Chengdu
Hotpot, pandas, and a laid-back lifestyle you'll love in Sichuan's vibrant capital.
Essentials
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, blooming flowers
Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, clear skies
Avoid: Summer (hot, humid) and Winter (cold, foggy)
Climate
Temperature: 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)
Rainfall: Rainy season May-September
Air Quality: Generally good, but can be foggy in winter
Getting There
Airport: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
High-speed Rail: From Beijing (8h), Shanghai (12h), Guangzhou (10h)
Metro: Line 10 connects airport to city center
Getting Around
Metro: Growing network, ¥2-8 per trip
Bus: ¥1-2, extensive coverage
Taxi: ¥8 starting fare, use DiDi app
Bike: Shared bikes available throughout city
Top Spots
Chengdu Research Base (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地)
What: World-famous panda breeding and research center
Why: See giant pandas up close, learn about conservation
Tip: Visit early morning (8-10am) when pandas are most active
Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛)
What: World's largest stone Buddha statue
Why: UNESCO World Heritage site, impressive engineering
Tip: Day trip from Chengdu, take boat for best views
Wide and Narrow Alley (宽窄巷子)
What: Historic district with traditional architecture
Why: Traditional Sichuan culture, tea houses, local food
Tip: Visit in evening for atmosphere, try local snacks
Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂)
What: Museum dedicated to China's greatest poet
Why: Beautiful gardens, cultural significance, peaceful atmosphere
Tip: Visit in spring for blooming flowers, allow 2-3 hours
People's Park (人民公园)
What: Central park with traditional tea culture
Why: Experience local life, tea ceremonies, ear cleaning
Tip: Visit on weekends for most activity, try traditional tea
Chunxi Road (春熙路)
What: Modern shopping district and pedestrian street
Why: Shopping, people watching, modern Chengdu
Tip: Visit in evening for lights and atmosphere
Eat & Drink
Sichuan Hotpot (四川火锅)
Where: Haidilao, Xiaolongkan, local hotpot restaurants
Price: ¥50-100 per person
Tip: Choose spice level, try both meat and vegetables
Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
Where: Chen Mapo Tofu, local Sichuan restaurants
Price: ¥20-40 per dish
Tip: Signature Sichuan dish, very spicy
Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)
Where: Most Sichuan restaurants
Price: ¥30-50 per dish
Tip: Classic Sichuan dish, peanuts and chili
Tea Houses (茶馆)
Where: People's Park, Wide and Narrow Alley
Price: ¥20-50 per person
Tip: Experience traditional tea culture, try ear cleaning
Street Food
Where: Wide and Narrow Alley, Chunxi Road
Price: ¥5-20 per item
Tip: Try dan dan noodles, spicy wontons, skewers
Day Plans
24-Hour Chengdu
Breakfast at local café
Try dan dan noodles or steamed buns
Chengdu Research Base
See giant pandas (2-3 hours, arrive early)
Lunch at Sichuan restaurant
Try mapo tofu and kung pao chicken
People's Park
Experience tea culture and local life
Wide and Narrow Alley
Explore historic district and traditional architecture
Dinner at hotpot restaurant
Experience authentic Sichuan hotpot
Chunxi Road
Evening shopping and people watching
48-Hour Chengdu (Day 2)
Breakfast at hotel or local café
Try traditional Sichuan breakfast
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Visit the poet's museum and gardens
Lunch at local restaurant
Try more Sichuan specialties
Leshan Giant Buddha
Day trip to see the giant Buddha (4-5 hours total)
Return to Chengdu
Evening relaxation and dinner
Practical Information
Transportation Tips
- Get a transportation card (天府通) for metro and buses
- Use DiDi app for taxis (like Uber)
- Download Chengdu metro app for real-time updates
- Airport shuttle bus available to city center
Payment
- WeChat Pay and Alipay widely accepted
- Carry some cash for small vendors
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and large restaurants
- International cards work at most ATMs
Safety Tips
- Chengdu is very safe for tourists
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
- Keep passport and valuables in hotel safe
- Be prepared for spicy food - ask for mild versions