Chengdu, a city known for its laid-back atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, comes to life in a different way after the sun sets. From illuminated ancient bridges to bustling food streets, Chengdu’s nightscape offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring these stunning night views is a must during your Chengdu visit. Here’s a guide to the top 10 places to enjoy Chengdu’s night beauty.
1. Tiexiang Temple Water Street (铁像寺水街)
- Address: Tiexiang Temple Road, High-tech Zone (高新区铁像寺路)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Tiexiang Temple, a historical site dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is an iconic place to visit during the day. But at night, when the lanterns light up, the temple’s charm becomes even more captivating. Nestled along the Xiaohe River (肖家河), the streets are dotted with old houses and small shops, creating a romantic, ancient atmosphere that reflects the city’s heritage. Perfect for a stroll or a photo op.
2. Anshun Bridge (安顺廊桥)
- Address: No. 66, Binjiang East Road, Jinjiang District (锦江区滨江东路66号)
- Entry Fee: Free
- The Anshun Bridge (安顺桥), with its beautiful lights at night, is even more enchanting than during the day. The bridge’s pavilions seem to tell stories from ancient times, while the flowing river and cool evening breeze add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re taking a walk or sitting on one of the nearby benches, this spot offers an unforgettable view of Chengdu’s romantic side.
3. Chunxi Road (春熙路)
- Address: Zhong Shamao Street, Jinjiang District (锦江区中纱帽街)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Chunxi Road (春熙路) is Chengdu’s lively shopping and entertainment hub, and it’s also a perfect place to experience the city’s vibrant night life. At night, the neon lights and huge 3D holographic screens dazzle visitors, while the bustling streets are filled with locals and tourists alike.
4. Twin Towers (双子塔)
- Address: Tianfu International Financial Center North, Jiaozi North Road, Wuhou District (武侯区交子北一路天府国际金融中心北)
- Entry Fee: Free
- The Twin Towers (双子塔) are a new landmark in Chengdu’s southern area. Known for their impressive size and the massive LED screens, these towers light up the night with a spectacular visual display. The dazzling light show and massive screens create a stunning view for visitors at night.
5. SKP Tower (SKP生机之塔)
- Address: Jincheng Plaza, Tianfu Avenue, High-tech Zone (高新区天府大道锦城广场)
- Entry Fee: Free
- The SKP Tower (SKP生机之塔) is one of Chengdu’s iconic landmarks, designed to resemble six giant sugarcane stalks. As night falls, the tower’s lights transform into a rainbow gradient, offering a mesmerizing visual experience. This striking landmark is a beautiful contrast to Chengdu’s ancient history and represents the city’s modern, dynamic side.
6. Jinli Ancient Street (锦里)
- Address: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District (武侯区武侯祠大街231号)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Jinli Street (锦里) is a historic commercial area in Chengdu that captures the essence of traditional Sichuan culture. At night, the street is illuminated with lanterns, creating a mystical atmosphere. Here, you can experience local folk performances such as shadow puppetry (皮影戏) and Sichuan opera’s face-changing performances (川剧变脸) while savoring street snacks and shopping for unique souvenirs.
7. Wangping Street (望平街)
- Address: No. 25, Wangping Street, Chenghua District (成华区望平街25号)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Wangping Street (望平街) is a famous food street that truly embodies Chengdu’s local culture. With warm streetlights casting a glow on the old buildings, the street becomes even more charming at night. Enjoy authentic Chengdu street food or simply stroll around and take in the lively ambiance of this bustling neighborhood.
8. Night Cruise on Jinjiang River (夜游锦江)
- Address: No. 10, Binhe Road, Jinjiang District (锦江区滨河路10号)
- Entry Fee: 118 RMB
- Take a unique night cruise (夜游锦江) on the Jinjiang River (锦江) to experience the city from a different perspective. Starting from Dongmen Wharf (东门码头) and sailing along the river to the Anshun Bridge (安顺桥), this immersive experience offers stunning views of the city’s glowing skyline, reflecting off the water, and lets you witness the beautiful transformation of the riverbanks illuminated by light.
9. Yulin Street (玉林街)
- Address: Yulin Road, Wuhou District (武侯区玉林路)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Yulin Street (玉林街) is a lively, charming street in Chengdu known for its vibrant nightlife. It’s full of cozy bars and eateries, making it an ideal place for a relaxing evening out. The street is lively with locals and visitors alike, offering a true taste of Chengdu’s everyday life. The atmosphere here is filled with warmth and energy, perfect for a night stroll.
10. Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子)
- Address: No. 27, Kuanchangzi Street, Qingyang District (青羊区宽巷子27号)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子) is famous for its old Sichuan architecture and slow-paced lifestyle. While it’s popular during the day, the nighttime ambiance is something truly special. With its quaint tea houses, traditional architecture, and relaxed atmosphere, this is the perfect place to experience the charm of old Chengdu. Unwind, sip tea, and enjoy the tranquility as you witness the evening hustle and bustle.