Recommended Self-driving Attractions in Chengdu
Chengdu is a famous tourist city with many well-known tourist sites, but as these sites are always crowded with tourists. No worries, there are still many off-the-beaten-path sites to go. If you seek those places popular with the locals but seldom crowded with tourists, these self-driving attractions are just for you. They are all in the city, convenient to reach by car, and are able to provide you with a more authentic Chengdu.
Wenshu Monastery
Location and distance: Located in the north of downtown Chengdu. About 20 minutes of driving from the majority of the city. Free parking next to the temple.
Highlights: Wenshu Monastery is Chengdu’s oldest and best-preserved Buddhist temple that is more than 1,400 years old. You can stroll down the tranquil courtyard lined with ancient trees, red walls, and golden Buddha statues. There is a massive Buddha statue within the main hall, and a small garden with a lotus pond. This is not like some of the busy temples; this is where you sit and rest in a tranquil atmosphere. It is a good self-driving attraction for family fun.
Tips: Remember to dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). There is a famous vegetarian restaurant inside the temple where you can try Sichuan-style vegetarian food, e.g., vegetarian duck made of tofu.
Surrounding facilities: There is a street outside the temple with small shops that sell local food and Buddhist trinkets. There is also a large supermarket in a 5-minute drive distance from which you can buy water or snacks.
Huanhuaxi Park
Location and distance: Located in the west of Chengdu, close to Du Fu Thatched Cottage but not so touristy. 30-35 minutes’ driving from city center. Parking is available on the roadside along the park entrance.
Highlights: This Park is a large park built along a river. The locals come here in the morning for a walk, kite flying, or practicing Tai Chi. You can pedalo across the lake or walk along the tree-lined pathways. There are old stone bridges and pavilions within the park where you can take a rest. The park is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms and peach blossoms are in full blossom. It is a self-driving attraction where you can check in and take photos.
Surrounding facilities: There are a few small restaurants at the gate of the park, selling Sichuan noodles and rice dishes. There is a cafe with sitting space outside at the main gate, perfect for a coffee break.
Sichuan Science and Technology Museum
Location and distance: Located in Tianfu Square, city center’s middle area. It takes 15 minutes to drive from most places in Chengdu. There is underground parking in the square that you can use.
Highlights: Excellent science museum for children and adults with lots of hands-on science exhibits. You can conduct basic experiments, for instance, generating electricity or learning about robots. There is a space exhibit with models of rockets and mock spacecraft. Admission is free (with passport), but it is best to book tickets online in advance.
Best for: Science enthusiasts or family outings. It is a popular science self-driving attraction.
Surrounding facilities: Tianfu Square has plenty of fast food restaurants and cafes. There’s an international brand shopping center 10 minutes’ walk away from there, which is nice for lunch or buying necessities.
Qingyang Palace
Location and distance: In the western suburbs, just by the city centre. 25-30 minutes drive to get there. Has a small parking lot at the entrance.
Highlights: Qingyang Palace is the largest Taoist temple in Chengdu, with a history of more than 2,000 years. You can see traditional Taoist architecture with curved roofs and colorful paintings. The most famous is the Sanqing Hall, which contains statues of Taoist gods. There are also some ancient cypress trees, some of which are more than 1,000 years old.
Atmosphere: Unhurried and filled with history. There are Taoist priests practicing traditional rituals occasionally in the morning, which is relatively interesting to see.
Surrounding facilities: There is a local market 5 minutes away, selling fresh fruits and cheap snacks. There are some family restaurants within reach, serving homemade Sichuan dishes.
Jinjiang Park
Location and distance: On the Jinjiang River near the city center. One can drive anywhere to any entrance, the most convenient one is the Jiuyan Bridge entrance. From the city center, it would be about 15-20 minutes.
Highlights: This is a long riverside park where the locals go for their morning jog, bike, or barbeque at the designated places. You can walk along the edge of the river and see sleek bridges and old pavilions. The people throng here in the evenings to enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sun behind the river. There are street stalls selling snacks like stinky tofu and grilled squid.
Night tour: The riverfront is lit up at night and sometimes features street performers. It is occurring but not crowded.
Surrounding facilities: Restaurants and bars are plenty surrounding Jiuyan Bridge. A 24-hour convenience store lies 3 minutes’ walk from the entrance of the park where water or tissues can be bought.
Conclusion
These self-driving attractions allow you to appreciate the serenity, history and local lives of Chengdu. Wenshu Temple shows Buddhist culture, Huanhuaxi Park shows natural scenery, and Jinjiang Park shows daily fun. All these sites are drive-through and less crowded. The nearby facilities are also convenient and easy to get eating spots by car. Drive slowly and be cautious, because the roads of Chengdu will be more crowded by car in the rush hours (7-9 am and 5-7 pm).
If you need to know more about other attractions in Chengdu, you are welcome to contact China Chengdu Travel Agency. We can provide you with travel tips, and can also arrange tour guides and chartered vehicles if needed. Let you have a carefree self-driving tour in Chengdu.
