What is there to see at Tianfu Square in Chengdu?

Tianfu Square is Chengdu's official zero-point, where the city measures every address. The main sights are the 30-meter Chairman Mao statue from 1969 facing south down Renmin Road, and the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum directly behind it. In summer, a fountain music and light show runs roughly 8 to 9 PM. Realistically it is a 30-minute stop, not a destination in itself.

Is the Sichuan Science Museum at Tianfu Square free?

Entry is free with your passport. The museum sits directly behind the Mao statue on the square. Bring the physical passport rather than a photo, as it is needed for registration. Since the square itself is mainly a transit hub, the museum is the one indoor stop worth ducking into if you have spare time during a metro transfer.

How do I get to Tianfu Square and what is nearby?

It is the interchange of Metro Lines 1 and 2, so you likely pass through it anyway. The north-side underground passage is a sprawling four-level mall worth a quick walk. Rather than making a special trip, combine it with People's Park, about 5 minutes' walk west, or the Chunxi Road shopping street, roughly 10 minutes' walk east.

Tianfu Square, Chengdu: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Chengdu's geographic and political heart — Mao statue, Sichuan Science Museum, and the city's main metro interchange.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 天府广场 (Tiānfǔ Guǎngchǎng)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: 30 min
Best time to visit: Pass-through during metro transfer or evening for fountain (8-9 PM summer)
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Section 1, Renmin South Rd, Jinjiang District · 锦江区人民南路一段

Tianfu Square is the official zero-point of Chengdu — every address measures distance from here. The 30m Chairman Mao statue (1969) faces south down Renmin Road; behind it sits the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum (free entry with passport). The square is largely a transit hub (Metro Lines 1, 2 interchange) but its underground passage on the north side is a sprawling 4-level mall worth a quick walk. Best visit window: drive past during a metro transfer, or evening when the fountain music light show runs 8-9 PM in summer. Don't go out of the way; combine with adjacent People's Park (5 min walk west) or Chunxi Road (10 min walk east).

Highlights

Mao Statue30m bronze; iconic photo backdrop
Sichuan Science MuseumFree with passport; behind the statue

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Do not make a special trip here. It is a transit hub, so catch it during a metro transfer rather than carving out dedicated time.
▸The north-side underground passage is a four-level mall most visitors never notice; duck in if you need air conditioning or a quick break.
▸In summer the fountain music and light show runs about 8 to 9 PM, the only time the square is worth lingering after dark.
▸People's Park is a 5-minute walk west and far more rewarding; the square works best as a quick stop on the way there.
▸Chunxi Road's shopping street is about 10 minutes' walk east, so pair the square with it instead of treating either as standalone.
▸Bring your passport if you want the free Sichuan Science Museum behind the Mao statue; without it you cannot register to enter.

Photos

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ChengduFirst·TripAdvisor·4/5

Center of Chengdu. Mao statue + Sichuan Museum nearby. Subway Line 1/2 hub. Free.

2026-04-10

天府广场·Xiaohongshu·4/5

成都地理中心。天府之眼摩天轮 + 毛主席像。地铁中心枢纽。

2026-03-15

Tom F.·Google Maps·3/5

Just a square but a useful orientation point. Sichuan Museum is the real reason to come.

2026-02-18

Frequently asked questions about Tianfu Square

What is there to see at Tianfu Square in Chengdu?: Tianfu Square is Chengdu's official zero-point, where the city measures every address. The main sights are the 30-meter Chairman Mao statue from 1969 facing south down Renmin Road, and the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum directly behind it. In summer, a fountain music and light show runs roughly 8 to 9 PM. Realistically it is a 30-minute stop, not a destination in itself.
Is the Sichuan Science Museum at Tianfu Square free?: Entry is free with your passport. The museum sits directly behind the Mao statue on the square. Bring the physical passport rather than a photo, as it is needed for registration. Since the square itself is mainly a transit hub, the museum is the one indoor stop worth ducking into if you have spare time during a metro transfer.
How do I get to Tianfu Square and what is nearby?: It is the interchange of Metro Lines 1 and 2, so you likely pass through it anyway. The north-side underground passage is a sprawling four-level mall worth a quick walk. Rather than making a special trip, combine it with People's Park, about 5 minutes' walk west, or the Chunxi Road shopping street, roughly 10 minutes' walk east.