Travel with Shirley: A Day Exploring Chengdu, the City of Leisure

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is known as the "Land of Abundance" and offers visitors a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage, relaxed lifestyle, and delectable cuisine. The city moves at its own unhurried pace—we locals call it "slow living"—making it ideal for immersive exploration. As a vibrant metropolis with over 2,300 years of history, Chengdu balances ancient traditions with modern development.

As someone who has both lived and worked in Chengdu for years as a travel expert, I recently spent a day with my friend revisiting some of the city's beloved cultural spots while experiencing authentic glimpses of everyday Chengdu life.

⋙ Chengdu Travel Guide 2025
⋙ How to Plan a Chengdu Trip

2 Days Leisure Chengdu Private Tour with Panda Visit

Itinerary: Chengdu: Jinli Street, Giant Panda Base, Wenshu Temple
Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, People's Park, Jinli Street, Chengdu Museum, Wenshu Temple

Chengdu Museum

Chengdu Museum is one of the underrated places for travelers. It's incredibly convenient to access. I can always spot the impressive building right from the subway entrance. Housing over 200,000 artifacts, this modern museum showcases the region's rich cultural heritage from ancient Shu civilization to contemporary times. The museum is completely free, but you'll need to make a reservation (though during low-season weekends, you can often get one on-site).

The museum spans five floors, and honestly, we could easily spend a whole day exploring all the exhibits. When we visited in March, they were featuring traditional instrumental music of Chengdu. We didn't rent an audio guide, but luckily, we encountered several Chinese guides during our visit who shared fascinating historical insights. One female guide was particularly dynamic and interactive, and we felt like we were back in high school history class!

Artifacts in Chengdu Museum

Local Snack

Walking out of the museum and down the stairs, we noticed a small food shop that only sells beef patties with shallots. Don't be fooled by its simple appearance. There's always a line of people waiting, including many foreign tourists! After about half an hour in line, we finally got our hands on these treats. They were delightfully light and surprisingly affordable.

⋙ Chengdu Food & Cuisine Guide 2025

Delicious Beef Patties

People's Park (Renmin Park)

After our simple meal, we headed to People's Park, also known as Renmin Park and now one of Chengdu's most beloved public spaces. Surprisingly, it's not far from the museum, just a ten-minute walk or a quick bike ride away. At the entrance, we saw elderly locals sitting on benches playing cards—such a typical Chengdu scene, LOL!

March is blooming season, and the park was stunning with beautiful pear flowers and plum blossoms everywhere. The park serves as a cultural hub where locals of all ages gather for relaxation, socializing, and various activities throughout the day.

Spring Blossoms in the Park

When we crossed the bridge and saw people boating on the lake, we wanted to try it too. But because the weather was nicer than previous days, the line for boats was very long. We eventually gave up, which was a bit disappointing.

After missing out on the boat ride, we hurried to grab seats at one of the park's traditional teahouses and ordered some tea. The teahouses represent Chengdu's famous tea culture that dates back centuries. Simply enjoying the sunshine while sipping tea was a small moment of perfect happiness.

Having A Leisurely Afternoon in Renmin Park

A Day Well Spent

Our day exploring Chengdu offered a perfect taste of the city's relaxed lifestyle and cultural richness. From the impressive collections at the museum to the simple pleasure of sipping tea in the Park, we experienced the authentic charm that makes this city special. Chengdu doesn't rush, and that's exactly what makes it worth visiting. Whether you're interested in history, food, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this one-day walking route provides a wonderful introduction to local life in Chengdu.

2 Days Leisure Chengdu Private Tour with Panda Visit

Itinerary: Chengdu: Jinli Street, Giant Panda Base, Wenshu Temple
Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, People's Park, Jinli Street, Chengdu Museum, Wenshu Temple

If it’s your first time in Chengdu, you can’t miss the Chengdu Panda Base to see the adorable giant pandas and People’s Park to experience the vibrant daily life of the locals. However, if you’ve already visited these spots and are looking to relax with friends, consider following our itinerary. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the city at a leisurely pace—highly recommended! Browse our best Chengdu Tour Packages, or just share your travel preferences, and I'll use my experience and knowledge to provide you with an unforgettable customized Chengdu trip.

Our Delighted Customers in Chengdu

Travel with Me

Hi, I'm Shirley. Are you interested in my city walk in Chengdu? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

Shirley

Travel Consultant

E-mail me now!