu beyond sightseeing.

Explore Wuhou Shrine and Learn About the Three Kingdoms

For history lovers, Wuhou Shrine is one of Chengdu’s most important cultural landmarks. It is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a legendary military strategist from the Three Kingdoms period.

The temple complex is peaceful and well-preserved, filled with red walls, ancient statues and stone inscriptions. It helps you understand a significant chapter of Chinese history while enjoying a calm atmosphere right inside the city.

Take a Day Trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha

Located a few hours from Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha is an extraordinary sight. Carved into a cliff over 1,200 years ago, it is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.

You can view it from above by walking along the paths or from below via a river cruise that offers a stunning perspective. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a powerful reminder of China’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

Many travellers include Leshan as a seamless day trip from Chengdu.

Discover Local Markets and Modern Chengdu

Chengdu is not only about ancient temples and culture. It is also a modern city with vibrant shopping districts, creative parks and night markets.

Visit local markets to see fresh produce, spices and daily life in motion. In contrast, areas like Taikoo Li showcase Chengdu’s contemporary side with modern design, cafés and high-end shopping blended beautifully with heritage buildings.

Why Chengdu Works Perfectly in a China Itinerary

Chengdu balances culture, comfort and character. It offers a slower pace compared to mega cities, making it ideal for Indian travellers exploring China for the first time. When planned properly, Chengdu fits seamlessly with destinations like Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.

This is where expert planning truly matters. As one of the best tour operators Kerala travellers rely on, we design itineraries that give you the right mix of sightseeing, rest and memorable experiences.

Discover Chengdu with a Thoughtfully Planned China Journey

Chengdu may not always be part of standard travel routes, but it fits beautifully into a well-designed China itinerary when planned the right way. With its mix of culture, cuisine, wildlife and relaxed city life, it adds depth and balance to your overall China experience.

At Skytime, we create itineraries that reflect how you want to travel. If Chengdu is on your wish list, we ensure it blends seamlessly with other iconic destinations through smart routing, comfortable pacing and guided experiences. From panda encounters and heritage walks to scenic day trips, every detail is carefully planned to complement your journey.

Explore our China options and let us design a journey that includes Chengdu as part of a well-crafted Kerala to China tour package, giving you a complete and memorable way to experience China.