When planning your Chengdu itinerary, you might be tempted to rush straight to the pandas - especially when on a big family trip.
But let me tell you about a place that captured our hearts so much we visited it twice during our stay – it is People's Park (人民公园).
Practical Information
📍 Location: No.12 Shaocheng Road, Citang Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu (成都市青羊区少城路12号)
🕦 Opening Hours:
- Park: Daily 6:00-10:30 PM (summer); 6:30-10:00 (winter)
- Tea Houses: Usually until 7:00 PM
- Amusement Park rides: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
💰 Cost:
- Park entrance: Free
- Tea houses: 15-100¥ depending on location and if includes performance
- Amusement rides: Additional cost
🚇 Getting There: Take Metro Line 2 to People's Park station (人民公园站), Exit A or C
More Than Just Another City Park
Forget everything you think you know about public parks. People's Park isn't just a green space – it's Chengdu's living room, where local life just happens.
From traditional tea houses to opera performances, this park offers a slice of real Chinese culture that you won't find in any guidebook.
Why We Fell in Love With It
We ended up visiting the park twice during our stay in Chengdu, and honestly? We wish we had time for more visits.
There's something magical about the way this space brings together everything that makes Chengdu special – the relaxed atmosphere, the food culture, and the perfect blend of tradition and modern life.
What to Do in People's Park
Tea House Experience
Let's start with the star attraction – the tea houses. But here's what you need to know:
- Prices vary significantly (we learned this the hard way by choosing a picturesque but tourist-oriented one 😅)
- Some tea houses offer incredible Sichuan opera performances, including the famous face-changing act
- Your tea ticket often includes the show – talk about great value!
- Tea houses close around 7 PM, so plan your visit accordingly
💡 Pro tip: Don't just go for the fanciest-looking tea house. Sometimes the more modest ones offer the most authentic experience.
For the Kids
If you're traveling with little ones (like we were), you're in luck:
- There's a charming small amusement park perfect for younger children
- Plenty of space for them to run around
- The shaded paths make it comfortable even in summer heat
Food Scene
Come hungry, because the park's food options won't disappoint:
- Various street food vendors scattered throughout
- Snacks are mostly traditional Sichuan specialties
- Perfect for grabbing a quick bite between activities
Best Time to Visit
The park is a lively place to visit throughout the year.
We found the park particularly delightful for escaping Chengdu's notorious summer heat and humidity. The ancient trees provide perfect shade, and there's always a quiet spot to rest and cool down.
Why You Should Visit
- Authentic local atmosphere
- Perfect mix of activities for all ages
- Great value for money (it's free 😉)
- Cooling escape from summer heat
- Photography opportunities everywhere
- Chance to experience real Chinese culture
Making the Most of Your Visit
- Come early for people watching
- Plan at least 3-4 hours to properly enjoy the park
- Don't rush – this is a place to slow down and observe
- As everywhere in China - you don't need cash, can pay for everything using WeChat
- Consider visiting multiple times if your schedule allows
Our Personal Take
Having visited twice, we can honestly say that People's Park was one of the highlights of our Chengdu stay.
It's one of those rare places where tourist attractions and local life blend perfectly.
Each visit showed us something new, whether it was a different tea house, another street food discovery, or just interesting people-watching moments.
Want to explore more of Chengdu?
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Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
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