Chengdu tours

Things to do in Chengdu

Chengdu moves at an unhurried pace, where the scent of Sichuan peppercorns fills the atmosphere and mahjong laughter drifts through open windows. Known for its relaxed lifestyle and endearing giant pandas, the city encourages you to pause and savour each moment. On Chengdu tours, your local guide breathes life into this vibrant culture, taking you beyond the obvious sights. Meander through the tranquil bamboo of Wangjianglou Park or partake in a private tea ceremony in a tucked-away teahouse. Relish the fiery delights of a food and wine tour, experiencing hot pot like a local. With your guide, you sidestep crowded attractions and instead connect with Chengdu’s rhythm, where every alleyway tells a story and every meal is a celebration. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Chengdu. Explore Chengdu your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Chengdu tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Chengdu for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Arrive at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding right at opening to watch morning feedings and see red pandas on quieter forested paths. Continue with a bamboo grove walk at Wangjiang Pavilion Park and a cup of jasmine tea as your guide shares local bird spots. Day trip tours: Pair Mount Qingcheng’s mossy stone steps and a short cable car ride with the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, including a temple-side vegetarian lunch. Or take the high-speed train to the Leshan Giant Buddha, ride a river boat for the full view, and sample tofu dishes at a nearby alley market before returning. City highlights tours: Settle into a tea house in People’s Park for a gaiwan lesson and, if you like, the classic ear-cleaning service, then stroll the Kuanzhai Alleys for snacks like dan dan noodles and rabbit‑free skewers if that’s your preference. Add Wuhou Shrine and the Jinsha Site Museum for history, and wrap up with a face-changing Sichuan opera show at Shufeng Yayun Theatre. The metro is broad, frequent, and useful for many tours, and central areas are easy to walk between major stops. For panda bases and day trips beyond the core, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Chengdu inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to explore Chengdu’s unique neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to understand the spirit of a place than with someone who knows it well. - Jinli Street: Famous for its traditional architecture and local snacks, this bustling area is perfect for families and cultural tourists looking to dive into Chengdu's rich history. - Kuanzhai Alley: Known for its charming courtyards and teahouses, this district is ideal for those seeking meaningful connections and a relaxed atmosphere. - Tianfu Square: The heart of the city, offering modern shopping experiences and cultural landmarks, appeals to multi-generational groups wanting to explore the city’s vibrant core. - Wuhou District: Offers a mix of historical sites and modern attractions, making it suitable for cultural tourists interested in both the ancient and contemporary aspects of Chengdu. - Chunxi Road: A bustling shopping area where you can find international brands and local boutiques, perfect for those who enjoy a lively urban atmosphere. Day trip ideas from Chengdu If you want a change of scene without a long trip, plan Chengdu day trips that hop to nearby cities and green hills on a simple day tour, switching between food, temples, rivers, and easy hikes. Leshan Giant Buddha. A riverside cliff holds a 71‑metre stone Buddha with steps cut into the rock and short boat rides for wide views. Good for you if history, engineering, and photography are your thing, and your tour can focus on either hiking the stairs or seeing it from the water. Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan. Pair Taoist paths and quiet temples on Mount Qingcheng with the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO site. Great if you like light forest walks, culture, and clever old tech, with a day tour that balances more trail time or more heritage. Huanglongxi Ancient Town. Cobblestone lanes, wooden shopfronts, and a slow river set up a simple day with street snacks and tea. Suits anyone who enjoys casual photos, local bites, and a relaxed pace without long travel. Sanxingdui Museum (Guanghan). See striking Bronze Age masks and artefacts from a unique ancient culture. A good pick for museum fans and curious minds, and tours can zero in on the galleries that match your interests. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Chengdu most travellers miss.