6 things you absolutely CAN’T skip in Chengdu!
6 things you absolutely
CAN'T skip in Chengdu
Chengdu – a city in Southwest China with unique culture and magnetism – is where most Chinese dream to travel and settle. Locals live with a famously laid-back philosophy, embracing life’s comforts. With countless incredible things to see and eat, I’ve curated these 6 must-do experiences to help you dive right into Chengdu’s authentic flavor fast
Here are 6 things for your first trip to Chengdu
Get up close with roly-poly furballs at the panda base!
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the world’s only urban panda conservation hub where you can enter exclusive cub nurseries. Immerse yourself in live “panda mukbang” shows, bamboo forest wrestling matches, and baby pandas chasing their papa keepers – guaranteed heart-stealing joy! (Pro tip: Catch peak cuteness at 9-10 am). Cap off your visit at the 360° Panda Tower lookout to survey an emerald sea of bamboo wilderness.
Sip tea from century-old bowls at People's Park
Heming Teahouse reigns as the crown jewel among People’s Park’s six historic teahouses. Founded in 1923, this national icon once hosted over 3,000 tea drinkers simultaneously – making it China’s oldest and most celebrated tea sanctuary. Here, time-honored traditions remain untouched for nearly a century. The real magic? Getting your ears cleaned by masters of this intangible cultural heritage craft. Their tools send electric shivers straight to your crown chakra! This is where you truly dissolve into Chengdu’s local rhythm.
Be a mahjong spectator at local showdowns!
Mahjong, an ancient Chinese game of strategy and chance, has evolved over millennia into a cultural treasure. Today, it reigns as the nation’s beloved social ritual. Chengdu elevates this legacy to art: teahouses transform into tactical arenas, while pedestrian bridges host unlikely battlegrounds! The air thrums with clack-bang of shuffling tiles and victorious “HU（/huː/）!” cries. Witness masters flip cards with tai chi grace, or marvel as they decode intricate carvings by touch alone – blindfolded!。In summer, you’ll even spot Chengdu locals setting up mahjong tables right in flowing streams — staying cool while slamming winning tiles!
Survive the Sichuan Numbing Fire Challenge!
Why “Ma La” isn’t just spicy?
麻 (má) = Sichuan peppercorn’s citrusy electric buzz ⚡
辣 (là) = Chili’s slow-burn fire 🔥
If you can’t handle spice but still want to try Sichuan hotpot, order a bottle of soy milk – your trusty fire extinguisher! You can say Wéiyí dòunǎi, cold please!
Night Tour of Jinli Ancient Street
Step into Jinli Ancient Street – a twilight time portal!
Wander through Qing-Republic era replicas buzzing with Three Kingdoms lore and Sichuan folk culture. As night falls, teahouses, inns, wine shops, and opera stages ignite, while snack stalls and craft booths transport you to an ancient bazaar. Don’t miss: Sip tea (from ¥10) while getting tingling ear cleanses AND watching face-changing magicians, shadow puppets, and 1m-long-spout tea dancers!
📸 Must-capture spots: Start at the vermillion “锦里(Jìn Lǐ)” gate under scarlet lanterns, then hunt:
✅ 300-year-old banyan by the opera stage
✅ Wuyi Alley’s lantern galaxy
✅ Stone bridge with panda-themed houses
✅ Wish Lock Stone for romantic vows – each corner serves cinematic gold!
Ancient Wonders + "Blue Tears" Night Magic!
Born from a 2,200-year-old irrigation system, this water-crafted city deserves a full day on your Chengdu itinerary. By day: Walk engineering marvels! Smart route: Enter Gate 6 → Qinyan Tower(panoramic view) → Erwang Temple → Anlan Suspension Bridge → Fish Mouth Levee (water splitter) → Flying Sand Weir → Bottle-Neck Channel → South Gate. By night: Nan Bridge transforms into a “Sichuanese Venice”! After 7pm, watch the Min River glow with ethereal blue radiance under luminous arches.
🚆 Get there: Take Chengdu Metro Line 6 to Xipu Station → Transfer to Chengdu-Guanxian High-Speed Rail → Lidui Park Station (70 mins total). ❗️ Snap the viral selfie-panda at Yangtianwo Square (right outside exit!), then walk 10 mins to the scenic area.
OVERALL
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