Chengdu People's Park
If you want to dive deeper into local life, People’s Park is a must-visit in Chengdu attractions.
Chengdu People’s Park is the first modern park in Sichuan. In this park, you can feel a strong local cultural vibe. The teahouses, lakes, and gardens are perfect for photos, especially in autumn and winter when the ginkgo and maple leaves are beautiful. The park regularly hosts events like stand-up comedy, Sichuan opera face-changing, tea ceremonies, calligraphy exhibitions, and immersive performances. Relaxing with tea while enjoying classic Sichuan folk performances is the best of Chengdu. If you want to dive deeper into local life, People’s Park is a must-visit in Chengdu attractions.
Table of Contents
Highlights of the Chengdu People's Park
Penqu Garden (Chinese name: 盆趣园)
The Penqu Garden in Chengdu People’s Park is one of the top ten bonsai gardens in Sichuan style. It not only showcases exquisite bonsai but also reflects Sichuan’s garden art and natural landscapes. The garden features small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and ancient trees, creating a tranquil and beautiful environment. There are many types of bonsai on display, including elm, ginkgo, Chinese pine, wisteria, gold ball, and crabapple. These plants are carefully maintained and presented throughout the garden.
Chengdu No. 1 Air Raid Shelter (成都1号防空洞)
Chengdu No. 1 Air Raid Shelter is the only public civil defense shelter open to residents. Built in the 1970s, it is well-equipped with tables, chairs, drinking fountains, and TVs, along with public Wi-Fi. The average temperature inside is maintained at 25 degrees Celsius, making it a great place to cool off during the summer.
Xinhai Baolu Memorial Square (辛亥保路纪念广场)
Xinhai Baolu Memorial Square was established to honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1911 Sichuan railway protection movement. The surrounding environment is beautiful, with straight ginkgo trees lining the wide avenue in front of the monument, creating a solemn atmosphere. The sculptures and inscriptions in the square provide a detailed record of the history of the Sichuan railway protection movement.
He Ming Teahouse (鹤鸣茶社)
He Ming Teahouse in People’s Park Chengdu China is the largest garden teahouse in the city, featuring typical Sichuan teahouse characteristics. The name comes from a dream of its founder, a businessman named Gong, who dreamed of white cranes playing in a pond and calling out, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. The architectural style maintains the simplicity and elegance of Sichuan gardens, beautifully complementing the park’s lake views, making it a great place for Chengdu residents to relax and socialize over tea.
He Ming Teahouse offers traditional covered bowl tea and frequently hosts performances of intangible cultural heritage, such as Sichuan opera, face-changing, and fire-spitting. In addition to tea, you can also enjoy services like ear cleaning and massages. It’s best to arrive early, especially on sunny days, as seating fills up quickly. If you want a lakeside spot, arriving even earlier is recommended.
Matchmaking Corner (相亲角)
The Matchmaking Corner in Chengdu People Park is an area that has developed spontaneously for sharing matchmaking and relationship information. It began in 2005, initially organized by parents seeking partners for their children. Parents display marriage ads here and exchange information with one another.
To post ads, parents must go to the park management office to sign a “Commitment Letter,” provide their identity information, and submit a copy of their ID. Once registered, they can receive a “Matchmaking Information Form” to hang their ads. Each ad is displayed for three months to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the information.
Boating on the Lake (湖上泛舟)
The boating experience on the lake in People’s Park Chengdu China is perfect for family outings and romantic dates. Visitors can choose between rowing boats and electric boats; rowing offers a chance to enjoy traditional paddling, while electric boats are more relaxing and effortless.
While boating, guests can admire the floating water plants and the occasional fish swimming by in the clear, clean water. After paddling, you can stop by He Ming Teahouse on the shore to enjoy a cup of covered bowl tea and savor the leisurely atmosphere. Additionally, the park offers traditional experiences like ear cleaning for visitors to enjoy.
Q&A About the Chengdu People's Park
1. Is there a tea seat fee at He Ming Teahouse?
Yes, there is a tea seat fee at He Ming Teahouse, which typically ranges from 38 to 58 CNY (about 5 to 8 USD). The exact price may vary based on the season and seating location. In addition to the tea seat fee, you can also enjoy other services, such as ear cleaning and Sichuan opera face-changing performances. The ear cleaning service is reasonably priced, while the cost for performances ranges from several dozen to several hundred CNY (about 5 to 50 USD).
2. How long should you spend in Chengdu People’s Park?
To fully enjoy the park’s facilities and activities, it’s best to arrive around 9 AM to avoid peak crowds. Plan to spend about 3 to 4 hours there. Nearby, there are many attractions worth visiting, such as Kuanzhai Alley, which is just 8 meters from the Chengdu People Park. Jiu Yan Qiao is close by and known for its lively bar street with beautiful night views. The Chengdu Museum, not far from the park, is the largest comprehensive urban museum in Southwest China.
3. What are the fees for boating at Chengdu People Park?
The fee for manual boats is 50 CNY (about 7 USD) for 50 minutes, with a maximum capacity of two adults and two children, and a total weight limit of 150 kg. If you exceed the time, the extra charge is 10 CNY (about 1.50 USD) for every additional 10 minutes, with a minimum charge of 10 CNY for any time under that.
The prices for electric boats may vary based on specific times but are generally cheaper than manual boats. A 100 CNY (about 15 USD) deposit is required for boating, and any overage fees will be deducted from this deposit.
Practical Travel Tips
If you visit Chengdu in the summer, try to go boating before noon. The lines are shorter, and you won’t be in the sun. Otherwise, it can get extremely hot in the afternoon.
While enjoying tea in People’s Park, don’t forget to experience authentic Chengdu ear cleaning. The delightful tingling sensation is simply addictive!
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Summer: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Winter: 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed every Monday.
Admission
- Visitors can enter People’s Park for free during regular times. If the park hosts a flower exhibition, the ticket price is 12 CNY (about 1.70 USD) per person.
How to Get to the Chengdu People's Park
By Bus
- The bus routes to Chengdu People’s Park include: 13, 43, 47, 53, 58, 62, 64, 78, and 81.
By Subway
- You can take Metro Line 2 to reach People’s Park.
