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Budget-Friendly Chengdu: Food, Scenery, and More

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this travel guide is designed to give you a fun-filled itinerary to experience the best of the city—on a budget! From exploring ancient streets and temples to indulging in mouth-watering local delicacies and visiting famous attractions like the Chengdu Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng. With the suggested routes, you can enjoy a mix of both tourist hotspots and hidden gems, all while savoring the unique flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Perfect for those who want to experience the charm of Chengdu without breaking the bank!


Classic Recommended Itinerary (Food and Play Guide)

Day 1: Jinli + Wuhou Shrine + Chunxi Road

Day 2: Panda Base + Dongjiao Memory

Day 3: Chengdu Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain (or People's Park + Jiuyan Bridge)

The route above is one of the most classic ways to explore Chengdu. If it’s your first time visiting the city, you can follow this itinerary. If you want to create your own plan, I will introduce various attractions here, and you can choose the ones that interest you when you go!


1. Jinli

Located in Qingyang District, Chengdu, Jinli is said to be an ancient commercial street that has existed since the Three Kingdoms period. Over 1,000 years have passed, yet Jinli’s past prosperity still shines through. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chengdu and a famous food street. It looks especially beautiful at night, and you can even see folk paper figurine art here, now recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.

Food:

▲Lianggao – A specialty of Jinli, lianggao is made from sugar, red bean paste, glutinous rice, and other ingredients, then frozen and cut into pieces. There are also spicy varieties, which are particularly interesting.

▲Yerba – Also called Ai Mo, these are glutinous rice flour dumplings filled with sweet sesame paste or savory fresh meat. They are similar to zongzi and are both fresh and sticky.

▲Jinli Sad Jelly – Known as the jelly that can make you cry, this dish adds chili peppers to the jelly. Even men who don’t easily cry will shed tears when eating this. If you don’t believe it, try it for yourself!

▲Bamboo Leaf Steamed Pork – Tender beef wrapped in rice grains and steamed in bamboo leaves. The combination of green bamboo leaves, red minced meat, chili peppers, and green onions makes this dish both delicious and visually appealing.

▲Beef Burnt Cake – A crispy and tender pie with beef filling. The owner recommends pairing it with beef soup, a thick yet light broth that complements the burnt cake perfectly.

2. Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu

Located near Changshun Street in Qingyang District, Kuanzhai Alley consists of wide, narrow, and well alleys. The buildings feature ancient-style courtyard homes with indigo brick and tiles. This is one of the largest ancient streets dating back to the Qing Dynasty in Chengdu and, along with Daci Temple and Wenshu Monastery, is one of the three historical cultural protection areas in Chengdu.

Food:

▲Spicy Rabbit Head – A well-known snack in Chengdu, offering fresh and spicy flavors that taste amazing.

▲Sugar-coated Fruit – Similar to smaller sesame balls, this snack has a bright yellow color, crispy on the outside, and soft and sticky inside, offering a nostalgic childhood taste.

▲Juntun Guokui – A traditional snack, often referred to as “Ghee Thousand Layer Cake,” made with a mix of spices like star anise, fennel, and pepper. It is fragrant, crispy, tender, and crumbly.

3. Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li Business District

Chunxi Road is one of the most prosperous commercial streets in Chengdu, located in the city center near People's Square. It is famous for its shopping malls, brands, and historic food stalls. As one of the most famous beauty capitals in China, Chunxi Road is also known for being a place with many beautiful women. Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li, located in the Chunxi Road business district, has excellent transportation and is near Daci Temple. This area is a low-density commercial center with a beautiful night view.

Food:

▲Zhong Dumplings – A classic dish of Chunxi Road, these dumplings are served with a red oil sauce that enhances their spicy and delicious flavor.

▲Lai Tangyuan – A well-known Sichuan-style sweet dumpling, known for being fragrant, sticky, and satisfying to eat.

4. Chengdu Giant Panda Base

It would be a shame to visit Sichuan without going to the Panda Base. Located northeast of Chengdu, the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base is a must-see. To see the baby pandas, you’ll need to arrive early in the morning, as they are most active at this time.

5. Chengdu East Suburb Memory

East Suburb Memory is a gathering place for artistic youths and one of the best photo spots in Chengdu. Located in Chenghua District, this modern cultural park was built on the site of the former Hongguang Electronic Tube Factory. Here, you can find old 20th-century trains, factory parts, creative music bases, and visually attractive foreign visitors. Various events like comic conventions and music festivals are often held here, making it a lively and interesting place.

6. Dujiangyan

Dujiangyan is a large-scale water conservancy project located west of Dujiangyan City. Built over 2,000 years ago by Li Bing and his son, it is a marvel of human ingenuity and nature. The project controls flooding and irrigation, transforming the Chengdu Plain into a fertile "land of abundance."

7. Qingcheng Mountain

Qingcheng Mountain, located in southwestern Dujiangyan, is the birthplace of Taoism and one of the five great immortal mountains in China. The highest peak, Laojun Pavilion, stands at 1,260 meters above sea level. With lush forests and steep peaks, Qingcheng Mountain is known as "the most secluded place in the world."

Food：

▲Xiangxiang Lane:

Xiangxiang Lane offers a variety of food, including Sichuan cuisine, hot pot, barbecue, Western food, Thai food, desserts, teahouses, bars, and even places to watch Sichuan opera. Many people compare Xiangxiang Lane to a smaller Lijiang, but it is beloved for its delicious food.

8. Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Huanglongxi Ancient Town, located in Shuangliu District, is over 1,700 years old and one of China’s top ten water towns. Unlike Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley, Huanglongxi is a favorite destination for locals. While it has commercialized, there are still many fun things to do here.

Food:

▲One Single Long Noodle – Also called longevity noodles, this handmade noodle dish is said to have originated here. It’s a must-try when you visit.

9. Jiuyan Bridge

Located in Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Jiuyan Bridge is an ancient bridge with nine holes beneath it. Today, it is a gathering place for bars, and the bar street here symbolizes Chengdu’s vibrant nightlife culture. After enjoying some drinks, you can admire the scenery by the bridge, marking the end of your Chengdu trip.


By following this budget-friendly itinerary, you'll experience Chengdu's vibrant mix of cultural heritage, delicious food, and scenic beauty without overspending. Whether you're strolling through historical streets like Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley, enjoying local delicacies, or visiting iconic spots like the Panda Base and Qingcheng Mountain, there's something for everyone.

Budget-Friendly Chengdu: Food, Scenery, and More

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this travel guide is designed to give you a fun-filled itinerary to experience the best of the city—on a budget! From exploring ancient streets and temples to indulging in mouth-watering local delicacies and visiting famous attractions like the Chengdu Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng. With the suggested routes, you can enjoy a mix of both tourist hotspots and hidden gems, all while savoring the unique flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Perfect for those who want to experience the charm of Chengdu without breaking the bank!


Classic Recommended Itinerary (Food and Play Guide)

Day 1: Jinli + Wuhou Shrine + Chunxi Road

Day 2: Panda Base + Dongjiao Memory

Day 3: Chengdu Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain (or People's Park + Jiuyan Bridge)

The route above is one of the most classic ways to explore Chengdu. If it’s your first time visiting the city, you can follow this itinerary. If you want to create your own plan, I will introduce various attractions here, and you can choose the ones that interest you when you go!


1. Jinli

Located in Qingyang District, Chengdu, Jinli is said to be an ancient commercial street that has existed since the Three Kingdoms period. Over 1,000 years have passed, yet Jinli’s past prosperity still shines through. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chengdu and a famous food street. It looks especially beautiful at night, and you can even see folk paper figurine art here, now recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.

Food:

▲Lianggao – A specialty of Jinli, lianggao is made from sugar, red bean paste, glutinous rice, and other ingredients, then frozen and cut into pieces. There are also spicy varieties, which are particularly interesting.

▲Yerba – Also called Ai Mo, these are glutinous rice flour dumplings filled with sweet sesame paste or savory fresh meat. They are similar to zongzi and are both fresh and sticky.

▲Jinli Sad Jelly – Known as the jelly that can make you cry, this dish adds chili peppers to the jelly. Even men who don’t easily cry will shed tears when eating this. If you don’t believe it, try it for yourself!

▲Bamboo Leaf Steamed Pork – Tender beef wrapped in rice grains and steamed in bamboo leaves. The combination of green bamboo leaves, red minced meat, chili peppers, and green onions makes this dish both delicious and visually appealing.

▲Beef Burnt Cake – A crispy and tender pie with beef filling. The owner recommends pairing it with beef soup, a thick yet light broth that complements the burnt cake perfectly.

2. Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu

Located near Changshun Street in Qingyang District, Kuanzhai Alley consists of wide, narrow, and well alleys. The buildings feature ancient-style courtyard homes with indigo brick and tiles. This is one of the largest ancient streets dating back to the Qing Dynasty in Chengdu and, along with Daci Temple and Wenshu Monastery, is one of the three historical cultural protection areas in Chengdu.

Food:

▲Spicy Rabbit Head – A well-known snack in Chengdu, offering fresh and spicy flavors that taste amazing.

▲Sugar-coated Fruit – Similar to smaller sesame balls, this snack has a bright yellow color, crispy on the outside, and soft and sticky inside, offering a nostalgic childhood taste.

▲Juntun Guokui – A traditional snack, often referred to as “Ghee Thousand Layer Cake,” made with a mix of spices like star anise, fennel, and pepper. It is fragrant, crispy, tender, and crumbly.

3. Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li Business District

Chunxi Road is one of the most prosperous commercial streets in Chengdu, located in the city center near People's Square. It is famous for its shopping malls, brands, and historic food stalls. As one of the most famous beauty capitals in China, Chunxi Road is also known for being a place with many beautiful women. Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li, located in the Chunxi Road business district, has excellent transportation and is near Daci Temple. This area is a low-density commercial center with a beautiful night view.

Food:

▲Zhong Dumplings – A classic dish of Chunxi Road, these dumplings are served with a red oil sauce that enhances their spicy and delicious flavor.

▲Lai Tangyuan – A well-known Sichuan-style sweet dumpling, known for being fragrant, sticky, and satisfying to eat.

4. Chengdu Giant Panda Base

It would be a shame to visit Sichuan without going to the Panda Base. Located northeast of Chengdu, the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base is a must-see. To see the baby pandas, you’ll need to arrive early in the morning, as they are most active at this time.

5. Chengdu East Suburb Memory

East Suburb Memory is a gathering place for artistic youths and one of the best photo spots in Chengdu. Located in Chenghua District, this modern cultural park was built on the site of the former Hongguang Electronic Tube Factory. Here, you can find old 20th-century trains, factory parts, creative music bases, and visually attractive foreign visitors. Various events like comic conventions and music festivals are often held here, making it a lively and interesting place.

6. Dujiangyan

Dujiangyan is a large-scale water conservancy project located west of Dujiangyan City. Built over 2,000 years ago by Li Bing and his son, it is a marvel of human ingenuity and nature. The project controls flooding and irrigation, transforming the Chengdu Plain into a fertile "land of abundance."

7. Qingcheng Mountain

Qingcheng Mountain, located in southwestern Dujiangyan, is the birthplace of Taoism and one of the five great immortal mountains in China. The highest peak, Laojun Pavilion, stands at 1,260 meters above sea level. With lush forests and steep peaks, Qingcheng Mountain is known as "the most secluded place in the world."

Food：

▲Xiangxiang Lane:

Xiangxiang Lane offers a variety of food, including Sichuan cuisine, hot pot, barbecue, Western food, Thai food, desserts, teahouses, bars, and even places to watch Sichuan opera. Many people compare Xiangxiang Lane to a smaller Lijiang, but it is beloved for its delicious food.

8. Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Huanglongxi Ancient Town, located in Shuangliu District, is over 1,700 years old and one of China’s top ten water towns. Unlike Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley, Huanglongxi is a favorite destination for locals. While it has commercialized, there are still many fun things to do here.

Food:

▲One Single Long Noodle – Also called longevity noodles, this handmade noodle dish is said to have originated here. It’s a must-try when you visit.

9. Jiuyan Bridge

Located in Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Jiuyan Bridge is an ancient bridge with nine holes beneath it. Today, it is a gathering place for bars, and the bar street here symbolizes Chengdu’s vibrant nightlife culture. After enjoying some drinks, you can admire the scenery by the bridge, marking the end of your Chengdu trip.


By following this budget-friendly itinerary, you'll experience Chengdu's vibrant mix of cultural heritage, delicious food, and scenic beauty without overspending. Whether you're strolling through historical streets like Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley, enjoying local delicacies, or visiting iconic spots like the Panda Base and Qingcheng Mountain, there's something for everyone.