Street Eats
Tea houses, shadow puppets, and a hundred small-plate snacks. Come hungry, leave humming.
Jinli Ancient Street · Chengdu
Buddha of the Three Rivers · Leshan
Chengdu4.73 hr17k saved
A 71-metre Buddha carved into a river cliff over a thousand years ago — his toenail alone is bigger than you. Descend the cliff stairs to feel it.
It sits in Chengdu, and rewards going slowly rather than ticking it off. Best early morning on a weekday; spring/autumn.
Good to know
- Best time — Early morning on a weekday; spring/autumn
- Arrive early for the light
- Allow more time than you think
- Keep a few yuan in cash, just in case
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0
More in Chengdu
Three Kingdoms Shrine
Red walls and bamboo shading a shrine to the Three Kingdoms heroes. Slip in early, before the tour flags, and let it stay quiet.
Shrine of the Sleeping Dragon · Wuhou · Chengdu
Teahouse
Bottomless covered-cup tea under the plane trees of People's Park, where the city naps, plays mahjong and gets its ears cleaned.
Tea by the Lake · Heming Teahouse · Chengdu
Ancient Waterworks
A 2,200-year-old irrigation system still watering the plain — no dam, just genius. Cross the swaying suspension bridge over the rushing Min.
Taming the River · Dujiangyan · Chengdu