Why Visit Chengdu?
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is famous for two things: giant pandas and incredible food. As UNESCO's first City of Gastronomy in Asia, Chengdu offers a unique blend of laid-back teahouse culture, fiery Sichuan cuisine, and ancient attractions. This Chengdu itinerary covers the best things to do in Chengdu over 3 days, including the must-visit panda base and the famous Jinli Ancient Street. Browse our full list of China destinations to plan a multi-city trip.
Day 1: Pandas, Teahouses & Jinli Ancient Street
Morning (7:30 AM โ 12:00 PM): Start early and head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (ๅคง็็ซ็น่ฒ็ ็ฉถๅบๅฐ). Pandas are most active in the morning when it is cool. Arrive before 8:00 AM to see them eating bamboo and playing. The panda cub nursery is a highlight โ the baby pandas are incredibly cute. Allow 3โ4 hours.
Lunch: Return to the city and try dandan noodles (ๆ ๆ ้ข) โ sesame paste, chili oil, and minced pork โ at a local noodle shop. A bowl costs just $2โ3.
Afternoon (2:00 PM โ 5:00 PM): Visit Jinli Ancient Street (้ฆ้ๅค่ก), a reconstructed Song Dynasty street with traditional architecture, souvenir shops, and local snacks. Try the spicy rabbit head if you are adventurous!
Evening: Experience a traditional Sichuan opera and face-changing performance (ๅ่ธ). The Shufeng Yayun Teahouse offers excellent shows with tea service. End the night at a local teahouse in People's Park.
Day 2: Wuhou Shrine, Kuanzhai Alley & Sichuan Hot Pot
Morning (9:00 AM โ 12:00 PM): Explore Wuhou Shrine (ๆญฆไพฏ็ฅ ), dedicated to the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms period. The adjacent Jinli Street connects to the shrine grounds. The red walls and ancient cypress trees make for beautiful photos.
Lunch: Head to Kuanzhai Alley (ๅฎฝ็ชๅททๅญ) โ a restored Qing Dynasty neighborhood with courtyard restaurants. Try mapo tofu (้บปๅฉ่ฑ่ ) โ Sichuan's most famous dish โ at a local restaurant.
Afternoon (2:00 PM โ 5:00 PM): Visit the Wenshu Monastery (ๆๆฎ้ข), a serene Buddhist temple in the city center. The vegetarian restaurant here is surprisingly good. Afterward, explore the Great Compassion Temple area for antique shopping.
Evening: The main event โ Sichuan hot pot (ๅๅท็ซ้ )! Go to a local hot pot restaurant like Huangcheng Laoma or a smaller local spot. Order the spicy broth (mala), and dip beef, tripe, vegetables, and tofu skin. Do not skip the sesame oil dipping sauce โ it cools the spice.
Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha Day Trip or City Relaxation
Option A โ Leshan Giant Buddha (recommended): Take a 1-hour bus or train to Leshan to see the Leshan Giant Buddha (ไนๅฑฑๅคงไฝ), the world's largest stone Buddha at 71 meters tall. Take a boat cruise for the best view or walk the stairs along the Buddha's body. Combine with a visit to Mount Emei if you have extra time.
Option B โ Relax in Chengdu: Visit People's Park (ไบบๆฐๅ ฌๅญ) to experience local life โ watch elderly people practicing calligraphy on the ground, join a group dance, or get a tea at the Heming Teahouse. Visit the Sichuan Museum or do last-minute souvenir shopping at Taikoo Li.
Departure: Chengdu has two airports โ Shuangliu (CTU) and Tianfu (TFU). Tianfu is newer but farther from the city center. Allow 1.5 hours for airport transfer. High-speed trains connect Chengdu to Xi'an (3 hours), Chongqing (1.5 hours), and Guilin (4 hours). Get a personalized itinerary that combines Chengdu with nearby destinations.
Chengdu Travel Tips
- Visit the Panda Base on a weekday to avoid crowds
- Chengdu is very affordable โ budget $35โ55/day
- Stay near Chunxi Road (ๆฅ็่ทฏ) or Taikoo Li for the best location
- Bring antacids if you are not used to spicy food โ Sichuan cuisine is fiery!
- Book Leshan tickets online in advance during peak season