The Ultimate Chengdu Itinerary 2 Days: Pandas, Hot Pot & Ancient Alleys

Welcome to Chengdu, the vibrant heart of Sichuan! If you’re planning a short trip and wondering what to do in Chengdu, this perfect Chengdu itinerary 2 days is designed to give you an authentic taste of the city’s famous pandas, spicy cuisine, and rich culture. We recommend basing yourself near Chunxi Road or Kuanzhai Alley for convenience. Getting around is easy using the efficient subway system and shared bikes. Let’s dive into your two-day adventure! For a broader look at your options, check out our guide on the the best chengdu itinerary.

Day 1: Historic Alleys & Local Life

Recommended Route: Kuanzhai Alley → People’s Park → Kuixinglou Street → Wuhou Temple → Jinli Ancient Street

Morning: Kuanzhai Alley & People’s Park

Start your first day at 9:00 AM in the charming Kuanzhai Alley. This historic area is made up of three lanes: Wide Alley (Kuanxiang), Narrow Alley (Zhaixiang), and Well Alley (Jingxiang). Kuanxiang showcases traditional courtyard homes, Zhaixiang is packed with trendy cafes and creative shops, and Jingxiang buzzes with local life. Spend about two hours here exploring the bluestone paths and admiring the intricate Qing Dynasty-era carvings on the doorways.

A short 10-minute walk leads you to the soul of Chengdu: People’s Park. Head straight to the iconic Heming Teahouse. Order a cup of jasmine tea in a traditional gaiwan (lidded bowl), relax in a bamboo chair, and watch the world go by. You’ll see locals chatting, playing cards, and even enjoying the unique experience of ear cleaning—a gentle, tingling service performed with specialized tools.

Lunch: Kuixinglou Street Food Adventure

Hop on a bike for an 8-minute ride to Kuixinglou Street, a hotspot for delicious local food. Try to visit between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to avoid the biggest crowds. Don’t miss these spots:

Mao Jiao Huo La: For flavorful cold pot skewers with a dry dip. Try the rabbit kidney and quail eggs.

Chengdu Foodie: A great place for creative Sichuan dishes. Their “naked” Tuo Tuo shrimp is a must.

Shu Se Cha Yan: Cool down with their photogenic panda milk tea after all the spice.

Pro Tip: When ordering, ask for “mild spicy” and a sesame oil and garlic dipping sauce to help balance the heat.

Afternoon: History at Wuhou Temple & Jinli at Dusk

After lunch, take Metro Line 4 to Wuhou Temple. This shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a legendary strategist, and is unique for honoring both an emperor and his ministers. The stunning red walls and bamboo groves make for excellent photos. History buffs can rent an audio guide at the entrance.

As evening falls, find the side entrance that leads directly into Jinli Ancient Street. The best time to visit is right when the lanterns light up (around 7:00 PM in summer, 6:30 PM in winter), offering one of the top things to do in chengdu at night. While the snack prices here are a bit higher, it’s worth trying a few classics:

Tangyouguozi: Crispy, deep-fried glutinous rice balls coated in brown sugar.

Sandapao: Sticky rice balls that make a fun “pop” sound when thrown into a basket.

Yeerba: A savory steamed rice cake wrapped in a banana leaf.

Day 2: Pandas & Modern Chengdu

Recommended Route: Panda Base → Taikoo Li → Chunxi Road

Morning: The Essential Panda Base Visit

For any chengdu travel itinerary, seeing the giant pandas is a top priority. You must arrive at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding before 7:30 AM to see them at their most active. Follow this chengdu itinerary step-by-step plan for the best experience:

Take the sightseeing bus (buy tickets at the gate) straight to the Moon Birthing Room at the top of the hill.

Walk downhill to visit the Sun Birthing Room and the Cub Pavilion.

Make your way to the adult panda villas before 10:00 AM to watch their feeding time.

Watch the adorable cubs tumbling in their play areas and see how skillfully the adults handle and eat bamboo. If it rains, don’t worry—the indoor exhibits are still open.

Afternoon: Taikoo Li & A Memorable Finale

A 40-minute taxi ride from the base brings you to Taikoo Li, a stylish open-air complex where traditional architecture meets modern design—a perfect example of what is chengdu like today. Beyond the high-end shops, be sure to check out:

Fangsuo Bookstore: An underground bookstore with an incredible spiral staircase—a photographer’s dream.

IFS Panda Sculpture: Head to the rooftop of the IFS mall to snap a picture with the famous “climbing panda” sculpture.

Mishan: A cool local designer brand that mixes paper-cut art with modern fashion.

For your final dinner, we recommend making a reservation at Taolin Restaurant near Taikoo Li to avoid long waits. Must-order dishes include:

Taolin Black Tofu: Handmade tofu served with a spicy sauce.

Beer and Pepper Rabbit: Rabbit braised with beer and Erjingtiao peppers.

Pot-Bian Mo: A crispy and chewy flatbread, perfect for balancing spicy flavors.

Essential Travel Tips for Your Chengdu Trip

Handling Spice: Always request “mild” or “less spicy” when ordering. Carry mints, and eating yogurt after a spicy meal can help soothe your stomach.

Getting Around: Download the “Tianfutong” app for easy subway travel. For short trips, use Qingju or Hellobike shared bicycles.

Avoiding Crowds: Visit the Panda Base on a weekday. For Jinli, go about an hour before the lights turn off for a less crowded experience.

Staying Healthy: Berberine tablets are available at local pharmacies for stomach comfort. It’s also a good idea to have yogurt after eating spicy food.

This chengdu itinerary 2 days perfectly captures why this UNESCO City of Gastronomy is so beloved. In just 48 hours, you’ll experience the magical blend of ancient tradition and laid-back modern life that makes for an unforgettable chengdu trip. If you have more time, consider extending your stay with our detailed chengdu 3 day itinerary. Enjoy your trip