Chengdu Expat https://chengdu-expat.com/ Useful Information for Living in Chengdu Sun, 18 Oct 2026 08:13:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.8 https://chengdu-expat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cropped-Panda_loog_expat_head2-32x32.png Chengdu Expat https://chengdu-expat.com/ 32 32 1 Day Wonders – Day Trips Around Chengdu https://chengdu-expat.com/day-trips-around-chengdu/ https://chengdu-expat.com/day-trips-around-chengdu/#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:54:23 +0000 http://www.chengdu-expat.com/?p=120179 One of the best things about living in Chengdu, is how easy it is to hop on a train or a bus, and in a few hours be somewhere beautiful.

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1 Day Wonders – Day Trips Around Chengdu

One of the best things about living in Chengdu is how easy it is to travel. In just a few hours, you can reach somewhere beautiful. Western Sichuan has some stunning hikes, and scenic spots – and whilst some of them require long bus rides through hilly highways, here are some places to escape to, just for the day;

Leshan Giant Buddha 乐山

Leshan is one of the most popular day trips from Chengdu and is best known for the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha. However, there’s much more to discover than the famous statue. The city is also home to centuries-old temples, peaceful riverside scenery and one of Sichuan’s best local food scenes, making it an excellent destination for a full-day escape.

Start your visit early to avoid the largest crowds at the Giant Buddha Scenic Area. While walking down the narrow cliffside path beside the Buddha is an unforgettable experience, queues can be very long on weekends and public holidays. Alternatively, take a sightseeing boat from across the river for panoramic views of the world’s largest stone Buddha. Afterwards, spend some time exploring the surrounding temples, gardens and walking trails before heading into the city centre for lunch.

Giant Buddha in Leshan

Leshan is famous throughout Sichuan for its local dishes. Be sure to try Qiaojiao Beef (翘脚牛肉), Leshan Sweet Skin Duck (甜皮鸭), Bobo Chicken (钵钵鸡) and Tofu Pudding (豆腐脑), all of which are local specialities that have made the city a favourite destination for food lovers.

Sichuan's best snacks

Address:

Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, No. 2435 Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan

四川省乐山市市中区凌云路2435号乐山大佛景区

Entrance Ticket

Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area: 80 RMB for adults

Discounted tickets are available for eligible children, students and seniors with valid identification.

Opening Hours

The scenic area is generally open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, although opening hours may vary slightly depending on the season and public holidays. It’s always worth checking the official website before travelling.

How to Get There from Chengdu

The fastest and most convenient option is the high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan Railway Station. The journey takes about one hour, with frequent departures throughout the day. From the railway station, local buses, taxis and ride-hailing services provide easy access to the Giant Buddha Scenic Area.

Alternatively, coaches operate regularly between Chengdu and Leshan from major bus stations. Travel times and departure schedules may vary, so checking the latest timetable before your journey is recommended.

Travel Tip

If possible, visit on a weekday and arrive early in the morning. You’ll enjoy shorter queues, cooler temperatures and a more relaxed experience. Before returning to Chengdu, leave some time to explore Leshan’s local restaurants and street food stalls, which are widely regarded as some of the best in Sichuan.

 

Emei Shan 峨眉山

Emei Shan is one of the most rewarding day trips from Chengdu, combining spectacular mountain scenery, ancient temples and centuries of Buddhist history. As one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts visitors throughout the year. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography or cultural attractions, Emei Shan offers something for everyone.

Most visitors begin their journey at Baoguo Temple, the main entrance to the scenic area. From here, sightseeing buses connect the major attractions across the mountain, while several walking trails lead through forests, temples and scenic viewpoints. If you’re planning to reach the Golden Summit, allow plenty of time, as it usually takes a full day to explore the mountain comfortably.

 

the summit of Mt. Emei

If you prefer a more relaxing experience, the hot springs near Baoguo Temple are a great way to end your visit. Lingxiu Hot Spring is one of the area’s most popular choices, offering indoor and outdoor mineral pools surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.

Baoguo Temple

Address:

Baoguo Temple Visitor Centre, Emei Shan Scenic Area, Emeishan City, Sichuan

四川省乐山市峨眉山市黄湾镇报国寺景区

Entrance Tickets

Scenic Area: 185 RMB (peak season) / 110 RMB (off-season)

Sightseeing buses and cable cars require separate tickets.

Discounted admission is available for eligible students, children and seniors with valid identification.

Opening Hours

The scenic area is generally open daily, although operating hours for sightseeing buses, cable cars and individual attractions may vary depending on the season. It is recommended to check the latest information before your visit.

How to Get There from Chengdu

The fastest option is the high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Emeishan Railway Station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. From the railway station, local buses, scenic shuttle buses and taxis provide convenient connections to Baoguo Temple, the main entrance to the mountain.

Alternatively, regular coaches also operate between Chengdu and Emei City throughout the day. Departure times may vary, so checking the latest timetable before travelling is recommended.

Travel Tip

If you’re visiting during weekends or public holidays, arrive as early as possible to avoid long queues for sightseeing buses and cable cars. Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water and dress in layers, as temperatures at the summit are often much cooler than in Chengdu.

 

Chengdu Greenway 成都绿道

Not every great day trip requires leaving the city. The Chengdu Greenway offers a completely different way to experience Chengdu, combining parks, lakes, wetlands and quiet cycling paths into one of the world’s longest urban greenway networks.

Stretching for around 100 kilometres, the Tianfu Greenway circles much of the city and connects dozens of ecological parks, rivers and recreational areas. Whether you enjoy cycling, jogging or simply taking a leisurely walk, it’s an excellent place to spend a relaxing day outdoors. Unlike Chengdu’s busy tourist attractions, the Greenway provides a quieter side of the city where you can enjoy nature at your own pace.

Most visitors choose to cycle only part of the route rather than completing the entire loop. Shared bikes are widely available, while several rental shops offer higher-quality bicycles for longer rides. Along the way, you’ll find cafés, rest areas, convenience stores and scenic viewpoints, making it easy to stop whenever you like.

 

map of Chengdu Greenway

 

If you’re looking for shorter routes, these two sections are among the most popular:

East to South (Approx. 30 km)

Route: Qinglong Lake Wetland Park → Yushi Wetland → Jiangjiayiyuan → Bailuwan Wetland → Zhonghe Wetland → Guixi Ecological Park → Jincheng Lake

Cycling Time: Around 2 hours (3–4 hours with sightseeing stops)

Southwest to East (Approx. 38 km)

Route: Jinhua Station → Mengchong Park → Yuedong Cailin → Jincheng Lake → Guixi Ecological Park → Zhonghe Wetland → Bailuwan Wetland → Jiangjiayiyuan → Yushi Wetland → Qinglong Lake Wetland Park

Cycling Time: Around 2.5–3 hours, depending on your pace.

How to Get There

The Greenway can be accessed from many different locations across Chengdu. Some of the most convenient entry points include Jincheng Lake, Qinglong Lake Wetland Park and Global Center, all of which are easily reached by metro, taxi or ride-hailing services.

Travel Tip

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for cycling. If you’re visiting during summer, start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. Bringing water, sunscreen and a portable phone charger will make your ride much more enjoyable.

 

people cylcing in Chengdu Greenway

Relaxing countryside getaways:

Flower Town 三圣花乡 and Longquan Mountain 龙泉山

Known locally as Flower Town 三圣花乡旅游区, this cluster of villages originally specialised in flower sales. It has evolved into a popular short escape for Chengdu city dwellers craving a countryside feel, before heading back home to sleep in their own beds. Its winding, quiet country roads feel a world apart from Chengdu’s wide grey city highways; for a few hours, you can easily forget you’re just outside the 3rd ring road.

Flowers in flower town

Parts of the area have been transformed by new developments, with some old rural plots redeveloped. The area is still packed with stylish small cafes, courtyard bars and restaurants where visitors can unwind and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Bike rental is still available to explore the green lanes. Group-friendly BBQ venues remain, though many old budget farm-style BBQ spots have been replaced by newer boutique courtyard dining options. You can still pick up affordable fresh flowers and plants at the large new Sansheng Flower Market.

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How to get there from Chengdu:

Flower town (pronounced sānshèng huāxiāng 三圣花乡) sits within Chengdu city limits, so it is very easy to reach. A DiDi or taxi is the most straightforward option.

Public transport: Metro Line 2 Honghe Station (洪河) Exit A1 – short bike ride to the villages. Metro Line 13 Sansheng Huaxiang Station (三圣花乡), direct access near the flower market. Bus 899 from Chengdong Passenger Transport Center to Louwailou Stop. Buses 31, 40, 133, 186 also serve the flower market.

Longquan Danjing Terrace view platform 

For a more rugged, elevated rural escape, head to sections of Longquan Mountain 龙泉山. Like Flower Town, it draws Chengdu locals for quick day trips, but its charm leans more toward hilltop viewpoints, forest trails and ridge-side cafes overlooking the whole Chengdu plain. It also balances preservation and modern development: farmhouses and fruit orchards still sit alongside newly built scenic greenways and cliffside coffee spots. Hiking, sunset watching and casual farm meals are the main draws here.

Three standout spots worth visiting:

1. Danjing Terrace 丹景台观景, nicknamed the “Eye of the City”. Its iconic spiral viewing platform delivers sweeping 360° views over forested hills and Sancha Lake. Great for photos, sunset and easy family walks.

2. Zhongjiashan Platform 3 三瞰·浮云钟家山森林绿道三号平台. The classic ridge viewpoint for watching Chengdu’s sunset and city lights. On clear days you can spot the downtown skyline. Short hiking trails connect a series of smaller lookouts along the ridge.

3. Peach Hometown 桃花故里景区. A sprawling area of peach orchards. Bursting with pink blossoms and lots of ayis in spring; the rest of the year it offers quiet country lanes, farm restaurants and small courtyard cafes.

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How to get there from Chengdu: 

Longquan Mountain sits east of Chengdu and takes longer to reach than Flower Town. A DiDi /taxi direct to your chosen viewpoint is strongly recommended, taking roughly 50–60 minutes from central Chengdu.

Public transport: Metro Line 2 to Longquanyi Station (龙泉驿) Exit B, then transfer to Bus 870, which serves both Zhongjiashan Platform 3 (钟家山3号观景台) and Peach Hometown (桃花故里). Bus frequency is limited and services finish early; a taxi back downhill is advised after sunset visits. Danjing Terrace (丹景台) is best reached by direct DiDi.

 

Huanglongxi Ancient Town 黄龙溪镇

Huanglongxi Ancient Town is one of the most popular day trips from Chengdu for anyone interested in history, traditional architecture and local culture. Located around 40 kilometres from the city centre, this well-preserved ancient town dates back more than 1,700 years and offers a glimpse into Sichuan’s past.

Walking through the old streets, you’ll find traditional courtyard houses, historic temples, stone bridges and riverside teahouses. The town is also known for its relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to spend a leisurely day exploring on foot. Along the main streets, you’ll discover local snacks, handicraft shops and cafés, while the riverside is a popular spot for enjoying tea or taking a short boat ride.

Huanglongxi is also a favourite filming location for Chinese historical dramas. As a result, it’s common to see visitors dressed in traditional Hanfu, especially during weekends and festivals, creating a lively and photogenic atmosphere.

Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Address:

Huanglongxi Ancient Town Scenic Area, Shuangliu District, Chengdu

成都市双流区黄龙溪古镇景区

How to Get There from Chengdu

Travelling to Huanglongxi is straightforward and takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

By Bus: Regular coaches operate from Chengdu East Railway Station Bus Terminal to Huanglongxi throughout the day. Departure times may vary, so it’s best to check the latest timetable before travelling.

By Taxi or Didi: A taxi or ride-hailing service offers the most convenient option, especially if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends.

Travel Tip

Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, allowing you to explore the old streets at a more relaxed pace. If you plan to stay until the evening, you’ll be able to enjoy the town after many day visitors have left, when the traditional streets become even more peaceful.

 

Qingcheng Mountain 青城山

Qingcheng Mountain is one of the most scenic and culturally significant day trips from Chengdu. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, it is widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of Taoism. The mountain is known for its peaceful forests, ancient Taoist temples and well-maintained hiking trails, making it a favourite destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

The scenic area is divided into Front Mountain (Qianshan) and Back Mountain (Houshan). Front Mountain is home to many of the historic Taoist temples and cultural landmarks, while Back Mountain offers a quieter experience with waterfalls, forests and longer hiking routes. If you’re visiting for the first time, Front Mountain is usually the better choice, especially if you have only one day.

a temple on Qingcheng Mountain

Address:

Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area, Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan

四川省成都市都江堰市青城山镇青城山风景区

Entrance Tickets

Front Mountain: 80 RMB (40 RMB with a valid student ID)

Back Mountain: 20 RMB (10 RMB with a valid student ID)

Combined Ticket (Front Mountain + Dujiangyan Irrigation System): 160 RMB

Cable cars and sightseeing boats are available at selected locations and require separate tickets.

Opening Hours

The scenic area is generally open daily, although operating hours for cable cars and sightseeing services may vary depending on the season. Checking the latest information before travelling is recommended.

How to Get There from Chengdu

By High-Speed Train (Recommended): Take the intercity train from Xipu Railway Station to Qingchengshan Railway Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes. From the station, local buses, scenic shuttle buses and taxis provide convenient access to the entrance of Front Mountain.

By Bus: Coaches also operate from Chadianzi Bus Terminal and Xinnanmen Bus Terminal, with journey times of approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic.

Travel Tip

Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike instead of using the cable car. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, offering pleasant temperatures and some of the mountain’s most beautiful scenery.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System 都江堰

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is one of the most remarkable engineering achievements in China and one of the most rewarding day trips from Chengdu. Built more than 2,200 years ago by Li Bing and his son, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to regulate water and irrigate the Chengdu Plain today. Its innovative design transformed the region into the famous “Land of Abundance” and remains in use without the need for a dam.

Visitors can explore the site’s most famous landmarks, including Yuzui Bifurcation Dam, Feisha Weir, Baopingkou Waterway, Anlan Suspension Bridge and Erwang Temple. The scenic area combines impressive engineering with beautiful riverside scenery, making it an enjoyable destination for both history lovers and photographers.

Allow at least half a day to explore the site at a comfortable pace. If time permits, consider combining your visit with nearby Qingcheng Mountain, as the two attractions are located only a short distance apart and are often visited together.

Address:

Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan

四川省成都市都江堰市都江堰景区

Entrance Tickets

Adults: 80 RMB (peak season) / 60 RMB (off-season)

Students: 40 RMB with a valid student ID

Combined Ticket (Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain Front Area): 150 RMB

Opening Hours

Peak Season (April–October): 08:00–18:00

Off-season (November–March): 08:00–17:30

How to Get There from Chengdu

By High-Speed Train (Recommended)

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Dujiangyan is by high-speed train. Take Metro Line 2 or Line 6 to Xipu Railway Station, then board the intercity train to Lidui Park Station or Dujiangyan Railway Station. The journey takes around 25–30 minutes.

If you arrive at Lidui Park Station, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the scenic area’s main entrance through Guanxian Ancient Town. From Dujiangyan Railway Station, you can take a local bus or a short taxi ride to the entrance.

By Bus

Regular coaches also operate from Chadianzi Bus Terminal to Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Centre. The journey usually takes 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic. After arriving, local buses and taxis provide convenient connections to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area.

Travel Tip

Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest crowds. If you stay until the evening, don’t miss Nanqiao (South Bridge), where the illuminated riverside creates one of Dujiangyan’s most beautiful night views.

Mount Tiantai 天台山

Mount Tiantai is an excellent day trip from Chengdu for visitors who enjoy nature, waterfalls and outdoor activities. Located in Qionglai, this scenic mountain is known for its dense forests, clear streams and impressive waterfall landscape. During late spring and summer, it also becomes one of the best places near Chengdu to see fireflies, attracting photographers and nature lovers from across the region.

The scenic area offers a variety of walking trails suitable for different fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, suspension bridges, mountain streams and forest viewpoints, making it an enjoyable destination even if you don’t plan to complete the entire route. In addition to its natural beauty, Mount Tiantai is home to several Taoist sites that add cultural interest to the visit.

If you’re visiting between late April and early August, you may also have the opportunity to join an evening firefly tour. These guided experiences are very popular, so booking in advance is recommended during the peak season.

Address:

No. 55 Tianshui Road, Sanjiao Community, Tiantai Mountain Town, Qionglai City
邛崃市天台山镇三角社区天水路 55 号

Entrance Tickets

Adults: 58 RMB

Children and students: 29 RMB (with valid identification)

Scenic shuttle bus: 30 RMB (optional)

Opening Hours

Peak Season (April–October): 08:30–18:00

Off-season (November–March): 09:00–17:00

 

How to Get There from Chengdu

By Bus (Recommended)

Take a direct coach from Xinnanmen Bus Station to the Mount Tiantai Scenic Area Visitor Centre. The journey usually takes 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can travel to Qionglai Passenger Transport Centreand transfer to a local bus serving the scenic area.

By High-Speed Train

Take the intercity train from Chengdu to Qionglai Railway Station. From there, local buses and taxis provide convenient connections to the Mount Tiantai Scenic Area. Remember to carry your passport when travelling by train, as it is required for ticket collection and boarding.

Travel Tip

Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the waterfalls and forest trails. If you’re planning to see the famous fireflies, stay until after sunset and avoid using flash photography to help protect the local environment.

 

Luodai Ancient Town 洛带镇

Located around 20 kilometres from central Chengdu, Luodai Ancient Town is one of the best places to experience Hakka culture in southwest China. Home to one of Sichuan’s largest Hakka communities, the town has preserved its traditional architecture, local customs and historic guild halls, making it a fascinating destination for a relaxed day trip.

Walking through the old streets, you’ll discover beautifully preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, traditional teahouses, local snack stalls and small shops selling handmade crafts. The town is also home to several historic guild halls and the Hakka Museum, where visitors can learn more about the history and traditions of the Hakka people.

Unlike some of the busier ancient towns near Chengdu, Luodai offers a quieter atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore at a slower pace while enjoying authentic local food and traditional performances during weekends and festivals.

teahouse in Luodai Ancient Town

Address:

Luodai Ancient Town Scenic Area, Longquanyi District, Chengdu

成都市龙泉驿区洛带古镇景区

How to Get There from Chengdu

By Metro and Bus

Take Metro Line 4 to Xihe Station, then transfer to Bus L024, which travels directly to Luodai Ancient Town.

By Coach

Coaches also operate from Xinnanmen Bus Station to Luodai Bus Passenger Transport Centre. The journey usually takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Travel Tip

Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and cooler temperatures. Don’t miss the traditional Hakka dishes and local snacks, and if you’re visiting during a festival or public holiday, you may also see cultural performances and folk activities taking place throughout the town.

 

Xiling Canyon Water Rafting 西岭峡谷漂流

If you’re looking for an adventurous day trip from Chengdu, Xiling Canyon Water Rafting is an excellent choice during the summer months. Located within the Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area, this popular attraction offers an exciting combination of mountain scenery, clear streams and family-friendly rafting.

The rafting course stretches for around 4 kilometres and takes approximately 30–40 minutes to complete. While some sections include fast-moving rapids, much of the route is suitable for beginners, making it a fun activity for couples, families and groups of friends. During the warmer months, it’s one of the most popular outdoor attractions near Chengdu.

Please note that rafting operates seasonally and may be affected by weather and water conditions. Check the latest schedule before your visit.

 

people water rafting in Xiling Canyon

Address:

Yunhua Village, Xiling Town, Dayi County, Chengdu

四川省成都市大邑县西岭镇云华村

Entrance Tickets

Rafting: Approximately 78–138 RMB per adult, depending on the package and season.

Opening Hours

The rafting season generally runs from May to August, with operating hours between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Opening dates and schedules may change depending on weather and water conditions, so checking the latest information before travelling is recommended.

 

How to Get There from Chengdu

By Bus

Take a coach from Chadianzi Bus Terminal to Dayi Bus Station, then transfer to a local bus heading towards Xiling Snow Mountain. Get off at Yunhua Village, which is within walking distance of the rafting area.

By Car or Taxi

Driving from Chengdu usually takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic. Travelling by private car or taxi is the most convenient option, especially if you’re visiting with family or carrying extra clothing and equipment.

Travel Tip

Bring a change of clothes, waterproof footwear and a waterproof phone pouch, as you will get completely wet during the rafting experience. If possible, visit on a weekday to avoid the busiest queues during the summer holiday season.

 

The lost city of Sanxingdui 三星堆博物馆

Sanxingdui is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in China and easily one of the best day trips from Chengdu. Located in Guanghan, around 40 kilometres from the city, the museum showcases the remains of the ancient Shu civilisation, which flourished more than 3,000 years ago. Its extraordinary discoveries have transformed historians’ understanding of early Chinese civilisation and continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Inside the museum, you’ll find more than a thousand remarkable artefacts, including the famous bronze masks, the impressive Bronze Sacred Tree and the towering Bronze Standing Figure. The expanded museum complex, which opened in 2023, provides larger exhibition spaces and modern displays, allowing visitors to explore one of China’s most important archaeological discoveries at a comfortable pace. Plan to spend at least 3–4 hours exploring the exhibitions.

Address:

No. 133 Xi’an Road, Nanxing Town, Guanghan, Deyang, Sichuan

四川省德阳市广汉市南兴镇西安路133号

Entrance Tickets

Adults: 72 RMB

Students and eligible children: 36 RMB (with valid identification)

Advance reservations are recommended during weekends, public holidays and school holidays, as tickets often sell out quickly.

Opening Hours

The museum is generally open daily from 08:30 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:00. During some peak holiday periods and summer holidays, extended opening hours may apply. It’s best to check the latest information before your visit.

How to Get There from Chengdu

By High-Speed Train (Recommended): Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Guanghan North Railway Station. The journey takes around 20 minutes. From the station, you can reach the museum by taxi or local bus in approximately 10–15 minutes.

By Car or Taxi: Around 1 hour 20 minutes travel time from central Chengdu, estimated fare ¥100‑120 one‑way. Ride-hailing services such as Didi are also a convenient option for visitors travelling in small groups.

By bus: Every 30–60 mins from Chadianzi bus station, or take the official Sanxingdui tourist shuttle bus right below the IFS panda statue on Chunxi Road (www.cdgjbus.com).  ¥20–25, direct non‑stop ride, ~70-90 minutes.

Travel Tip

Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the galleries before they become busy. If you’re interested in learning more about the ancient Shu civilisation, consider combining your visit with the nearby Jinsha Site Museum, which continues the story of the civilization after the decline of Sanxingdui.

 

Chengdu Natural History Museum

成都自然博物馆

The Chengdu Natural History Museum is one of the city’s newest cultural attractions and an excellent choice for families, students and anyone interested in science and nature. Located in Chenghua District, the museum explores everything from geological history and fossils to biodiversity and the evolution of life through modern, interactive exhibitions.

Inside, visitors can discover a wide range of exhibits covering mineral resources, prehistoric life, natural disasters and environmental conservation. The museum houses nearly 70,000 specimens, with around 10,000 items on display, making it one of the largest natural history museums in western China. Interactive displays and multimedia exhibitions also make it an enjoyable experience for children and first-time visitors.

a room inside Chengdu Natural History Museum

Address:

No. 88 Shilidian Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu

成都市成华区十里店路88号

Entrance Tickets

Adults: 20 RMB

Children and Students: 10 RMB (with valid identification)

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00–17:00

Last entry: 16:30

Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)

 

How to Get There from Chengdu

The museum is easily accessible by Metro Line 8 and several local bus routes serving Chenghua District. Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing services such as Didi provide a convenient option from most parts of Chengdu.

Travel Tip

Allow around 2–3 hours to explore the museum comfortably. If you’re visiting with children, plan extra time for the interactive galleries, which are among the museum’s most popular attractions. Weekday mornings are usually quieter, making them the best time to visit.

 

Quick Comparison: Best Day Trips from Chengdu

 

Still deciding where to go? Use the quick comparison below to choose the best day trip based on travel time, highlights and difficulty.

Source: https://ikkyinchina.com

👉 Want to explore more cultural gems? Check out our guide to the Must-Visit Museums in Chengdu for even more fascinating spots across the city.

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Italian Restaurants in Chengdu https://chengdu-expat.com/italian-restaurants-in-chengdu/ https://chengdu-expat.com/italian-restaurants-in-chengdu/#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:23:12 +0000 https://www.chengdu-expat.com/?p=135320  Pizza, Pasta and Plenty of choice.Here’s our comprehensive list of

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 Pizza, Pasta and Plenty of choice.

Here’s our comprehensive list of all the Italian restaurants in the city.

• Although Chengdu is known for its own unique and delicious spicy Sichuanese flavors, the city has much more to offer than just its signature Chinese dishes 🍲.• Craving authentic Italian food in Chengdu? We’ve rounded up the city’s best spots for pizza, pasta and classic Mediterranean flavors.👉 Browse our go-to guide for great Italian dining in town

Gli Azzuri

Gli Azzurri, Italian Restaurant, most likely the best Italian in Chengdu, brought to you by a former Ritz-Carlton Chef.

Before located in iBox, relocated to Master building end of 2019 (in the space that was The Beer Nest II before). The owner is a restaurant veteran, particularly with his experience and passion for Italian cooking. With carefully-selected ingredients from Italy plus authentic cooking techniques, the restaurant’s reputation precedes itself.

Address: Renmin Road Section 4, No. 48-32, Master Building Walking Street 1F

人民南路四段48号附32号,首座万里商业街1楼

Closest Metro: Line 1, Tongzilin Exit B

Phone: 19949498757

 

TIVANO

An exceptional Italian restaurant in Chengdu. The innovative multi-layer design features a vibrant open kitchen with a magnificent wood-fired pizza oven and a wine cellar with mind-blowing selections of international wines. An intimate bar serving Italian aperitifs and cocktails and a rustic vine-covered cabana add to the Mediterranean vibe.

Address:

Upper House, TaiKoo Li Chengdu, 81 Bitieshi Street, Jinjiang District
锦江区成都太古里笔帖式街81号, 居舍酒店

Tel:

028-62974190

Opening Hours:

11:30 – 14:30, 17:30 – 22:00

Blue Social Cantina

Blue Social Cantina is a cozy, lively Italian space designed for sharing and connection. Led by an Italian chef, the kitchen brings authentic flavors with a Mediterranean touch, featuring Roman pizza in pala — crispy outside, soft and airy inside — alongside vibrant small plates and refined desserts. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and full of life, built around its motto: make it social, make it shareable.

Address:

Gaoxin District, Zijing East Road No. 26

高新区紫荆东路26号

Opening Time:

17:00 – 21:30

Closed on Tuesday’s

Tel:

18121961407

Blue da Irma LuxeTown

Authentic Italian restaurant in Luxe Town (Luzhen), South Chengdu.

Rustic Italian flavours, hand-made pasta, pizza & curated wine list, nestled inside the European-style hill town. Warm laid-back vibe for dinner, drinks & gatherings.

Operating Hours
Daily, 11am-10pm

Address:
Tianfu New District, Luxehills Avenue Section 2, No. 18-3, LuxeTown Building 8
天府新区万安街道麓山大道二段18号附3号8栋

Casamosaico Italian Restaurant 

Casamosaico Italian Restaurant is a tradition but still a creative Italian kitchen. The upmarket Italian has moved to the Masters Building in Tongzilin. The large airy second-floor restaurant is dressed with white table cloths, tables marked with stemware and enough silverware for two courses. They work with premium ingredients. Their pastas, for instance, are made in-house with imported flour. They’re also serving imported cuts of meat like 388rmb Aussie T-bone for two.

Opening Time:

Daily, 14:30 – 21:00

Address:

208-209, 2nd Floor, Master, №48, Section 4 of South Renmin Road, Wuhou District

武侯区人民南路四段48号首座中心商业区2楼-208/209号(中国银行正背后二楼)

Tel.:

028-68564060

GILI’S Restaurants & Bars

These cozy and inviting restaurants offer authentic Italian Roman pizza, appetizer, different main courses (steak, lamb rack, salmon, fresh chicken breast, dry aged chicken and sea bass), pasta, risotto and dessert. Our restaurants provide an exceptional dining experience with the addition of a live band. Enjoy your meal while being serenaded by talented musicians who perform a variety of genres, from 90’s RNB to lively contemporary tunes. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends, family, or colleagues, the combination of exquisite cuisine and live music makes our restaurants the ideal destination. Come for the food, stay for the music, and enjoy an unforgettable evening enhanced by the live band’s charm.

There are currently 4 restaurants: 

Tongzilin branch address:

10 South Tongzilin Road, Wuhou District 武侯区,桐梓林南路10号

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-21:00

Phone: 17780703428

Luxelakes branch address:

180 Jiazhou Road, Shuangliu District 双流区,嘉州路168号

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-21:00

Phone: 19150350165

Tiexang Temple Riverfront branch address:

No. 116 Shenghua North, Phase ll Tiexiang Temple Riverfront

高新区盛华北路116号 (铁像寺水街2期2栋108号)

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-21:00

Phone:  19113499985

Waterfront branch address:

Luhu Middle Road West No.888, Luxelakes Eco City,Luxelakes Gourmet lsland Phase ll-A2, Tianfu New District

麓湖中路888号麓湖生态城天府美食岛二期1层A-2号

Opening hours: 11:00-21:00

Phone: 15680817998

 

Burano Grande

Burano Grande’s atmosphere is comparable to a casual Italian restaurant/ sleek Italian wine bar. The menu is simplicity personified: instead of hard-to-pronounce ingredients with something to prove, you’ll instead find pastas like spaghetti with garlic, chilies and parmesan, or frutti di mare garnished with roasted lemon. The fresh pasta gets handmade at their pasta station on the spot. Did we mention that they also serve brunch? We must say that it is value for money, considering the location, decoration, service and food quality.

Address:

#1004, 1F SKP Gourmet Street, No. 2001 Tianfu Avenue North (across Global Center), Wuhou District

侯区天府大道北段2001号,SKP美食大道1F层1004号

Opening Time:

Daily, 11:30 – 22:00

Tel.:

028-63911199

 

Blue Riviera

 Blue Riviera is a relaxed Italian destination built around a beautiful terrace and an easy, sunlit atmosphere. With an Italian chef at the heart of the kitchen, it offers authentic flavors — from Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, soft and airy with a delicate char, to fresh dishes and perfectly chilled spritz.

Opening Hours:

Daily, 11:30-14:30 and 16:00-21:00

Address:

No.118, Building 2, No.116, Shenhua North Road, Tiexiangsi Water Street Phase II, Gaoxin District
920m from Metro Line 5 – Jincheng Lake Station, Exit C
高新区盛华北路116号2栋附118号(铁像寺水街二期)距地铁5号线锦城湖站C口步行920m

Tel:

14780447501

Di Napoli Pizzeria

Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria serving classic pizza al taglio (Roman-style square pizza) and traditional pies, with simple Italian coffee and casual street-style dining.

Opening Time:

12:00-14:00, 17:00-20:30
📍

Address:

No. 8 Da Chuang Xiang, Jinjiang District, Chengdu

锦江区大川巷8号附3号

Amore Pasteria

Amore Pasteria is an authentic Italian restaurant in Chengdu famous for handmade pasta. Following the slow food concept, it combines classic Italian cooking skills with fresh local ingredients. Signature dishes include truffle pasta and prawn pasta, featuring rich sauces and chewy noodles. The elegant and tranquil interior creates a romantic atmosphere. It is a wonderful choice for dates and casual get-togethers.

Opening Time:

Daily, 14:30 – 21:30

Address:

 No. 172 Binjiang east Road Jinguanyi Street Jinjiang District,

锦江区锦官驿街道滨江东路172号附8、9

Tel:

15502815044

Pizza Marina

Modern, bright Italian spot focused on fresh, hand-stretched, wood-fired pizzas and light Mediterranean flavors in a contemporary, laid-back setting.

Opening Hours:

11:00- 21:30

Address:
No. 99, Jirui 2nd Road, High-tech Zone, Chengdu Poly Time Square
高新区吉瑞二路99号, 成都保利时光里

Another smaller store in Suburb Easter Memory Park 东郊记忆

Tel:

17313182410

Umbrella Eatery&Wine Bar

Located in Chengdu’s city center near Chunxi Road/Taikoo Li, ranks first in pizza sales in Jinjiang District with an average consumption of 135 RMB per person. It’s famous for authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza recommended by consulates, featuring exquisite European-style decor and a great selection of wines. Perfect for dining, dating and casual gatherings with a cozy and stylish atmosphere.

Opening Hours:

11:00-23:00

Address:

No.17 Attached to No.9 Dachuan Alley, Jinjiang District (Chunxi Road/Taikoo Li Business Circle)

四川省成都市锦江区大川巷 9 号附 17 号(春熙路 / 太古里商圈)

Tel:

18884522604

Muben Italian Restaurant

Upscale yet cozy Italian eatery offering refined pastas, grilled mains, and classic Italian dishes in a sleek, contemporary space with attentive service.

Opening Hours:

11:30- 21:00

Address:

Wuhou District Joy City Shopping Mall, Dayue Road, 30 meters next to Gate 1 (Do not enter the mall, face the right side of Gate 1)

武侯区大悦路大悦城商场一楼一号门旁边30米处(不进商场,面对1号门右手边)

Tel:

028-66328466

 

Del Posto

Warm, traditional Italian bistro with homemade pasta, robust sauces, and classic antipasti; a neighborhood favorite for homestyle, comforting Italian fare.

Pasta, pizza, steak, salads, brunch, drinks and more!

Opening hours:

Daily, 10:30 – 22:00

Address:

No. 16 Zijing East Road, Gaoxin District

高新区紫荆东路16号 (next to G’s Bistro)

Tel:

028-87311652

Basilico Italian Restaurant

Charming, garden-style Italian restaurant with rustic decor, fresh basil-infused dishes, homemade pasta, and a relaxed, photo-friendly ambiance.

Opening Hours:

11:30- 22:00

East Music Park location:

1 / F, Building 37, No.4 Jianshe South Branch Road, Chenghua District (East Gate)
Walk 540 m from B1 exit of Dongjiao Memory Station of Metro Line 8

成华区建设南支路4号37栋1层(东大门)
距地铁8号线东郊记忆站B1口步行540m

LuxeTown location:

LuxeTown, No.18, Section 2, Luxehills Avenue, Tianfu New Area
天府新区麓山大道二段18号麓镇

Tel:

19982068824

 

Crust Pizza & Beyond 地壳披萨

Casual modern pizza bar specializing in creative, loaded pies, fresh salads, and Italian-American comfort food in a vibrant, mall-based setting.

Opening Time:

Everyday 11:30-21:30

Address:

No. G1053, LG1, China Merchants Magic Cube, 1777, North Section of Tianfu Avenue, Gao New District (200 meters from Skp Mall)
720m walk from the exit of Xindao Station of Metro Line 9

高新区天府大道北段1777号招商大魔方LG1层G1053号(距Skp商场200米)
距地铁9号线心岛站出口步行720m

Tel:

028-81256753

19382296042

 

CASA Pizza Tapas Bar

Casa Resturant Chengdu

Lively hybrid spot blending Italian pizza and Spanish tapas, offering small shared plates, casual pizzas, and a fun, social dining vibe.

Opening Time:

Tuesday to Friday 16:00-22:00

Weekend:11:00-21:30

Address:

No. 24, Biyun Road, Wuhou District

四川省成都市武侯区碧云路24号

WeChat:
Barak0511

Andy’s Pizza

Located on Zishan Road, Andy’s Pizza specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. It is known for its soft, chewy crust with characteristic leopard spotting. It’s a solid choice for those seeking an authentic and artisanal pizza experience in Chengdu.

Opening Time:

Daily, 12:00 – 20:00

Address:

Gaoxin District, Zishan Road No. 68 (Pedestrian street next to Millennium Hotel)

成都市高新区紫杉路68号(紧邻紫荆南路上海花园和神仙树南路中海名城)

Tel.:

19982010217

Solettino by PastaR

A cozy, intimate Italian spot specializing in fresh, handmade pasta and classic Italian comfort food. Features a warm, rustic ambiance with homemade noodles, rich sauces, and simple, high-quality ingredients.

Opening Time:

Lunch: 11:30 – 14:30 (last order 14:00)
Dinner: 17:30 – 21:00 (last order 20:30)

Address:

3-1, No.5 Shenglong St, Wuhou District (500m from Metro Line 1, Wangjiang Campus Station Exit C)

武侯区盛隆街5号3-1(地铁1号线川大望江校区站C口附近)

 


Also worth mentioning:
-Lieve Pizza (often called LIV Pizza)
The Gate, No.1 Xianyun 4th Road, Chenghua District
成华区仙韵四路 1 号 The Gate 量子介


Did we miss anything?

🇮🇹

Let us know in the comments!

 


Fancy another flavor?

Explore these guides:

🇨🇳 Hotpot restaurants in Chengdu

🇯🇵 Japanese Restaurants in Chengdu

🇪🇸 Spanish Restaurants in Chengdu

🇹🇭 Thai Restaurants in Chengdu 

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Humbling Heights: My Brutally Honest Kailas Gongga Glacier 100km Race Story https://chengdu-expat.com/humbling-heights-my-brutally-honest-kailas-gongga-glacier-100km-race-story/ https://chengdu-expat.com/humbling-heights-my-brutally-honest-kailas-gongga-glacier-100km-race-story/#respond Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:43:37 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=284504 “Just another 100k Race”Two weekends ago, my running buddy Dieter

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“Just another 100k Race”

Two weekends ago, my running buddy Dieter and I thought we were basically trail-running superheroes. Fresh off finishing the grueling Jiuzhaigou 100km Ultra Trail back in June, we felt sharp, confident, and admittedly a little overconfident. So when outdoor brand Kailas invited us to experience the infamous Gongga Shan Glacier Race, widely known as China’s toughest trail race, we foolishly jumped straight into the brutal 100km category. Our mindset was simple: “We’ve done 100km before. How hard can this possibly be?” Spoiler alert: high-altitude mountain glacier terrain humbled us completely.

Gongga 100 Extreme Glacier Trail Challenge: Course Map

The entire pre-race experience was absolutely flawless. Kailas delivered incredible support and premium race gear, including professional trail running shoes and a high-performance running vest that easily outclassed our regular equipment. The race venue had an amazing international vibe, packed with dedicated runners from all over the world who traveled long distances to take on Gongga Shan. The site was lively, well-organized, and full of positive energy, with booths, friendly staff, and constant excitement, all of which only boosted our already overinflated pre-race egos. Dieter and I rested thoroughly before the midnight start, fully convinced we were ready to dominate another ultra-marathon.

Gongga 100 Extreme Glacier Trail Challenge: Ben Metcalf and Dieter Vanonckelen

Our overconfidence vs Gongga’s glaciers

The race began incredibly smoothly. The first 10 kilometers unfolded on paved mountain roads with gentle rain and a mild 500-meter incline. Our spirits were high, our pace was comfortable, and we joked that this course felt far easier than our Jiuzhaigou race. We genuinely thought we were cruising and had everything under control.

Then we reached the first checkpoint, and everything changed…

The smooth asphalt disappeared entirely, replaced by narrow, steep, slippery muddy forest trails that marked the start of the race’s unforgiving core section. What followed was a relentless total climb of roughly 3000 meters, pushing us toward a maximum altitude of 4600 meters. What started as a casual, enjoyable run quickly transformed into an extreme test of physical endurance, mental toughness, and high-altitude resilience, making it crystal clear why this race holds its reputation as China’s most demanding trail challenge.

The terrain shifted dramatically once we passed 4000 meters elevation. The thick, sticky mud vanished, giving way to sharp, jagged rocky ground. The smooth trail disappeared entirely, leaving only uneven boulder fields. We were forced to constantly scramble, climb, and balance over loose rock and massive boulders with no clear path forward. Every single step required focus, strength, and careful footwork.

Gongga 100 Extreme Glacier Trail Challenge: View

Conclusion: More Than A Finish Line

Kailas, great gear… but it won’t save you from Gongga

High altitude hit us hard. We had lived and trained at just 1000 meters elevation and completed almost no formal altitude acclimatization. Jumping straight into terrain above 4000 meters completely drained our stamina, and our pace slowed drastically. All around us, countless runners struggled with the relentless ascent and thinning air. Even though sunrise revealed stunning panoramic views of snow-capped Gongga peaks and glaciers, we could rarely stop to admire them. We were racing against strict cutoff times, fully aware that lingering would eliminate us from the race. We kept pushing upward stubbornly all the way to nearly 4500 meters.

The hardest segment by far sat between checkpoint two and three: a brutal 16-kilometer stretch with 1600 meters of vertical gain across two high mountain passes. By mid-morning, the sun blazed intensely, temperatures rose rapidly, and runners everywhere hit their breaking point. Many competitors collapsed on the trail, completely exhausted from altitude fatigue and unrelenting climbing.

Gongga 100 Extreme Glacier Trail Challenge: View at CP3

Humbling Heights

At around 10 a.m., race officials delivered the inevitable news: we had missed the official cutoff and were disqualified. It was disappointing, yet also weirdly relieving, we would not have to tackle the remaining 70 kilometers of this merciless course. To put the race’s extreme difficulty into perspective: over 300 runners signed up for the 100km division, yet only 100 athletes successfully crossed the finish line. That staggeringly low finish rate perfectly illustrates how unforgiving the Kailas Gongga Glacier Race truly is.

What most people don’t realize is that disqualification was not the end of our suffering. That brutal 16-kilometer boulder and mountain pass section had already taken us 10 hours. Even after being pulled from the race, we still faced an exhausting five-hour evacuation hike. We had no shortcuts, no rescue ride, and no easy path down. We had to continue scrambling over boulders and carefully navigating a rugged river canyon descent all the way back down the mountain pass to reach the evacuation point. We were already completely drained, yet we had no choice but to keep moving over uneven rocky terrain for hours. By the time we finally descended off the mountain, we were utterly exhausted, starving, and incredibly grateful we wouldn’t need to spend a freezing second night on the high mountain.

Even with a DNF (Did Not Finish), Dieter and I have zero regrets. We gave the course absolutely everything we had: we fought through muddy lowland forests, scrambled for hours over high-altitude boulder fields, battled crippling altitude fatigue, and pushed our bodies far beyond our comfort zones. This race taught us a vital ultra-running lesson: low-altitude race experience does not prepare you for brutal high-altitude Gongga glacier terrain.

Despite not finishing, we leave this adventure incredibly thankful. We met countless talented, passionate international runners, shared a brutal mountain challenge with like-minded athletes, and experienced one of China’s most legendary extreme ultra races thanks to Kailas’s generous invitation, professional support, and premium gear. This was never a failure, it was an unforgettable, humbling mountain masterclass.

We’re already planning our redemption run. Next time, we’ll return far better prepared: with dedicated high-altitude training, proper acclimatization, and significantly less pre-race cockiness. Gongga Shan beat us this time, but we’re definitely coming back stronger.

Upcoming Kailas – FUGA trail races schedule

If you’re chasing mountain miles, stunning scenery, and world-class trail racing across China, the Kailas FUGA race series delivers iconic routes for every runner — from first-time trail newbies to hardened ultra-distance athletes. Below is your full lineup of upcoming events, sorted chronologically.

Kailas Siguniang Mountain Ultra-Trail (UTMS) | 10th Edition

Event date: Late October 2026

Venue: Siguniang Mountain, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan

Event categories: Five race distances ranging from 32km up to 98km, built for all skill levels, featuring high-altitude alpine terrain and dramatic mountain views.

Registration: Opens April 2026; limited bibs available.

2026 Kailas FUGA Moganshan Mountain Running Race (10th Anniversary)

Event date: October 23 – 25, 2026

Venue: Yucun, Moganshan, Deqing, Huzhou, Zhejiang

Event categories: 10km, 20km, 30km, 50km, 70km, 100km plus youth 10km category. Famous for lush bamboo forest trails, steep climbs and a massive, vibrant runner community.

Registration: Lottery registration already completed for this iconic 10th anniversary race.

2026 Kailas FUGA · West Lake Qingzhiwu Midwinter Trail Run

Event date: Sunday, Mid‑December 2026

Venue: Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Event categories: Four race options:

West Lake 42km: Classic scenic route weaving through lakes, mountains and ancient temples. Huanglong 30km: Balanced mix of urban start and forest mountain trails. Lingyin 20km: Runs past Lingyin Temple and botanical gardens. Qingqing 10km: Gentle, beginner-friendly trail for new runners

Registration: Opening soon.

Kailas FUGA Shenzhen 100 Mountain Race

Event Date: Late December 2026

Venue: Da’e coastal beaches & mountains, Shenzhen

Event Categories: 10km, 35km, 60km, 100km, 168km

Registration: Live on WeChat, open now.

FUGA Guangzhou 100

Event Date: Mid-January 2027

Venue: Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou Event Categories: 10km, 35km, 60km, 100km

Registration: Lottery application opens November–December 2026 via WeChat.

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Discover the Early Childhood Center & Elementary Experience at Chengdu International School https://chengdu-expat.com/discover-the-early-childhood-center-elementary-experience-at-chengdu-international-school/ https://chengdu-expat.com/discover-the-early-childhood-center-elementary-experience-at-chengdu-international-school/#respond Thu, 24 Sep 2026 02:40:28 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=284366 Inside Chengdu International School’s Early Childhood Center (ECC), play is

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Inside Chengdu International School’s Early Childhood Center (ECC), play is the work. 

On a typical morning in Chengdu International School’s Early Childhood Center, the sound of laughter and playing reaches the hallway before anything else does. It’s a small scene, but it shows a lot about how we approach our youngest learners.

Three- and four-year-olds learn by doing, so ECC days are built around building, pretending, exploring, moving, and a great deal of conversation. Teachers constantly ask questions like “What do you notice?” and “What do you think will happen next?”, because talking things through is how young children build language and explore the world around them. Children are encouraged to ask questions, make discoveries, express their ideas, and develop the confidence to try something new.

In Elementary, reading opens up the world.

Somewhere around first and second grade, students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Chengdu International School uses Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), which teaches phonics and reading skills alongside rich content such as ancient civilizations, the human body, and folktales from around the world.

The idea is that strong readers need more than decoding skills. They also need vocabulary and background knowledge, which make harder texts easier to understand later. Alongside literacy, students study math, science, social studies, and Chinese, and they take specials including art, music, PE, library, and technology.

Every child starts somewhere different.

At Chengdu International School, we recognize that every child comes with a different background, experience, learning style, and set of strengths. Classroom teachers work closely with the Student Support team, including English Language Support teachers, so each child gets the scaffolding they need while still being challenged. This collaborative approach helps students build confidence while continuing to make meaningful academic and personal progress.

Growing as people, not just students.

If you’ve ever visited the Chengdu International School (CDIS) campus or talked with a CDIS student, you may have heard about the LifePlus Nine Qualities for Life: Connection, Courage, Curiosity, Compassion, Service, Persistence, Discernment, Humility, and Purpose. These character qualities are not just something we talk about, they are qualities we want our students to live out. They come up often in CDIS classrooms. In a young child’s day they look very ordinary: tidying up without being asked, helping a new classmate find their way around, or attempting a tricky math problem a third time. The goal is for every student to understand that their character matters, community is important, and they belong.

Upcoming Events at CDIS

Interested? Come try us out!

During Experience Days, prospective students and their families will join a short classroom activity, tour the campus, meet Early Childhood Center and Elementary teachers, and stay for questions afterward.

Choosing a school for a young child comes down to finding a place where they feel safe, known, and eager to come back the next day. Experience Days are a chance to see what that looks like at CDIS. Come and discover the Chengdu International School experience for yourself. Join us for an upcoming Early Childhood Center or Elementary Experience Day and take the first step toward discovering how your child can learn, grow, and thrive at Chengdu International School.

October 7, 2026

Step into Upper Elementary Open Day

Grades 3-5, Ages 8-11

November 13, 2026

January 22, 2027

March 12, 2027

Early Childhood Center

Experience Day

Grades 3-5, Ages 8-11

Scan the QR code in the poster to register

Spaces are limited, please sign up soon!

Venue:

Chengdu International School (CDIS)

成都爱思瑟外籍人员子女学校

Address:

60 Shuinianhe South Road, Jinjiang District

锦江区水碾河南路60号

Looking for a school to call home?

Chengdu International School offers rolling admissions. Founded in 1997, Chengdu International School is the oldest international school in Chengdu and all western China. Our vision is to see world-class servant leaders raised up in every vocation. At CDIS, we believe that education is more than the pursuit of knowledge; it is the shaping of character and the nurturing of thoughtful, responsible global citizens who Learn, Love, and Lead.

Reach out to our admissions office today for a personal tour or experience day.

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Join the Chengdu International Football League https://chengdu-expat.com/join-the-chengdu-international-football-league-2/ https://chengdu-expat.com/join-the-chengdu-international-football-league-2/#respond Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:05:14 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=284363 Chengdu International Football LeagueUnity Through SportA lot has changed in

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Chengdu International Football League

Unity Through Sport

A lot has changed in Chengdu in the last 15 years. Giant buildings emerged from construction sites, new metro lines popped up regularly and the city’s footprint expanded by the hour. One thing that has remained constant through this transformation is the Chengdu International Football League.

Photo of Chengdu International Football League | Chengdu Expat

Formed in 2011 as a sporting outlet for the growing number of people settling in Chengdu from abroad, thousands of players from all across the world have made their way to pitches in all corners of Chengdu every Saturday without fail. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, there aren’t many nations in between that haven’t been represented. The league provides competitive 8-a-side league matches that take place every Saturday. The next season starts in late September. Team and league sponsorship opportunities are available. 

If you are interested in joining or sponsoring a team please contact Andy (15528032257)

👉 Want to learn more about the local football scene? Read how Chengdu’s football team gets a real buzz.

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Taikoo Li Chengdu “Becoming The River” Autumn Campaign https://chengdu-expat.com/taikoo-li-chengdu-becoming-the-river-autumn-campaign/ https://chengdu-expat.com/taikoo-li-chengdu-becoming-the-river-autumn-campaign/#respond Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:11:32 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=284357 Taikoo Li Chengdu “Becoming The River” Public ArtThis autumn, Taikoo

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Taikoo Li Chengdu “Becoming The River” Public Art

This autumn, Taikoo Li Chengdu transforms Temple Plaza into a meditative realm.

🟢 Ripples spread in gentle rings.
Shimmering light cascades from above, with water weeds drifting and aquatic plants swaying gently in the current. At the lightest touch, colors pulse and flow through the columns like a living heartbeat, resonating with the river’s rhythm to paint a surreal underwater scene.


🔵Stepping into the river, you are no longer a mere observer every subtle touch reawakens a bond with nature & with life itself. It welcomes the embrace of wind and stone; the chance arrival of fish and fallen leaves; allowing all things to converge & breathe in unison. May we all become rivers – unhurried yet unceasing, ever flowing yet constant amid change – moving gently toward the harmony and beauty of life.

Location:
Taikoo Li Chengdu, Temple Plaza
成都太古里漫广场

Date/ Time:
Until October 11

Entry:
Free

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Cheap Chengdu: Free or Thrifty Things to Do https://chengdu-expat.com/cheap-things-to-do-in-chengdu/ https://chengdu-expat.com/cheap-things-to-do-in-chengdu/#respond Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:00:03 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=246554 If you know where to look, you get get by in Chengdu for a lot less than you’d think.

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Cheap Things To Do in Chengdu

If you know where to look, you get by in Chengdu for a lot less than you’d think.

Step in to the past – Wangjiang Lou Park 望江楼公园

Not that famous as People’s Park but equally beautiful is the Wangjiang Lou Park, located right to Jinjiang Riverside. The park was designed to honour the female poet Xue Tao. Besides enjoying nature, the park also offers a tea house, lovely pagodas and the River View Tower or gaze at the skyline of the city. You can take bus 35 or 335 and get off at Wangjiang Lou Park 望江楼公园 or bus 18 or 82, get off at Shunjiang Road Station 顺江路站 and walk to the park.

🕒 Opening Time:

The tower: 09:00-18:00
Free open area: 06:00-21:00

🎟 Price:

Entry to the tower is 20 yuan but the open area is free.

📍Address:

South bank of Jinjiang River, 300 Jiuyan Bridge, Wangjiang Road, Wuhou District.

It is close to the east gate of Sichuan University 武侯区望江路300号九眼桥锦江南岸 (近四川大学东门)

Stroll alongside Jin-River

Being next to water has a relaxing and even healing effect of some people. After exploring the bustling city, walking alongside Chengdu’s river is probably the best way to calm down and enjoy nature. The river is flowing through Sichuan province and meets Min Jiang at Pengshan. While wandering around have a look at some of the sculptures next to the river. And you can even find yourself enjoying to watch old Ladies and Men practicing sport, typical Chinese dances or singing songs from old times.

Try Chengdu’s best 蛋烘糕 (danhonggao)

When in Chengdu there is no way to not taste one of the cities famous “danhonggao”. Comparable to western pancakes this desert has several fillings from meat to red beans. As the food is loved by Sichuan’s people you will find a place selling these treasures around every corner. Don’t hesitate to ask someone on the streets. Maybe a local? Wouldn’t this be a good combination? Eating local food and meeting local people?

Chinas Poetry Legends – Huanhuaxi Park 浣花溪公园

Huanhuaxi Park is the largest, most invested historical, cultural and scenic park in Chengdu. The park wants to honour China’s most famouse poets. Next to the park is the Sichuan Provincial Museum and the Dufu Thatched Cottage located. The area also is a nice place to have a run in the morning, when the city is still quiet and the bustling traffic fare away.

You can take bus k1a or k1 and get off at Qingshuihe station 清水河站 or take bus 165, 170, 19, 309, 319, 35, 407, 47, 58, 59, 82 or 88 get off at Songxian Bridge Station, walk the rest to the park.

🕒 Opening time:

Park: 6am to 10pm

Dufu Thatched Cottage: Mai- Sep.: 8 am to 8 pm; Okt.- April: 8am to 6:30pm

🎟 Price:

The park is free, Dufu Thatched Cottage: 60 RMB

📍Address:

9 Qinhua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu.

It is next to Qingyangzheng Street 成都市青羊区青华路9号 (近青羊正街)

River Boat Tours

• You may have seen it on your WeChat Moments, the Jinjiang River boat tours are back! Locals and visitors can now enjoy some of Chengdu’s top sights from the water. The cruises run every night and include a relaxing ride along the river with several beautiful light shows.

• The regular river boat tours last about 30 minutes. You can simply show up at one of the piers, buy a ticket, and hop on a boat. You won’t be able to choose the type of boat unless you’re willing to wait. The smaller boats hold 6–8 people, while the larger ones can carry up to 30. Most of the time, you won’t wait more than 15 minutes before your tour begins.

• The Dongmen Wharf route also offers longer cruise options. This includes 50-minute and 90-minute rides available at set times throughout the day.

Dongmen Wharf ↔ Anshun Bridge

The river boat tours from Dongmen Wharf to Anshun Bridge is about 2.5 km long. Along the way, you’ll pass famous sights like the glowing Dongmen Bridge, Lan Kwai Fong, Hejiang Pavilion, and more.

🕒 Operating time:

Monday to Sunday

20:00 – 22:20

 Children under 1.2 meters: Free

🎟 Tickets:

On-site purchase

30 minutes: 118RMB (20:00 – 22:20)

50 minutes: 168RMB (20:00, 20:55, 21:50)

90 minutes: 268RMB (incl. tea at 20:45)

📍Location:

Dongmen Wharf, Binhe Road, Jinjiang District

(near Dongmen Bridge Station of Metro Line exit D)

锦江区天仙桥滨河,  东门码头 (九眼桥)

Music Wharf ↔ Dongmen Wharf

The river boat tours from Music Wharf to Dongmen Wharf goes past Anshun Bridge and covers about 2.5 km. It’s a relaxing round-trip with great views along the way.

🕒 Operating time:

Monday to Sunday

20:00 – 22:20

 Children under 1.2 meter: Free

🎟 Tickets:

On-site purchase

30 minutes: 118RMB

📍Location:

Music Wharf, near Sizhu road bus stop, Jinjiang District

锦江区丝竹路公交站,  音乐码头

Monk’s Life – Wenshu Park 文殊院

The Wenshu Monastery is the largest well-preserved Buddhist temple in downtown Chengdu. It was built in the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) and is dedicated to Wenshu (Manjushri, the God of Wisdom). It is famous for abundant precious cultural relics, paintings and calligraphic works. Over 500 pieces of paintings and calligraphies by famous artists (including Zhang Daqian, Zheng Banqiao and Feng Zikai) have been stored here since the Tang and Song dynasties. You can take the metro line 1 and get off at Wenshu Park station 文殊院.

🕒 Opening Time:

9 am to 5 pm

🎟 Price:

Entry is free

📍Address:

15 Wenshuyuan St. 文殊院街15号

Trip to Tibet

Well, not quite Tibet, but nearly. Just around the corner to Wuhou Temple is Chengdu’s colourful Tibet quarter. Also called Little Lhasa will bring the taste of Tibet to you for little money. Stroll through the streets and besides smelling the Tibetan flavours find some souvenirs, for example, yak butter or Buddhist religious icons. Feeling tired after walking and gazing, treat yourself at one of the Tibetan restaurants.

No more walking, please | Bike Tour in Chengdu

Chengdu certainly is a bike city. Bikes are everywhere, on the streets or standing next to it, just waiting to be used. Riding a bike to explore the city is not only cheap but also a great way to get to know many spots in a short time. And while the big streets are quite busy with cars and electro bikes, you can explore the quiet and hidden parts of Chengdu. There are several apps (Meituan, HelloBike, Didi) you can use to rent a bike. Just scan the QR-Code, login in and pay. Therefore you need to have WeChat or Alipay. Or you find yourself a bike rental service.

Hanging out in the Future – Tianfu New District

In the new Shuangliu district 双流区 in the south of Chengdu is Xinglong Lake 兴隆湖. The place offers a perfect day trip, to enjoy nature and get some fresh air after the cold winter days. The area also has some nice parks, such as Tianfu Science City Mountainous Park or Tianfu Park.

📍Address:

Chengdu, Shuangliu district

The lake is reachable by metro line 1 to Xinglong Lake station. ADD Luxelakes

 

Double-decker Evening Sightseeing Busses

If you’d like to check out Chengdu by night, you can double-decker night tour service. Connecting the city’s key attractions, bringing together the fashion and leisure of nighttime Chengdu.

Stops along the route 线路
Chunxi Road—TaikooLi Chengdu—Binjiang Road—Jinli & Wuhou Shrine Museum—Tonghuimen Road—Zongfu Road—Chunxi Road
春熙路—太古里—滨江路—锦里(武侯祠)—通惠门—总府路—春熙路

Departures: 19:00, 20:40
Time for a trip: about 70 minutes
Ticket price: RMB15

Ticket booking 购票

 

Feel the spirit of the city – Sansheng Street 三圣街 and Tangba Street 镋钯街

The two streets are located next to Tai Koo Li and Kangshi Street but still, have their very own flair. The streets are flanked by cute little coffee shops such as Let’s Grind and noodles places. It is also the place to find some of the most famous Hot Pot restaurants in Chengdu but also, chuanchuan or western cuisine (Good Good, Yalla Yalla, etc). For a quite break of bustling streets and the smell of food, The Winshare House Bookstore offers a homely place to relaxes. Tangba Street was also listed by Times Out 19th of the “coolest 50 city blocks in the world”, having a vibrant atmosphere at prime hours.

📍Address:

Tangba Street 镋钯街; Sansheng Street 三圣街

You can take Metro Line 2 and 3 to Chunxi Road and walk the rest

Emerge in a new Culture – Jinsha Site Museum 金沙遗址博物馆

For many centuries, the Chinese have considered the Yellow River the cradle of Chinese civilization. But this began to change in 1986, when archaeological discoveries in Guanghan, about 40 minutes north of Chengdu, uncovered the Sanxingdui civilization, part of the mysterious Shu kingdom of the Shang dynasty, dating back some 3,000 years. In 2001, the ancient settlement of Jinsha was discovered during real estate construction, offering similarly rich discoveries. The state of the art museum, which now sits at the site, offers an elegantly displayed treasury of artifacts.

🕒 Opening time:

8am – 6:30pm; until Feb. 20th 2019 8am-10pm

🎟 Price:

70RMB

📍Address:

2 Jinsha Yizhi Rd. (Qingyang Ave.) 金沙遗址路2号(青羊大道)
You get there by Metro Line 7 to Jinsha Site Museum 金沙博物馆

Tel:

87303522

 

Grafitti up your selfies

Into Chengdu’s Hipster Scene – Kuixinglou Street 奎星楼街

Kuixinglou Street is the place to appreciate urban art and local food. The by locals called “Min Town” is a touristic street in Chengdu not far from People’s Park and the haunt for Chengdu’s hipsters. Expect from gingko trees and graffiti painted walls you can taste local food, shop in “online-celebrity” stores and have a drink in the international Nu Café and No Cats Coffee. And don’t forget to use colourful Graffiti-Walls for some stylish photos.

📍Address:

Kuixinglou Street, Qingyang District; 青羊区奎星楼街

Metro Line 1 to Luomashi Station 骡马市站, or change to Metro Line 4 and get off at Kuanzhai Alley Station, 宽窄巷子站, walk the rest.

And while you’re in the neigborhood, Nu Space Chengdu is a good place to pass by. Just around the corner from Wide & Narrow Alleys and is a part of the growing artist community MiNTOWN 明堂, started out as a coffee/ working place with a focus on art in an area of Chengdu renown for its cultural vibrancy. In 2016, this evolved into a second venue (down the street) with offices, bookstore and a greater focus on live music. Bringing in and hosting acclaimed performers from across China and the globe, NU space is a great venue to head to for an entertaining evening.

📍Address:

55 Kuixinglou Street, Qingyang District, 成都市青羊区奎星楼街55号 NU SPACE

Metro Line 1 to Luomashi Station 骡马市站, or change to Metro Line 4 and get off at Kuanzhai Alley Station, 宽窄巷子站, walk the rest.

Grocery shopping like locals – Supo Farmer Market

For those who love adventures food experiences, Supo Farmer Market is the place to go to. The market is a typical Chinese farmer market, offering spices such as Sichuan pepper, self-made noodles and jiaozi (Chinese dumplings) but also roasted duck and other food ready to be cooked in a Chinese kitchen. The atmosphere is bustling and gives you experiences to tell friends and family later. But keep in mind that this market is totally different from those we might know from Europe, North-America or Australia.

Opening Time:

The best time to come, is around 8:30/9am

📍Address:

Qingyang Qu Supo Nongmao Shichang; 成都市青羊区苏坡农贸市场内

Take Metro Line 4 to Qingjiang West Road Station, 清江西路站, walk the rest to the market

 

The paths of the history of Chengdu – Chengdu Museum 成都博物馆

A museum only about Chengdu’s part in Chinas history is located on the East side of the central Tianfu Square. On several floors, the development of civilization in Chengdu and Sichuan are presented, as well as ongoing and temporary exhibitions. In addition, there is the possibility to purchase traditional Chinese gifts as a souvenir of an amazing time in a wonderful city.

Opening time: 9:00am- 8:00pm, closed on Monday’s

Price: free, you have to show an ID

📍Address: Qingyang District, West Yu Street No. 4 [futuristic new building on the West side of Tianfu Square]
青羊区西御街4号[天府广场旁边]

The museum is next to Metro Line 1 Tianfu Square station, 天府广场

Rolling through the city – Bus Ride on the Ring road

When Chengdu’s rush hour is full on, and the streets are stuffed with taxis, cars, scooters and hard-working bikers, there is one alternative to go for. Chengdu’s busses. But not all of them, there is a special rout running on an extra bus line on the second ring road, passing the traffic. The buses are not only cheap (2RMB) but also give a great opportunity to discover Chengdu. Driving next to skyscrapers and catch a blink through some of the windows you will pass. There are few better ways to catch the feeling and the atmosphere of this city. Take on of the stops along the ring road, you can pay with the Metro Card or cash, but only with coins. The route is operated by Bus k1 and k2.

 

Chengdu Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

Chengdu Urban Planning Exhibition Hall gives you a great overview of the history of Chengdu’s urban planning. Located on the second floor, the exhibition starts with a look into the past of Chengdu’s urban planning and the history of the region. The exhibition is in Chinese, however, every section has a QR-code that leads to further information (written and radio) in English and Chinese. The third floor has a model of the city and the surrounding and gives insight into ongoing and future projects of Chengdu. The museum tells you about even more exciting places in Chengdu to explore!

Opening Time: 

Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm

Price: 

The entry is free, you have to show a copy, a picture of your passport

📍

69 West ShuXiu Rd., Gaoxin District

高新区蜀绣西路69号成都规划馆

Transport: 

Take metro line 1 to Financial City Exit A, 金融城 A出口, walk the rest to the museum

Comedy & Quizzes

What would be traveling or living in new places without meeting new friends? And you find them nowhere better than during a fun night of comedy or quizzes.

Scan the QR code in the poster for regular updates!

Night of drinks and tricky questions take place every Tuesday from 8:30pm at Tim’s Bar-B-Q, Tuesday 9pm at Rita’s, and every Wednesday from 9pm at Brave Kitchen.

📍

Tim’s Bar-B-Q 本垒美式烤肉

No 7 Building C, Poly Centre, No. 1 JinXiu Road, Wuhou District

武侯区锦绣路1号,保利中心C 坐7号

📍

Rita’s
No. 8 South Zongshu Street, Wuhou District
武侯区棕树南街8-附8号

📍

Brave Kitchen Bistro Live

1F, No.111-114, Building 1, No.29 East Section 2, Second Ring Road, Chenghua District (SM Mall)

成华区二环路东二段29号SM广场1栋1层111-114

Happy Hour

Chengdu brings about a fantastic array of bars with themes ranging from French wine houses to craft beer houses to award winning cocktail bars and everything in-between. An even better way to enjoy these bars is to enjoy some of the great happy hour deals they offer. Click here to check out the list!

Bargain Hunters

On different days a week some restaurants in Chengdu also offer a special discount on their menu. Check Chengdu-Expat latest news to keep on track where to ear like a king for a small budget.

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Indoor Activities for Families in Chengdu https://chengdu-expat.com/indoor-activities-for-families-in-chengdu/ https://chengdu-expat.com/indoor-activities-for-families-in-chengdu/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2026 05:35:04 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=261539 Need a break from the chaos? Looking for kid-friendly indoor

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Need a break from the chaos? Looking for kid-friendly indoor activities in Chengdu this weekend?

Explore our curated list of the most popular indoor attractions in Chengdu, perfect for keeping the whole family entertained, rain or shine.

Kids Winshare Plus 文轩亲子书店

Kids Winshare Plus offers one of Chengdu’s most engaging indoor activities for families. This membership-based, age-specific educational space is centered around parent-child reading and combines both online and offline learning resources. Spanning 1,200 square meters, it features a vast reading and play area filled with tens of thousands of picture books, nutritious meals for kids, a 360° immersive screen theater. It also has a wide range of educational programs, making it a top choice for meaningful indoor fun in Chengdu.

Indoor Activities for Families in ChengduIndoor Activities for Families in Chengdu

Opening Time:

10:30-22:00

Price:

The average is 100 yuan per person

📍

1. Kids Winshare Plus Renhe New City 文轩亲子仁和新城店
4F, Renhe New City Shopping Mall, No. 505 West Fucheng Avenue, Hi-Tech Zone
高新区府城大道西段505号仁和新城购物中心4F

2. Kids Winshare Plus Global Center 文轩亲子环球中心店
3F, Global Center, No.1700 North Tianfu Avenue, Wuhou District
武侯区天府大道北段1700号环球中心3F

3. Kids Winshare Ufun 文轩亲子九方店
(Smaller reading & play space)
3F, Ufun Shopping Center, No.88 Middle Fucheng Avenue, Hi-Tech Zone
高新区府城大道中段88号九方购物中心3F

Neobio Family Center 奈尔宝家庭中心

The Neobio Family Centre is one of Chengdu’s top destinations for premium indoor activities. Designed for families with children aged 0–14, this international family growth space combines high-end parent-child entertainment with educational and aesthetic experiences. It features immersive play zones, Chinese and English reading areas, engaging children’s activities, a family-themed restaurant, and exclusive party services, all under one roof, making it ideal for a fun-filled indoor day out.

Opening Time:

Tuesday – Sunday 10:00-21:00, Monday 10:00-18:00

Price:

From 150RMB incl. 1 adult and 1 kid

📍

1. Global Center 环球中心
1F, S1 Hall, Global Center, 1700 Tianfu Avenue, Wuhou District
武侯区天府大道1700号,环球中心S1馆一层

2. Wuhou Joy City 成都大悦城
1F-J13, Joy City, No. 518 Dayue Road, Wuhou District
武侯区大悦路518号,成都大悦城1F-J13

3. Tianfu Joy City 天府大悦城
L2B-11, 2F, Tianfu Joy City, XingKang 3rd Street, Shuangliu District
双流区兴康三街,天府大悦城2楼L2B-11(近1号门)

4. The Ring 成都光环购物公园
No.333 Dongda Road, The Ring Shopping Mall, Hall A, L2
东大路333号成都光环购物公园A馆L2

 

meland club 觅兰亲子乐园

Premium indoor playground for young kids. meland club features big slides, ball pit, role‑play town and soft play zones for ages 1–10. The separate meland sport (same MixC mall) is a sports‑focused venue with climbing, trampolines, bowling and challenge courses, better for older kids and adults. Socks required for entry.

Opening hours:
Daily, 10:00 – 21:00

Price:
1 adult + 1 child ¥248 on weekends / holidays; cheaper weekday tickets. Separate adult companion ticket ¥96. Online group buys often discounted.

📍
1. meland club MixC Store 万象城店
3F, Hall C, MixC, No.6 Shuangqing Road, Chenghua District
成华区双庆路6号万象城C馆3楼
2. meland club Shimao Plaza Store 世茂广场店
Address: 3F, No.833 Jinfeng Road, Longquanyi District
龙泉驿区金枫路833号世茂广场3楼
3. meland sport MixC Store 万象城运动店
4F, Hall D, MixC, Chenghua District
成华区万象城D馆4楼

Pupurrazi Reptile Museum 帕帕拉兹

A huge 3,100㎡ family and pet-friendly lifestyle destination in The Magic Shopping Mall, including a 400㎡ reptile museum and an indoor immersive tropical rainforest exhibit. It offers pet shopping, grooming, casual coffee space and nature education activities, suitable for family visits with children as well as guests accompanied by pets.

📍
Address:
Block B, The Magic Mall (China Merchants Garden City), No. 268 Tianfu Avenue North, High-Tech Zone
成都市高新区天府大道北段268号招商大魔方招商花园城B馆
⏰
Opening Hours:
Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
🎫
Entry Fees:
Free entry to the main pet lifestyle area. Separate ticket (¥48 per person) for the reptile museum and tropical rainforest experience.

Peppa Pig Restaurant 小猪佩奇欢乐餐厅

Looking for indoor activities your little ones will love? Step into the world of Peppa Pig at this themed restaurant, perfect for families with children aged 2 to 6. Covering 1,300 square meters, the space recreates iconic scenes from the beloved cartoon—like Potato City, Peppa’s house, the Duck Pond, Grandpa Pig’s garden, and more.

This is Hasbro’s second “happy” restaurant in China, offering not only themed dining but also a variety of indoor activities and amusement facilities. Kids can explore, play, and dine in an immersive environment that brings Peppa Pig’s world to life, making it a memorable family experience rain or shine.

Opening Time:

 10:00-21:00

Price:

Parent-child meal for 2 person from 248RMB(Dianping 113RMB)

A family meal for 3 person from 433RMB(Dianping 255RMB)

📍

Peppa Pig Happy restaurant (Yintai in99)

L3 of Yintai Center, 1199 the north section of Tianfu Avenue

天府大道北段1199号成都银泰中心L3

Seaside City Mall 海滨城购物中心

The Chengdu Seaside City Mall is packed with indoor activities that make it one of the top entertainment spots in the city. Families can explore the impressive Cube Aquarium, stroll through aquatic tunnels with over 10,000 species of marine life, or relax on a synthetic beach, without leaving the mall!

Kids can climb aboard a pirate ship while parents enjoy retail therapy in one of China’s largest shopping centers. Whether you’re looking to shop, play, or just escape the weather, this mall offers indoor activities for all ages in one incredible location

Opening Time:

10:00-22:00

Price:

Depends on the package

📍

Chengdu Seaside City Mall 海滨城购物中心

No 88 Shuangnan Avenue, Seaside City mall, Jiao Long Gang

蛟龙港双楠大道88号

HHAn Chengdu Polar Ocean Park

海合安成都极地海洋公园

HHAn Chengdu Polar Ocean Park is the largest marine life park in southwest China. Similar to SeaWorld in the United States, This is host to a wide variety of marine life, such as polar bears, sea lions, sharks, and penguins. Daily whale and dolphin shows, a wave pool, and a variety of activities for children help to make a full day of family fun.

Disclaimer: reports from the WeChatsphere say this place houses the world’s saddest polar bear.

Opening Time:

9:30-17:00

Price:

Varies from 90 RMB to 300 RMB depending on which ticket options you choose

📍
HHAn  Chengdu Polar Ocean Park 海合安成都极地海洋公园

68 Huayang Ocean Road, Tianfu New District, Shuangliu District

双流区天府新区华阳海洋路68号

 

Paradise Island Water Park 天堂岛海洋乐园

Paradise Island Water Park, located inside Chengdu’s Global Center, is one of the world’s top spots for indoor activities. Ride the waves in the massive ocean-sized wave pool or slide down looping water slides for a rush of adrenaline. Kids can splash around in a huge water playground filled with cannons, jungle gyms, and slides, but watch out for the giant bucket that dumps water every five minutes!

For little ones under five, there’s a quieter play area, while the Lazy River Raft Ride winds gently through the entire park. You can also try the ropes course, surf some waves, dig in the sandbox, or brave the thrilling White-Water Abyss. Whether you’re looking for fun or relaxation, this indoor water park offers activities for every age.

Opening Time:

10:00-20:30

Price:

From 58RMB to 300RMB person, depending on your choose

📍

Paradise Island Water Park 天堂岛海洋乐园

No.1700, Tianfu Avenue North, Wuhou District (inside the Global Center)

武侯区天府大道北段1700号新世纪环球购物中心内

 

Sunac Water and Snow World 成都融创文旅城

Sunac Cultural Tourism City Water and Snow World in Dujiangyan offers some of the most exciting indoor activities in the region. This enormous complex features a massive indoor water park and artificial ski slopes, making it a year-round destination for family fun.

Covering 367,600 square meters, it holds the title as China’s largest reinforced concrete structure for an indoor ski resort. The Water Park is packed with slides and water attractions that can keep visitors entertained all day. Meanwhile, Snow World spans seven floors, two underground and five above, with a 75,000-square-meter ski dome offering three slopes and space for up to 2,000 skiers daily.

Address:

No. 31-35 Zhizhen Road, Dujiangyan City

都江堰市至臻路31-35号

Operating Hours:

Whole day

Tickets:

Depend on Sunac Water Park and Sunac Snow World tickets and options(Please search for prices on Dianping)

 

Teddy Bear Museum 泰迪熊博物馆

Opened in 2012, the Chengdu Teddy Bear Museum is a cute, child-friendly museum dedicated entirely to teddies. With over 1000 teddies on display spread over three floors, this is the largest of its kind in the world. Begin on the second floor, where you can visit the China Hall, where teddy bears recreate scenes from Chinese tales, and the Art Bears, where the teddies become classic figures from paintings .

Address:

299 Jinhu Avenue, Wenjiang District

温江区金湖大道299号

Ticket:

Get your tickets here!

60RMB/person, free for kids under 1.2m

Opening hour:

10:00-17:30 weekdays,16:30stop entry

10:00-18:00 weekends

Star Legend 星际传奇·保龄球·台球·Xbox

A modern multi‑entertainment venue inside Tianfu Joy City mall in southern Chengdu, ideal for family outings with kids. Alongside kid‑friendly bowling lanes with automatic scoring, the venue offers billiards tables, Xbox consoles and dozens of fun arcade games suitable for all ages. It works perfectly for casual family visits, children’s birthday parties and group hang‑outs, keeping both grown‑ups and kids entertained. Nestled inside a large shopping mall, it has easy access to nearby family‑oriented restaurants and shops, though it can get fairly busy during peak weekend hours.

Time:
Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 22:00
Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 22:30

Price:
Average family spend around ¥80‑150 (using game‑coin tokens)
Bowling: ¥120‑180 per lane per hour.

Address:
3rd Floor, Building B, Tianfu Joy City, No. 178 Shunsheng Street, Zhengxing Subdistrict, Tianfu New Area
天府正兴街道顺圣街178号天府大悦城B馆3楼


 

Have you been to any of these places or recommend any other?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

Leave a comment below!

 

 

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Learn Mahjong with Us in Chengdu https://chengdu-expat.com/learn-mahjong-with-us-in-chengdu/ https://chengdu-expat.com/learn-mahjong-with-us-in-chengdu/#respond Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:17:55 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=284185 That’s Mandarin is excited to offer a new, exciting class:

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That’s Mandarin is excited to offer a new, exciting class: Our Mahjong course! 🀄

This time, we are not just offering a night of fun playing Mahjong with friends; we are providing class instruction to learn Mahjong, with detailed instruction for all levels of learners from beginners to advanced, using Chinese to teach and have fun!

Why register for our class?

 

  • Mahjong is more than a game. It is a cultural pastime for many Chinese, and is especially popular in Sichuan. Mastering Mahjong is a major stepping stone to making new friends and deeply engaging with Chinese culture. It is a skill that you can take with you to use and play all over the Chinese-speaking world 🌎

  • By listening to natural, native Chinese spoken by native speakers, you can learn and practice the language, level up your skills and learn a new social activity all at the same time and in a way that is fun, exciting and engaging.
  • Mahjong is especially popular with That’s Mandarin students. You can meet others with a similar passion, make friends and share in the fun and joy of the game together 🤝

We’re looking forward to all of our new friends coming to attend, battling it out together and enjoying the class!

Mahjong class content:

TimeTopicContentChinese Learning Points
15 minsGetting to Know MahjongTile identification (Wan / Tiao / Tong Tiles) & basic rulesNumbers
15 minsRules & GameplayPeng, Gang, Hu (Win), basic winning handsVerbs, game-related terms
10 minsGuided PracticeTeacher-guided play with strategy tipsSocial expressions, strategic language
50 minsPlay IndependentlyFull game session & “graduation”Integrated application

Info and Registration

Total Duration: 1.5 hour

Fee: 100 RMB

Location:
That’s Mandarin Chengdu (Renmin Park)

Address:
502, WEChengdu, No. 2 Dongsheng Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu
成都市青羊区东胜街 2 号 德必大陆宽窄WEChengdu 502

Metro: Line 2, People’s Park Exit  A, 4‑6 min walk

Date:📅 Flexible booking available

Come to Chengdu — Play Mahjong with Us!

 

 

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Your English-Speaking Eye Hospital in Chengdu https://chengdu-expat.com/your-english-speaking-eye-hospital-in-chengdu/ https://chengdu-expat.com/your-english-speaking-eye-hospital-in-chengdu/#respond Mon, 07 Sep 2026 02:08:18 +0000 https://chengdu-expat.com/?p=284087 • Whether you are new to Chengdu, visiting the city or

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• Whether you are new to Chengdu, visiting the city or have lived here for years, finding reliable healthcare in English matters.

• At Chengdu AIDI Eye Hospital, international patients can receive specialized eye care with dedicated English-language support.• Have questions or need help arranging an appointment? Contact Carol from our international patient team on WeChat:

About Chengdu AIDI Eye Hospital

Founded in 2013, AIDI is a Class A Tertiary Eye Hospital — China’s highest accreditation level. With 73 doctors, 127 nurses, and 100 beds, we’ve served thousands of patients from 47 countries.

Support for International Patients

• One-to-one English-language assistance, from appointment booking and in-hospital guidance to follow-up communication• A 24-hour hotline for urgent eye concerns and appointment assistance

• Direct-billing assistance for eligible insurance plans• Evening pediatric ophthalmology and optometry clinics

• Official recognition as one of Chengdu’s medical institutions offering international patient services

Advanced Eye Care Technology

Precision diagnostics

Comprehensive care

International Insurance Direct Billing


Direct billing may be available for eligible members of:

• Aetna

• AIA• Bupa•Cigna• GeoBlue

• MSH

• Ping An

• Taikang

• Other partner insurers

Coverage, eligibility and pre-authorization requirements vary by insurance plan. Please contact our international patient team before your visit so that we can help confirm the arrangements with your insurer.

Evening Clinics

Pediatric Ophthalmology and Optometry Clinics are open every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (except during winter and summer school holidays).

These evening appointments are designed for families who need eye care after school or work.

Eye Care for Every Stage of Life

Children and Teenagers:

• Pediatric eye examinations

• Myopia management, including orthokeratology lenses and individualized care plans

• Strabismus and amblyopia assessment and treatment

• Age-appropriate visual function training

• Routine eye examinations

• School-based vision screening programs, with more than 600,000 children screened

Adults:

• Dry-eye assessment and care

• Refractive surgery
• Corneal care and transplantation• Glaucoma care• Vision examinations and optometry services

• Oculoplastic and reconstructive care

Seniors:

• Cataract assessment and surgery

• A range of intraocular lens options, where clinically appropriate

• Age-related macular degeneration care

• Diabetic eye screening and treatment

• Long-term glaucoma monitoring

What to Expect

1. Contact Us

Message Carol on WeChat or call our international patient team for assistance in English.

2. Confirm Your Appointment

Our team will help identify the appropriate department and arrange a suitable appointment time.

3. Check Your Insurance

If you would like to use direct billing, please contact us before your visit. We will help check your eligibility and any pre-authorization requirements.

4. Prepare for Your Visit

Our team will let you know which identification, insurance information and medical documents you should bring.

5. Receive Follow-Up Support

English-language assistance is available for follow-up communication after your appointment.

Address

Chengdu AIDI Eye Hospital

成都爱迪眼科医院

No. 41, 43, 45, Section 2, West 2nd Ring Road, Qingyang District
青羊区二环路西二段41、43、45号(光华仁和春天与成温立交桥之间)

To find us in a map or ride-hailing app, search: 成都爱迪眼科医院

For more information about AIDI’s services, click here.

Contact for Appointment or Consultation

Reach out to our international patient team for a smooth, English-language experience.

Save their contact,for queries and emergencies

WeChat:

Carol

Tel.:

400-028-0303

182 2446 6551

E-mail:

carolxyt@foxmail.com

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