Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of modern attractions and rich cultural experiences.
It's an ideal destination for families looking to explore China with children. From the world-famous pandas to tranquil parks and delicious cuisine, Chengdu has something for everyone.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about visiting Chengdu with kids.
Getting to Chengdu
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is the main gateway to the city. It's well-connected with direct flights from many international destinations and major Chinese cities.
- By Air: Many airlines offer direct flights to Chengdu from cities across Asia, Europe, and North America.
- By Train: High-speed trains connect Chengdu to other major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an.
Tip for Families: Consider booking flights that arrive during the day to make the arrival process smoother with kids.
Where to Stay in Chengdu with Kids
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial when traveling with children. Here are some family-friendly options:
- Poshpacker Flipflop Hostel: A great choice for families, offering spacious private rooms. It's located near the Taikoo Li shopping center and busy Chunxi Road, providing easy access to attractions and amenities.
- Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu: Offers family rooms and a kids' club, perfect for those seeking luxury accommodation.
- Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza: A mid-range option with family rooms and a central location.
Our Experience: We stayed at the Poshpacker Flipflop Hostel and found it very comfortable for our family of four. The spacious room and convenient location made it an excellent base for exploring the city.
Things to Do in Chengdu with Kids
1. Visit the Chengdu Panda Research Breeding Center
No trip to Chengdu is complete without seeing the giant pandas. This is often the highlight for many children visiting the city.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (around 8:30 AM) when the pandas are most active.
- Duration: Plan for 3-4 hours.
- Tips:
- Book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Bring snacks and water for the kids.
- Visit during cooler months if possible, as pandas are less active in summer heat.
Our Experience: While we found it a bit crowded, seeing real pandas was exciting for our daughter. We made it special by counting the pandas we saw and building up the excitement.
2. Explore People's Park
People's Park is a great place for families to experience local culture and relax.
- Activities:
- Visit traditional tea houses.
- Enjoy the children's playground.
- Watch or participate in local activities like tai chi or dancing.
- Tip: Tea houses typically close around 7 PM, so plan an afternoon visit.
Our Experience: We enjoyed the park's lively atmosphere and the children's playground. The tea houses offer a glimpse into local culture, but remember they close early.
Magda Sawyer
3. Watch a Bian Lian (Face-Changing) Show
This unique Sichuan opera performance is fascinating for both adults and children.
- Where: We stumbled upon a show at a tea house in People's Park.
- What to Expect: A mix of tea ceremony, theater, and the mesmerizing face-changing performance.
Our Experience: Our daughter loved the costumes and performances, especially the face-changing act. It's an excellent cultural experience for families.
4. Visit Taikoo Li and Fangsuo Comune Bookstore
- Taikoo Li: A modern shopping complex with a mix of international brands and local shops.
- Fangsuo Comune Bookstore: A massive, architecturally stunning bookstore where you can browse Chinese literature and children's books.
Tip: Even if you don't understand Chinese, the children's book section offers a unique glimpse into Chinese culture and storytelling.
5. Try Local Street Food
Chengdu is famous for its street food, offering a culinary adventure for the whole family.
- Where: Look for busy street food areas or night markets.
- What to Try: Dumplings, noodles, and skewers are usually safe bets for kids.
Tip: If your children are picky eaters, always have some familiar snacks on hand.
Our Experience: A Family Adventure in Chengdu
When we planned our trip to China, Chengdu was initially just a short stopover to see the pandas. We had only one full day (plus two half days on arrival and departure), but this vibrant city surprised us with its charm and family-friendly attractions.
Arrival and First Impressions
We arrived in Chengdu late afternoon and immediately headed to People's Park. Although we missed the tea houses (they close at 7 p.m.), we discovered a delightful children's playground that saved our evening. This unexpected find taught us that Chengdu is full of surprises for families.
Panda Adventure
The next morning, we visited the Chengdu Panda Research Breeding Center. While it was crowded and some pandas were hiding from the summer heat, seeing real pandas was thrilling for our daughter. We made it special by counting the pandas and emphasizing how exciting it was to see them in person.
Tea House Culture and Unexpected Entertainment
Returning to People's Park, we enjoyed tea at a beautiful (albeit touristy) tea house. The real highlight came when we spontaneously bought tickets to a show featuring the famous 'Bian lian' (face-changing) performance. Our daughter was mesmerized by the costumes and performances, proving that sometimes the unplanned experiences are the most memorable.
Modern Chengdu and Cultural Insights
We explored the Taikoo Li shopping center and the impressive Fang Sun Commune bookstore. Browsing Chinese children's books made us realize how much culture and knowledge we miss by not understanding Mandarin, inspiring a desire to learn more about Chinese language and culture.
Culinary Adventures
Our evenings were filled with delicious street food adventures. The variety and flavors of Chengdu's cuisine were a highlight, even for our young daughter.
Reflections
Our short stay in Chengdu left us wanting more. We were impressed by the city's blend of traditional culture and modernity, its family-friendly attractions, and the warm reception we received as foreign visitors. It reinforced our belief that traveling with kids, while sometimes challenging, opens up new perspectives and creates lasting memories.
Additional Tips for Visiting Chengdu with Kids
- Weather: Chengdu can be very hot and humid in summer. Plan indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
- Transportation: The metro system is efficient and easy to use. Taxis are also readily available.
- Language: English is not widely spoken. Consider downloading a translation app or learning basic Mandarin phrases.
- Attention from Locals: Be prepared for extra attention if your children look different from local kids. Most interactions are friendly and well-intentioned.
Conclusion
Chengdu offers a perfect mix of cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions. From the adorable pandas to the vibrant parks and delicious food, there's something to delight every member of the family. With proper planning and an open mind, your trip to Chengdu with kids can be an unforgettable adventure filled with unique experiences and cherished memories.
Remember, the key to a successful family trip is flexibility and a positive attitude. Embrace the unexpected, and you'll find that Chengdu has much more to offer than you might have initially thought!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Chengdu suitable for a family trip?
A: Absolutely! Chengdu offers a great mix of attractions for all ages, from pandas to parks and interactive cultural experiences.
Q: How many days should we spend in Chengdu with kids?
A: While you can see the highlights in 2-3 days, we recommend 4-5 days to fully enjoy the city without rushing.
Q: What's the best time of year to visit Chengdu with children?
A: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cool but less crowded.
Q: Are there any child-friendly restaurants in Chengdu?
A: Even though, as it is a big city, there are plenty of restaurants that are family-friendly, remember that Sichuan cuisine is very spicy.
A great option here are street food venues where you can point and with gestures explain you don't want any spices. Plain noodles and dumplings are always a great choice.
Q: Is it easy to use public transportation in Chengdu with kids?
A: Yes, Chengdu's metro system is modern and easy to navigate. Taxis and DiDi are also readily available and can be a convenient option for families.
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