Chengdu has a funny way of slowing you down and firing you up in the same afternoon. One minute you're cradling a cup of jasmine tea in a century-old teahouse, the next you're chasing down a bowl of numbing mala hotpot that leaves your lips tingling for an hour. 

It's this contrast, sleepy courtyards next to sizzling street food, that makes the Sichuan capital one of the most rewarding cities in China to explore right now. Beyond the giant pandas that made it famous, Chengdu is packed with ancient alleyways, Buddhist temples, and enough regional flavour to fill a week-long itinerary. 

You don't need to apply for a visa to enter Chengdu, or anywhere else in mainland China, for short trips. Thanks to the China-Malaysia mutual visa exemption agreement, Malaysian ordinary passport holders can stay in China for up to 30 days per entry, with a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. 

This arrangement has been extended through December 31, 2026, so it should comfortably cover your travel plans for the rest of the year. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. 

You must also fill in the China Digital Arrival Card online via their official mini-programs prior to landing to skip long queues at border control. 

From cuddly pandas to fiery hotpot streets, here are the experiences that make Chengdu worth the flight.

Address: 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu

Opening Hours and Admission: 7.30 AM–6:00 PM (March–October), 8:00 AM–5:30 PM (November–February); admission around CNY 55 (CNY 1 = RM 0,60)

This is the reason most people book a ticket to Chengdu in the first place, and it genuinely lives up to the hype. Spread across a lush, bamboo-filled reserve just 10 km from downtown, the base is home to over 200 giant and red pandas lazing about, munching bamboo, or tumbling over each other. Arrive as close to opening time as possible, since pandas are most active between 8:30 AM and 10 AM during the morning feeding, before the midday heat sends them off for a nap. Book your e-ticket online in advance, as walk-in slots fill up fast, especially on weekends.

Address: Qingyang District, downtown Chengdu

Opening Hours and Admission: Open 24 hours; Free entry (individual shops and shows charge separately)

Kuanzhai Alley, or Wide and Narrow Alley, is Chengdu's most photogenic old town, made up of three parallel lanes lined with restored Qing Dynasty courtyard buildings. It's the kind of place where you can hire a Hanfu outfit for photos, sip tea in a shaded courtyard, and snack your way through Sichuan treats like dan dan noodles and spicy rabbit head. Come in the late afternoon so you catch the golden-hour light on the grey brick facades, then stay on for the lantern-lit evening atmosphere.

Address: Wuhou District, next to Wuhou Shrine, Chengdu

Opening Hours and Admission: 9:00 AM –10:00 PM; Free entry

If Kuanzhai Alley feels polished, Jinli Ancient Street feels a touch more lively and local. This narrow, lantern-strung lane dating back to the Three Kingdoms period is the go-to spot for souvenirs, from paper cuts to Shu embroidery, plus an endless parade of street snacks. Pair your visit with a stop at the adjoining Wuhou Shrine to learn about the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang, and try to catch a short Sichuan opera face-changing performance held nightly along the street.

Address: 15 Wenshuyuan Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu

Opening Hours and Admission: Around 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Free entry (small donation for incense)

Chengdu's best-preserved Buddhist temple offers a genuinely calm counterpoint to the city's bustle. Wander through halls of incense smoke, koi ponds, and centuries-old cypress trees, then settle into the attached teahouse for a proper Sichuan breakfast alongside locals who've been coming here for decades. It's an easy add-on if you're already exploring Kuanzhai Alley, as the two are only a short taxi ride apart.

Address: 12 Shaocheng Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu

Opening Hours and Admission: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Free entry (tea from around CNY 15–CNY 20)

This is where you go to understand Chengdu's famous "slow life" philosophy. Grab a bamboo chair at the century-old Heming Teahouse inside the park, order a gaiwan of jasmine tea that gets refilled all afternoon, and watch locals play mahjong, practise tai chi, or get their ears cleaned by the park's resident "ear pickers." It sounds odd on paper, but it's oddly relaxing once you're in it.

Address: Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan City (around 2 hours from Chengdu)

Opening Hours and Admission: 7:30 AM–6:30 PM; Admission around CNY 80–CNY 90

Carved into a cliff face over 1,200 years ago, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, standing more than 70 metres tall. A day trip here usually combines a scenic river cruise for the full-body view with a walk down the cliffside stairway for an up-close look at his enormous feet. It's a full-day excursion, so plan for an early start and pair it with lunch of Leshan's famous bobo chicken skewers.

Address: Shu Feng Ya Yun, Cultural Park, Qingyang District, Chengdu

Opening Hours and Admission: Evening shows around 8:00 PM; Tickets CNY 150–CNY 280

No trip to Chengdu is complete without watching performers switch painted silk masks in the blink of an eye. Shu Feng Ya Yun is the most established venue for this, offering a full 90-minute programme that also includes shadow puppetry and hand-puppet performances, with English subtitles for international visitors. It's theatrical, a little mysterious, and genuinely impressive even if you've seen videos of it online beforehand.

Address: Found city-wide; Shajiabang and Shudaxia are highly rated central brands.

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, typically 11:00 AM–2:00 AM; Prices range from CNY 80–CNY 150 per person

Sichuan hotpot is famous for its heavy use of beef tallow, dried chillies, and local Sichuan peppercorns that create a signature numbing sensation (ma la). If your spice tolerance is mild, ensure you order a "twin pot" (Yuan Yang Guo) featuring half spicy broth and half mild mushroom or tomato soup.

Address: Jianshe Road Food Street, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Opening Hours and Admission: Busy from 5:00 PM – midnight daily; Free access

This student-dominated food paradise is famous for its long queues and ultra-affordable prices. Must-try delicacies include crispy scallion pancakes, and spicy cold noodles tossed with crushed peanuts and aromatic garlic sauce.

Address: No. 37 Shuanqiao South Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Opening Hours and Admission: Open all day; Free admission

Discovering hidden graffiti murals and independent coffee spots gives you an inside look into the local youth subculture. Occupying a collection of abandoned pharmaceutical warehouses, this converted creative zone houses independent photography studios, vintage clothing shops, and quiet bars. It is a fantastic alternative escape for travellers who love checking out off-the-beaten-path artist communities.

Address: Dongmen Pier, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Opening Hours and Admission: 6:30 PM–10:00 PM; Boat tickets start from CNY 98

Boarding a traditional wooden boat allows you to float past dazzling light shows that illustrate old legends along the riverbanks. It is an incredibly relaxing way to wind down after a long day of walking around the city.

*Admission fees and opening hours are subject to change without prior notice. Please check the official website or contact the attraction directly for the latest ticket prices before your visit. 

Read More: First Time in China? A Helpful China Travel Tips for First-timers 

A little local know-how goes a long way in Chengdu. Here are a few practical pointers before you head out the door.

Mandarin is dominant here, and English signage is limited outside major hotels. Apps like Alipay (with its Tour Pass for foreigners) make paying for taxis, snacks, and tickets far easier.

The city's metro network is incredibly clean, affordable, and English-signposted. Download a digital metro map app or purchase single-journey tickets easily using Alipay at any station machine. 

Sichuan cuisine leans heavily on chilli and Sichuan peppercorn. If you're sensitive to spice, learn to say "wei la" (not spicy) before ordering.

Chengdu sits in a basin and can get humid and hazy, especially in summer, so light, breathable clothing is your friend.

Here's a spread of places to stay, from full luxury to easy budget options, depending on how you like to travel.

Shangri-La Chengdu is known for its riverside views, spacious rooms, and top-notch spa and dining options. It's roughly a 15-minute drive from Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine, making it a comfortable luxury base for sightseeing. Room rates typically range from around RM 506 to RM 890 per night. 

Chengdu Wangjiang Hotel sits in Jinjiang District with straightforward amenities, breakfast options, and a 24-hour front desk. Its location puts you within a reasonable distance of Wangjianglou Park and the Jinjiang riverside, with Jinli Ancient Street around a 24-minute drive away. Room rates generally fall between RM 378 and up to over RM 14,000 per night for a villa-type room.

Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Tianfu Square is a bright, contemporary hotel that provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding options, and complimentary hot breakfast. It’s located around 2 km from Wenshu Monastery. Room rates generally range from RM 239 to RM 390 per night. 

A riverside serviced apartment option in Wuhou District, Somerset Riverview Chengdu is perfect for families or longer stays thanks to its full kitchens, indoor pool, gym, and kids' playroom. It's a five-minute walk to Huaxiba Metro Station and around a 9-minute drive to Chunxi Road and Kuanzhai Alley. Room rates typically range from around RM 199 to RM 721 per night.

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the hotel's policies. 

Read More: 10 Chengdu’s Most Famous Places to Eat 

Ready to experience the best things to do in Chengdu? Book a flight and arrange your hotel, car rental, airport transfer, and activity with Traveloka. Enjoy special deals, hotel discount of up to 25%, free hotel cancellation, and easy flight rescheduling. Terms and conditions apply. 

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