The absolute must-see attraction in Chengdu is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors should arrive at 7:30 AM to see giant and red pandas at their most active during morning feeding. For a taste of local life, People's Park is essential for its famous teahouse culture at Heming Teahouse and unique experiences like traditional ear cleaning. History and culture enthusiasts should visit the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to Three Kingdoms heroes, and the nearby Jinli Ancient Street, which is best experienced at night when it is illuminated by traditional red lanterns. Other top sites include the ancient Wenshu Monastery, the archaeological wonders at the Jinsha Site Museum, and the Du Fu Thatched Cottage for a peaceful garden escape. For modern vibes, the Taikoo Li district and the iconic climbing panda at the IFS building are popular spots, while the Leshan Giant Buddha remains the premier day-trip destination for its scale as the world's largest stone Buddha.