Chengdu Panda Base
A dedicated panda visit outside Chengdu's central streets.
- Half a day
- Book 14 days ahead
Our takeMake this a half-day anchor if pandas are a priority, rather than squeezing it between downtown stops.
Chengdu 成都
Sichuan's capital, known for pandas, teahouses, spicy food and relaxed city life.
The 10 places most first visits are built on
People's Park
Tea at Heming Teahouse, bamboo chairs and everyday park life.
- 1–2 hours
- No booking
Our takeChoose a tea table and leave an hour to sit; if Heming is crowded, try another table or return later.
Wuhou Shrine
Halls and courtyards honouring the people behind the Three Kingdoms.
- 2–3 hours
- Book 14 days ahead
Our takeGive the shrine your attention first, then continue to nearby Jinli for snacks.
Jinli Ancient Street
A lane of snacks, crafts and Shu-style buildings beside Wuhou Shrine.
- 1–2 hours
- No booking
Our takeKeep it for the afternoon or evening after Wuhou Shrine.
Kuanzhai Alley
Three restored courtyard lanes with shops, cafés and tea stops.
- 1–2 hours
- No booking
Our takeWalk the three lanes once, then choose one courtyard for tea instead of browsing every shop.
Sanxingdui Museum
Ancient Shu bronze masks and unusual figures in Guanghan.
- Book ahead
Our takeChoose this as a dedicated museum outing from Chengdu if ancient design interests you.
Leshan Giant Buddha
A huge Buddha carved into a cliff beside the river.
- Half a day
Our takeKeep a half-day for the site itself and add travel time separately.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Gardens and buildings commemorating the Tang poet Du Fu.
- 1.5–2.5 hours
- Book ahead
Our takeRead one translated poem first; pair the garden with Huanhua Stream Park or Sichuan Museum.
Wenshu Monastery
Temple courtyards offering a quieter pause in central Chengdu.
- 1–2 hours
- No booking
Our takeUse it as a calm one-to-two-hour break between busier city stops.
Taikoo Li
Open-air shopping lanes around the older Daci Temple setting.
- 1–2 hours
- No booking
Our takeWalk for the contrast between the temple and modern blocks; shopping can stay optional.
Things to do
Thing to doWatch face-changing at Shufeng Yayun
Thing to doEat hotpot at Shu Da Xia on Chunxi Road
Thing to doChoose Furong Guocui at the Sichuan opera venue
Thing to doMeet the spices, then cook your own meal
6 hoursSanxingdui: a day with the bronze masks of ancient Shu
6–8 hoursDujiangyan: follow the water from day into evening
Thing to doLeshan Giant Buddha by boat
Ways to spend your days
In ChengduOnly this city
Chengdu + moreItineraries that include Chengdu
Chengdu → ChongqingChengdu to Chongqing: tea tables and river lightsBeijing → Xi’an → ChengduBeijing, Xi’an and Chengdu in eight daysChengdu → Jiuzhaigou → ChongqingSichuan’s lakes between two food citiesBeijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Chongqing → ShanghaiTwo weeks west: palaces, pandas and Chongqing nightsBeijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → ShanghaiPalaces, pandas and Shanghai in two weeksBeijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Guilin & Yangshuo → ShanghaiThe grand loop: palaces, pandas and the Li River
4 areas, 4 different trips
Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li
Metro: Chunxi Road 2 · 3
First visits, shopping and lively evenings
- Central shopping streets
- Many hotel choices
- Restaurants and evening activity
Trade-off: Busy roads and nightlife can be noisy; choose the room carefully.
Tianfu Square / People's Park
Metro: Tianfu Square 1 · 2, People's Park 2 · 17
Central sightseeing and teahouse time
- People's Park teahouses
- Central metro connections
- City museums nearby
Trade-off: Main roads feel more commercial than residential; some hotels are older.
Kuanzhai Alleys / Qingyang
Metro: Kuanzhaixiangzi 4
Courtyard stays and traditional streets
- Courtyard-style hotels
- Teahouses and food streets
- Historic lanes
Trade-off: The main alleys attract crowds; courtyard facilities vary.
Wenshu Monastery
Metro: Wenshu Monastery 1
Temple visits, local food and quieter mornings
- Temple neighbourhood
- Local food streets
- Teahouse mornings
Trade-off: Less late-night choice than Chunxi Road; quiet depends on the exact lane.
Our takeOne check before you book: Check your hotel's nearest station and your day-trip pickup before choosing the area.
Landing in Chengdu, and moving around
Metro Line 18 express to Chengdu South in about 34 minutes (about ¥10), then Line 1 to Tianfu Square.
Metro Line 10 from both terminals to the Wuhou Temple area in about 30 minutes.
Metro Line 2 straight to Chunxi Road and Tianfu Square; central fares ¥2–5.
- Tap an eligible contactless UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard or Amex card on the metro and Chengdu Bus Group services. The metro also accepts Diners and Discover. Enable small no-PIN payments before riding; Alipay ride codes are another option.
Our takeOne move after you land: keep your hotel's address in Chinese to show the driver. Make an address card →
Chengdu practical card →Best: Mar–May · Oct–Nov
Spring and late autumn offer milder city walks than summer; cloudy or rainy days still occur.
Jan9°3°9% wet
Feb12°6°15% wet
Mar16°9°26% wet
Apr22°14°34% wet
May26°18°41% wet
Jun28°21°50% wet
Jul30°22°61% wet
Aug30°22°58% wet
Sep25°19°53% wet
Oct20°15°37% wet
Nov16°10°16% wet
Dec10°5°7% wet
Typical daytime high, night low and share of wet days (1991–2020 averages, not a forecast). Golden Week (1–7 Oct 2026): expect crowds; check the official dates for other years.
Coming up in Chengdu
No published sessions in the next weeks. Ask what fits your dates.
Chengdu questions travellers ask
Which Chengdu panda base best fits a short visit with limited walking?Can I transfer between Chengdu Tianfu and Shuangliu airports in four hours?How can I get back to Chengdu after a late visit to Sanxingdui?Chengdu Museum, Sichuan Museum or Du Fu’s Cottage: which should I choose?What is a good rainy day in Chengdu beyond cafés and shopping?Luodai, Huanglongxi or Pingle: which Chengdu old-town outing fits my trip?Should I use a Chengdu afternoon for cooking, craft context or a slow food walk?Should I give my extra night to Chengdu or Chongqing?
Plan your Chengdu days with us.
Ask anything about your trip, keep what you like in your Trip, and we’ll keep an eye on it until you’re home.