The best photography places in Chengdu, China – for Instagram

Whether you’re looking for the best photography places in Chengdu or the most Instagrammable places in the city, you are in the right place. After spending one week in this city, I can say that I’ve seen most of it.

Even though Chengdu has many tall, concrete buildings, you can still find many streets and neighborhoods with traditional Chinese architecture. Chengdu is definitely a modern city but it still has that traditional twist and this is one of the reasons why I loved it so much.

Below are my favorite photography spots in Chengdu.

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1. Anshun Lang Bridge

Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Anshun Lang Bridge is located on Jinjiang River. As you probably already know, Chengdu is a city where the sun can be seen on the sky just a few days per year (for the rest of the days, the sky is completely grey).

Taking a photo of the Anshun Lang Bridge with a grey sky behind may not be the perfect setting. This is why I recommend taking pictures during the night when all the lights on the bridge are lit and they are reflecting into the water.

Read about the top 20 tourist attractions in Chengdu here.

2. Wuhou Shrine

Probably one of the most Instagrammable places in Chengdu, the Wuhou Shrine is heaven for photographers. From its many beautiful gardens to the beautiful temples and the famous red walls, Wuhou Shrine is one of the must see places in Chengdu.

Being such an important tourist attraction, the shrine can get pretty busy and full of people. This is why I recommend visiting it early in the morning when there are not that many tourists (the temple opens at 8 am).

The most famous part of Wuhou Shrine is the path framed by the famous red walls. Don’t hesitate to take some photos here!

-> Read more of my China travel guides here

3. Sichuan Opera

Another perfect place for photography in Chengdu is the Sichuan Opera. A visit to the opera is great if you want to photograph a piece of the Chinese culture. The opera has different acts such as singing, dancing, shadow puppetry, and acting.

Since standing up during the show is prohibited, I recommend standing in the back of the hall – you will have the best view from there. Also, if you want to photograph some close-ups of the costumes, I recommend a lens with a good zoom and a full frame camera.

Sichuan Opera is definitely one of the Instagram places in Chengdu and for good reason: you won’t find anywhere else such beautiful costumes and amazing performances. You can book your tickets here.

4. Qintai Road

Qintai Road is one of the most beautiful streets in Chengdu and the perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts. Here you will find traditional Chinese architecture and a wide variety of shops. I recommend photographing the beautiful pointy rooftops and explore how the local life unfolds on the street.

Bonus tip: at the end of the road, towards the river, there is one of the most beautiful bridges I’ve ever seen. Don’t hesitate to stop by and take some amazing photos.

5. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Probably the number one reason why people are visiting Chengdu is to see the pandas. The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the most famous places for photography in Chengdu and you can’t miss it!

Reward yourself with a day filled with cuteness and love for these amazing animals – the pandas. If you are lucky enough, you can even see the baby pandas (5-6 months) climbing in the trees and fooling around. You can book your ticket here.

6. Kuan Zhai Alley

With endless shopping opportunities and hidden alleys, the Kuan Zhai Alley is one of my favorite Chengdu photography spots. Also known as the Wide and Narrow Street, these two streets are full of both local and international tourists in search for souvenirs and local food.

However, if you explore the smaller alleys and the stores’ interior, you will be surprised. You will find cute alleys with red lanterns, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking architecture – just perfect for some awesome photos.

Read about the best shopping districts in Chengdu here.

7. Dujiangyan

If you want to walk that extra mile in search of the best Chengdu Instagram places, take a day trip to Dujiangyan. The famous Anlan Bridge or the Couple Bridge is very photogenic but you can explore more the area and you will find incredible temples and gardens.

If you have time, you can also visit the Qingcheng Mountain on the same day. For more awesome day trips from Chengdu, click here.

8. Qingcheng Mountain

Considered the birthplace of Taoism, Qingcheng Mountain offers some incredible views and photography opportunities. From the scenic boat trip, to the beautiful temple on top of the mountain, the Qingcheng Mountain is definitely worth visiting.

Where to stay in Chengdu

I’ve searched for the best accommodation in Chengdu, for each budget. Here are my recommendations:

• Budget – Together Hostel – good location, clean rooms, brand new hostel
• Mid Budget – Lia Hotel – excellent location, spacious & clean rooms, English speaking staff
• Luxury – Minyoun Hotel – excellent location, breakfast included, modern & elegant rooms, excellent services & staff

I hope that you’ve found useful my recommendations about the best photography places in Chengdu. If you are in search for the perfect Instagram shot or you are just passionate about photography, these places will definitely impress you.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. Enjoy Chengdu and take lots of photos!

May the travel bug bite you!

Disclaimer: I was welcomed in Chengdu by Go Chengdu. As always, all opinions are my own and they reflect my true, unbiased experience.

Aurelia Teslaru

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!