Chengdu

Chengdu has a lot of cloudy and rainy weather, so it is safer to carry an umbrella with you.

Chengdu is a city with both deep historical roots and a strong sense of everyday life. Here you can see giant pandas up close, explore shopping districts, teahouses, and old streets, and take a few days to slowly feel the city’s rhythm.

3-Day, 2-Night Essential Itinerary

• Day 1: City Landmarks and First Night Views
  • Morning: Start at the 7th floor of IFS to see the “wall-climbing panda,” then walk around Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li. Along the way, take in the urban scene where Daci Temple sits next to modern commercial spaces.
  • Afternoon: Head to People’s Park for a cup of gaiwan tea at Heming Teahouse. You can also try ear cleaning and experience the relaxed atmosphere of old Chengdu.
  • Evening: Take a walk around Jiuyan Bridge and enjoy the night view of Anshun Covered Bridge. You can also listen to folk music at a riverside bar and feel the energy of Chengdu at night.
• Day 2: National Treasure Pandas and Three Kingdoms Culture
  • Morning: It is recommended to get up early and go to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The park opens at 7:30, and pandas are usually more active in the morning. If you arrive late, you may be more likely to see them resting.
  • Afternoon: Visit Wuhou Shrine to see the red walls and bamboo shadows, and learn about Three Kingdoms culture. Right outside is Jinli Ancient Street, which becomes more atmospheric after the lights come on in the evening.
  • Evening: Go to Kuixinglou Street for dinner. There are many restaurants popular with locals, with plenty of choices, and it is more suitable for a proper meal than the main streets in scenic areas.
• Day 3: Arts, Culture, and Industrial Style
  • Morning: Visit the Chengdu Museum, which requires advance reservation. Highlights include the stone rhinoceros and exhibitions related to ancient Shu history. You can also choose to visit Wenshu Monastery to see its red walls and buy palace-style pastries as souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Go to Eastern Suburb Memory to enjoy the atmosphere of an industrial-style district, or head to Du Fu Thatched Cottage to slow down amid gardens and poetry culture.
  • Evening: Have coffee by the river on Wangping Street, or go to the Tianfu Twin Towers to watch the light show and wrap up the trip.

Main Attractions Overview

Local Food Guide

Chengdu has a wide range of dining options, and hot pot, snacks, and local flavors are all worth setting aside time to try. The following restaurants can be used as references during your trip:

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li: Convenient for transport, with Metro Lines 2 and 3 meeting here. It is easy to reach most areas, making it suitable for first-time visitors to Chengdu, but accommodation prices are usually on the higher side.
  • Kuanzhai Alley / Kuixinglou Street: Has a stronger old Chengdu atmosphere, with many dining options nearby and generally better value for money. Good for those who like eating while exploring and experiencing a slower pace.
  • Jiuyan Bridge / Hejiang Pavilion: Lively at night, with good night views along the Jinjiang River. Suitable for younger travelers who enjoy live music, a drink, and a riverside atmosphere.
• Getting Around:
  • City Transport: Prioritize the metro. It has broad coverage and helps you avoid surface traffic. You can download the “Chengdu Metro” app in advance, or use Alipay/WeChat transit codes. During morning and evening rush hours (7:30-9:00, 16:30-18:30), it is best to travel off-peak if possible.
  • Airports / Railway Stations: Shuangliu Airport is relatively close to the city center and can be reached by metro in about 40 minutes. Tianfu Airport is farther away and requires Metro Line 18 plus a transfer, taking about 1.5 hours. From Chengdu East Railway Station, Metro Line 2 goes directly to Chunxi Road.

Practical Tips

• Ticket Reservations: For popular attractions such as the Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu Museum, and Sanxingdui, it is recommended to book 3-7 days in advance through official WeChat accounts. They are usually closed on Mondays, and tickets are generally hard to buy on site.
• Spice Reminder: Chengdu’s “mildly spicy” can still be spicy for many visitors from other places. If you cannot handle spice, say “very very mild” in advance or order a split-flavor hot pot, and prepare stomach medicine.
• Shopping Tips: Snacks and local products inside scenic areas such as Kuanzhai Alley and the main street of Jinli are relatively expensive, and the taste may not always be consistent. For souvenirs, consider buying from supermarkets or old brands such as palace-style pastry shops.
• Scam Prevention: Do not choose low-priced one-day tours promoted on the roadside, and do not blindly trust taxi drivers’ recommendations for “authentic old restaurants.” Paid photo services and fortune-telling at scenic area entrances should also be approached with caution.
• Weather and Clothing: Chengdu’s weather changes quickly, so bring an umbrella and a light jacket when going out. The itinerary involves a lot of walking, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended.