The best way to spend one day in Chengdu is to go to a number of different places and see as much as you can. This is especially true if you have just arrived in the city, and have limited time to explore. So, here are some ideas for things you can do during your time in the city.
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha is one of the awe-inspiring attractions in Sichuan Province. It is an ancient Buddhist monument which draws in hordes of tourists from across the globe.
If you are visiting Chengdu, you might be interested in taking a day trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha. The giant Buddha is actually part of a scenic area, where you will also see various smaller carvings.
There are several ways to get there. You can take a bus, drive, or go by train. However, there are only nine high-speed trains that run daily from Chengdu. So, you will likely have to book your seat in advance.
In order to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, you will need to have a bit of courage. You will also need to make sure you have a decent amount of time to spare. Typically, a tour to the giant Buddha takes around eight to ten hours.
A good way to do it is to get a package that includes the best of Leshan. These packages include a full-day tour of the Giant Buddha, along with a visit to the scenic mountains and valleys of Mount Emei. And, for a really fun experience, you can include a cruise to the Giant Buddha.
For a budget-friendly trip, you can do the same tour independently. To save some money, you can opt to pay for a guided tour.
People’s Park
People’s Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Chengdu. Located in the city’s center, it is a green space with many attractions. The park features a small artificial lake, an artificial hill and several gardens. It is also an excellent venue for entertainment and sports.
People’s Park is a great place for visitors to relax and take a break from the bustling city. It is also a great place to learn about Chinese culture. You will find many activities in the park, including tea drinking, playing mahjong, and dancing.
In addition, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery in the park. There is an artificial lake where you can sail. Moreover, there are a number of tea houses and gardens, and you will have a chance to see many of the locals enjoying themselves in the park.
You can also visit the Orchid Garden, which is a wonderful spot for flower-lovers. With more than a thousand pots, the garden is full of orchids.
Also, you can spend some time at the Singing Crane Teahouse, which is located on Goldfish Island. Visitors can watch the traditional folk dances performed by the locals.
Rockery Square is another beautiful spot in the park. Its waterfall is about twelve meters high. This square is also home to a Chinese-style teahouse and a few museums.
Other areas you can explore in the park include the Jinshui Stream and the Culture Park. These places feature trees and pathways lined with beautiful flowers. And there are also alleyways that offer a glimpse of life in Chengdu hundreds of years ago.
Chunxi Road
Chunxi Road is one of the best places to shop in Chengdu. There are many stores with local and international brands. You can find high-end shops, trendy clothes, fashion arcades, supermarkets, and sports brand stores.
Located in the city center, Chunxi Road is a 1.1km long street with more than 700 stores. The district is filled with restaurants and shops selling traditional Chinese specialties.
Chunxi Road is famous for its food, but it is also a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. You can find traditional Chinese foods such as rice, pig lungs in chili sauce, and Korean steamed buns. It is also home to a number of department stores and large shopping malls.
During the day, Chunxi Road is bustling with a crowd. Locals and tourists come here to buy souvenirs, snacks, and local dishes. However, it’s a bit chilly at night.
Jinli Street is a picturesque street in Chengdu. There are several narrow alleys that line the street. Many local shops offer souvenirs, calligraphy, lacquer products, and more.
Kuan Zhai Alley is an old alley that was built in the late Qing Dynasty. Today, it is a mixture of shops and bars.
In the past, Chunxi Road was a major site of anti-Japanese demonstrations. After the opening of the Metro Line 2, the road has gained a lot of new visitors.
Ito Yokado Co, a Japanese company, opened its first international department store in 1997 in Chengdu. Since then, the company has expanded its service and products to seven other locations in Chengdu.
Laojun temple
Located in the Sichaun province, Chengdu is a city that has a long history. It has a number of ancient sites and museums, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Laojun Temple, also known as the Taishang Mountain, is an imposing structure that rises 33 meters above the ground. This is one of the most famous attractions in Chengdu. You can spend a few hours here and experience the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A cable car ride from the top of the mountain takes you to the Taoist palace. The scenery on the way is breathtaking. In addition, you can see the largest Buddha statue in the world.
You can choose to take the cable car or go on a walk to see the giant Buddha. If you choose to hike, you will also get to see a variety of flowers.
Another popular day trip from Chengdu is to visit the tea plantations. Tea is a significant part of China’s economy. Many of the villages are full of teahouses, which offer a great spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most interesting things to do in Chengdu is to participate in a photography workshop. There are many people that come here to practice their craft.
Alternatively, you can visit the Antique Market, which has more than 800 stalls selling everything from local snacks to Chinese antiques. This market is also a good place for people watching.
Sichuan Silk Brocade
Sichuan Silk Brocade is a unique style of stitching. The weavers spend hours hand stitching intricate patterns into their textiles. This is a popular souvenir to buy in Chengdu.
If you are looking for a gift, you can consider purchasing some Sichuan Silk Brocade. This is a hand-woven item that is often woven into tapestries or clothing. There are various types of brocade and you can choose one that suits you best.
You can visit the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum in Chengdu to see the history of brocade-making. The museum exhibits looms and embroidery from different dynasties. They also feature a small factory of brocade-making.
It is important to remember that there is a long history of making silk brocade. The city of Chengdu was once known as “Brocade City.” In fact, the earliest silk brocade in the world was produced in Chengdu.
Today, Chengdu is an industrial hub and the largest communications center in southwest China. It is a great place to shop, dine and relax. Besides, there are a lot of cultural sites to check out in Chengdu.
Chengdu is a safe city to explore and travelers can enjoy the city’s bustling streets at night. There are also many high-end retail centers to choose from.
Moreover, you can find many traditional teahouses and dining restaurants in the city. Sichuan cuisine is famous for its spicy and numbing taste.
Panda Breeding and Research Center
If you’re looking for an interesting way to spend a day in Chengdu, check out the Panda Breeding and Research Center. This is a fantastic experience for families and those interested in the plight of China’s Giant Pandas.
The best part is that you can get there easily, either by public transport or a private car. A cab from the city centre should only take about 30 minutes. You can also make use of the free shuttle bus service.
The panda is the star of the show, but the center also has other endangered species on display. Red pandas and swans are among the wildlife that resides on the base.
While you’re here, you can take a trip through the museum. The facility boasts many displays, including a fabled bamboo tree. There are also several interactive activities and exhibits to keep your attention.
For the truly adventurous, you can even volunteer to help take care of the giant pandas. These programs offer a more hands on experience than the regular tourist tours. During your time at the facility, you can learn how to care for and clean the panda’s enclosures, prepare meals, and more.
However, the best thing about the facility is the fact that it’s the only place in China where you can see these amazing animals. In addition to the pandas themselves, you’ll be able to meet other species such as black swans, peacocks, and other birds of prey.
