Many cities in China have made their way onto the travel bucket lists of Singaporeans in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. Spend enough time scrolling through your IG feed or TikTok FYP and you’ll probably come across snaps of Shanghai Disneyland or the train passing through a residential building in Chongqing.
If you’re already plotting your annual leave dates, make sure to add Chengdu to your plan. With adorable pandas, tranquil teahouses, stunning natural parks, and really spicy food, this city has something for everyone.
The current exchange rate is RMB10 = ~S$1.86 as of 28th January 2025.
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Getting to Chengdu from Singapore is quick, with several airlines including Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Sichuan Airlines offering non-stop routes. The flight takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes, with round-trip tickets starting from S$452.
You’ve probably heard that accessing apps like Instagram, TikTok, or even Google in China can be challenging unless you use a VPN.
But don’t worry, with the right apps, you’ll be navigating like a local in no time.
No trip to Chengdu is complete without a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. After all, Chengdu and pandas go hand in hand. This government-funded, non-profit institute is dedicated to breeding and researching giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare animals, all while replicating their natural habitat.
It’s also home to over 200 giant pandas and 160 red pandas, giving you the rare chance to observe these adorable creatures up close. You’ll get to wander through the base and watch the pandas as they eat, play, and nap in their element.
As pandas tend to prefer cooler weather, it’s best to visit in spring from March to May, or autumn from September to November, when you’ll have a higher chance of spotting them.
Pro tip: save your energy and take the buggy ride for just RMB30 per person. It lets you hop on and off at various stops and attractions, which is super handy since the base is huge and walking the entire way can get tiring.
Address: 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China, 610081
Opening hours: 7.30am-5pm, Daily
Image credit: Davidddddd via RED
With its endless rows of books and a mirrored ceiling that creates the illusion of an infinite library, Zhongshuge Bookstore is a haven for bibliophiles and Instagrammers alike.
Image credit: 鑫鑫多金 via RED
While it’s a paradise for bookworms, most of the collection here leans towards Chinese titles, so it’s also a great place to dive into local literature. Take your time exploring the space and don’t forget to snap a pic or two on the winding stairs.
The bookstore is also a good starting point to explore the Dujiangyan area, where an ancient irrigation system constructed by the State of Qin is the main draw.
Address: No. 1 Zizhen Road, 2nd Floor, Sunac Mall, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, 610021
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Both the Blue Tears river and Nanqiao Bridge are located in Dujianyan and the real magic happens at night, when the river transforms into an enchanting scene with the waters glowing a mesmerising blue.
Before you wonder if it’s some kind of natural phenomenon – it’s not. The glow comes from lights installed along the river walls, but trust us, it’s still stunning enough to make the 50-minute car ride from the city centre worth it.
Image credit: @ployji_t via Instagram
Nanqiao Bridge is also the perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of Blue Tears. The bridge leads to a stretch of souvenir shops and street snack stalls, so you can shop and grab a bite while you’re there.
Go around 7pm, just as the lights come on for the best experience.
How to get there: Type “蓝眼泪” (Blue Tears) in your Didi app.
Right in the middle of the bustling city is People’s Park, the ideal spot to unwind. Don’t think of this as your average green space – there’s sooo much to do here, which probably explains why it’s a hit with locals and tourists alike.
Grab a seat at one of the many teahouses and sip on traditional Chinese tea while watching performances like face-changing opera and long spout tea pouring. For the best views, pick a teahouse near the pond – not only is it a serene spot to relax, but it’s also perfect for snapping IG-worthy pics.
Image credit: Wei Yin
If you have kids in tow, they’ll love the amusement rides ranging from bumper cars to merry-go-rounds. And don’t miss the elderly practising calligraphy on the ground with water and giant sponge brushes – a sight that adds to the wholesome vibes of this lively park.
Image credit: Blanki via RED
But those are not all – People’s Park is truly the gift that keeps on giving with its public matchmaking corner. It’s where singles and parents gather year-round to seek potential matches for their children.
You’ll see details like age, height, occupation, education, and personality on sheets of paper pinned up for all to scrutinise. It’s almost like swiping on a dating app, but IRL and with handwritten or printed posters. You definitely won’t find this in Singapore, so make sure to try and spot it when you’re there.
Address: 9 Citang Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610015
Unreal nature views to the point where it’s dubbed “heaven on earth” – that’s Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in a nutshell. Famous for its clear blue lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and mountainous landscapes, it’s no surprise that this place is on every nature lover’s radar.
Image credit: @khemboontharig via Instagram
While it’s beautiful all year round, the best time to visit is in autumn, between late September and mid-October when temperatures are cool and the park turns into a sea of red, orange, and gold.
Image credit: @anniesuen via Instagram
Don’t be surprised if people approach you offering a photoshoot experience while you’re there. It’s quite common at popular spots and the package usually includes traditional Tibetan costumes, hair, and makeup. If that sounds like fun, sign yourself up for photos with the gorgeous scenery as your backdrop.
Getting to Jiuzhaigou takes a bit of effort, but it will be all worth it. Hop on a high-speed train from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Station which takes about 2 hours and thereafter, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to reach the valley. You could do a day trip, but we would recommend spending at least 2 days to soak in all the natural beauty and enjoy the peaceful vibes.
Address: Jiuzhaigou County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China, 623402
There’s no need to head all the way to Japan for Nara Park – Chengdu’s Luke Island has its own free-roaming deer too. There’s even better news – it’s just a 40-minute drive from Taikoo Li, Chengdu’s city centre.
Image credit: 一只七 via RED
Get up close and personal with the deer, and have the rare chance to feed and interact with these gentle creatures. There’s also a mini zoo where you can pet fluffy goats and adorable little rabbits.
Or, hop on a boat to cruise around and take in the scenery. When you’re tired from all the exploring, take a breather at one of the many cafes on the island – don’t forget to snap plenty of pics to remember your day surrounded by nature.
Note that entry to the island is priced at 30RMB per person, and there are admission fees to other attractions such as the mini zoo and boat rides.
How to get there: Type “麓客岛停车场” (Luke Island carpark) in your Didi app.
Image credit: 肯德叔叔 via RED
Taikoo Li, the city centre of Chengdu, is the spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Start your journey at IFS Chengdu to get a glimpse of the iconic climbing panda, a massive sculpture scaling the side of the building that’s become a social media sensation.
Image credit: 卷卷子酱 via RED
Stick around until 8pm to catch the naked-eye 3D screen come to life. You’ll want to head to the intersection of Zhongshamao Street and Xikangshi Street for the best views.
The Taikoo Li area is also home to a mix of luxury boutiques and designer brands, with store facades featuring traditional Chinese architectural elements. Even if luxury items aren’t your thing, the whole area itself is a visual delight.
Address: 8 Zhongshamao Street, Jin Jiang Qu, Cheng Du Shi, Si Chuan Sheng, China, 610000
Step into Chengdu’s past at Kuanzhai Alley, a gentrified ancient street that’s a combination of traditional charm and modern allure, and lined with trendy cafes and speciality stores.
Fans of collectibles will want to check out the Pop Mart store, nestled in a traditional Qing-style house – an Insta-worthy spot on its own. Speciality stores here offer a range of local desserts and pastries, perfect as souvenirs or a quick treat while you wander.
For foodies, a must-visit is 渝少侠·熊猫火锅 (Yu Shao Xia hotpot) Kuanzhai Alley branch, where you can indulge in authentic Sichuan hotpot. The hotpot base is a concoction of dried chillies and peppercorns for that ma (numbing and spicy) sensation that Sichuan cuisine is renowned for.
This restaurant is also where you can order adorable panda-themed desserts – not only will they steal the show, but they will also come in handy when you need something to douse the heat.
How to get there: Type “宽窄巷“ (Kuanzhai Alley) in your Didi app, or take the metro and alight at Kuanzhaixiangzi Alleys station on Line 4.
Image credit: @karencinder7 via Instagram
Dongjiao Memory is where you want to be if you’re looking for a spot that screams photo op. One of the main attractions is the iconic “成都” (Chengdu) mural painted on a building, a must for your Instagram feed.
Once an industrial site, this area has been revitalised into a trendy hub brimming with art, culture, and boutique shopping. The area is a paradise for photography lovers, with shops and cafes boasting unique facades and themed interiors.
How to get there: Type “东郊记忆” (Dongjiao Memory) in your Didi app, or take the metro and alight at the Dongjiao Memory station on Line 8.
China has no shortage of fun places to visit, interesting things to do, and yummy food to eat. But if you only have time to visit one city for a short holiday, let it be Chengdu – who knows, you might just want to extend your trip by the end of it.
More things to do in China:
Cover image adapted from: 高高早点睡 & Davidddddd via RED, @khemboontharig via Instagram
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