City TourChengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in southwest China, is famous for its laid-back culture, spicy dishes, and adorable giant pandas. Although most of the tourists throng crowded spots such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Kuanzhai Alley, the city also has many specialized spots where you can find a more unique and authentic Chengdu experience. As a native Chengdu resident of over 20 years, in this article, I will recommend some of Chengdu’s hidden check-in points and give you an itinerary for a one-day trip to Chengdu.
Morning: Start the Day with a Cultural Treasure
Sichuan Museum
Begin your journey to Chengdu with the Sichuan Museum visit, which would be a heaven for art and history lovers. The Sichuan Museum in a traditional Chinese courtyard house presents the majestic cultural heritage of Sichuan Opera, one of the greatest regional operas of China. Gaze in awe at finely crafted costumes, face-changing masks used in the famous face-changing art, and learn about the history and development of the performance from a variety of displays and multimedia installations. The museum hosts weekend live performances frequently, and you can watch the true beauty of Sichuan Opera with your own eyes. Admission is free and the museum opens at 9am.
Wangjiang Tower Park
Adjacent to the museum is Wangjiang Tower Park, a riverside park built in memory of Xue Tao, a famous Tang Dynasty poetess. The park is replete with elegant pavilions, bamboo groves, and lotus ponds and hence is an oasis of tranquility in chaos and city din. You can walk to Wangjiang Tower and Jinguan Tower, Qing Dynasty-style structures with a nice view of the Jinjiang River scenery. There is also a small museum with Xue Tao’s poems and items regarding her life. Wangjiang Tower Park is open from 6 am to 10 pm and only costs 30 yuan to visit.
Noon: Enjoy Authentic Local Cuisine at a Hidden Eatery
Jinsha Ruins Museum Restaurant
At lunchtime, instead of eating in busy tourist restaurants, have lunch in the one located in the Jinsha Ruins Museum. The restaurant has a range of dishes with very reasonable Sichuan cuisine. Have Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Twice-cooked Pork as local favorites. Food is made fresh and the taste is authentic since the restaurant only gets museum staff and local customers. While you eat, you can also enjoy the unique atmosphere of the museum compound.
Afternoon: Explore the Fun and Artistic Side of Chengdu
Dongjiao Memory
In the afternoon, go to Dongjiao Memory, a creative park which has been developed from a former factory plant. It is a hipster and art lovers’ paradise. The park is filled with old factory buildings which have been transformed into art galleries, music performance venues, cafes and specialty shops. You walk around in the park, enjoy the graffiti on the walls, and visit various exhibitions. Live music performances and cultural activities are frequently held here, so remember to check the event schedule in advance. Dongjiao Memory is open 24 hours and the entrance is free.
Fangsuo Bookstore
Fangsuo Bookstore in Taikoo Li is not an ordinary bookstore. It is a cultural center which has a bookstore, a gallery, a cafe, and a craft shop. The building structures here are excellent, tastefully combining modern and classical. Spare some time to look through books with great content, enjoying a cup of coffee in the cozy cafe, or looking at displays of artworks in the gallery. It is a pleasant place to relax and appreciate the cultural atmosphere of Chengdu.
Evening: Enjoy Nightlife in Style
Anshun Covered Bridge and Chengdu Lan Kwai Fong
At sunset, head to Anshun Covered Bridge, a scenic old bridge spanning the Jinjiang River. At night, the bridge is illuminated, and the surroundings are romantic and intimate. Near the bridge is Chengdu Lan Kwai Fong, an entertainment area at night. You can choose from several bars and clubs with various styles. From a relaxed bar with live acoustic sessions to a pumping club with DJs, Lan Kwai Fong has it all. Grab a seat on the terrace, order a drink, and enjoy the lively nightlife of Chengdu.
Local Teahouses in Side Alleys
If you prefer to end the day in a more local manner, you can seek out local teahouses tucked in the less-touristed alleys. These teahouses are where you will be able to feel the easy-going way of life of Chengdu. Have a glass of local tea, such as jasmine tea or Pu’er tea, and sit with locals and just relax. You can even get to see a traditional Sichuan tea art performance, where tea artist masters fill tea precisely into your tea cup from a long-mouthed teapot, which is amazing.
Chengdu Travel Tips
Transport: Chengdu has a very good public transport system, with subways, buses, and shared bicycles. Local transport apps can be downloaded to facilitate traveling within the city much more easily. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Didi are easily accessible as well.
Accommodation: If you want to be in the thick of it all, perhaps stay near Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li. However, if you’d rather have the local, more subdued experience, consider a homestay in an old alley or near the aforementioned lesser-known attractions.
Food: Chengdu is famous for its spicy food. If you are not used to spicy food, inform your server when ordering. Most restaurants can reduce the spiciness for you. Don’t miss sampling the local snacks such as sugar-coated fruit, egg-baked cakes and cold noodles.
Conclusion
In short, Chengdu holds more than the typical tourist attractions. If you explore the recommended off-the-beaten-path check-in locations, you can know more and enjoy the rich heritage, unique art environment, and vibrant nightlife of the city. So, when you trip to Chengdu, be daring and go off the beaten path and discover the hidden places of this amazing city.
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