How to Plan Your Perfect Chengdu Travel Itinerary

Knowing how to plan your perfect Chengdu travel itinerary is the first step to unlocking a city with a history spanning three millennia and a renowned leisurely pace of life. Named “China’s Most Livable City” by The New York Times, Chengdu is the birthplace of Ba-Shu culture and a global traveler’s “culinary paradise” and “hometown of the giant panda.” A well-planned Chengdu itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the Three Kingdoms era at Wuhou Temple, experience authentic local life in Kuan Zhai Alley, marvel at the adorable giant pandas, and embrace modern fashion at Taikoo Li.

From the fragrant gaiwan tea wafting through teahouses to the bubbling, spicy flavors of hotpot, and the dazzling night views along the Jinjiang River, Chengdu seamlessly blends modern vibrancy with traditional, slow-paced living. In 2025, Chengdu invites you with open arms to experience a truly “comfortable and pleasant” healing journey!

🚗 Getting to Chengdu: First Step in Your Itinerary Planning

High-Speed Rail: Arrive at Chengdu East Station. After exiting, take Metro Line 2 directly to Chunxi Road (approx. 20 min).

Airport:

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport: Close to downtown. Take Metro Line 10 and transfer to Line 3 to Chunxi Road (approximately 40 minutes), or take a taxi to the city center (approximately 50 RMB).

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport: Further from downtown. Recommended options: taxi (approx. 150 RMB) or airport shuttle bus.

🐼 Day 1 Itinerary: Panda Encounters & Alley Culture

Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Hours: 7:30–12:00 (Arrive early to avoid peak crowds)

Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Exit A of “Panda Avenue Station,” then transfer to the scenic area shuttle (¥2) or take a taxi (approx. ¥30)

Introduction: The world’s largest artificial breeding base for giant pandas, where you can observe pandas up close, especially adorable cubs.

Admission: ¥55/person, half-price for students. Booking via the official mini-program is recommended.

Must-Visit Spots: Moon Nursery (panda cub viewing), Swan Lake Bamboo Forest Trail

Lunch: Kuixinglou Street

Recommended Restaurants: Maojiao Hot & Spicy Skewers, Taolin Restaurant (authentic Sichuan cuisine), Tangyou Guozi (sweet fried dough balls)

Afternoon: Wide and Narrow Alleys + People’s Park

Time: 2:00 PM–5:30 PM

Transportation: 1.5 km walk or bike ride from Kuixinglou Street

Introduction:

Kuan Zhai Alley: Renovated from ancient Qing Dynasty streets, divided into Kuan Alley (experience old Chengdu life), Zhai Alley (artsy boutiques), and Jing Alley (cultural murals)

People’s Park: Sip gaiwan tea (¥16) at Heming Tea House, immersing in Chengdu’s leisurely pace

Dinner: Chunxi Road Commercial District

Recommended Restaurants:

Long Chaoshou Flagship Store (red oil wontons)

Xiao Long Kan Hot Pot (get a number in advance to avoid queues)

Instagrammable Spots:

“Climbing Wall Panda” sculpture on the IFS rooftop

Taikoo Li 3D naked-eye screen

Accommodation Recommendations:

Luxury: The House Hotel (located in Taikoo Li, strong design aesthetic)

Value-for-money: Atour S Hotel (near Chunxi Road subway station, approx. ¥300/night)

🏞️ Day 2 Itinerary: A World Heritage Day Trip

Full-Day Transportation:

Take Metro Line 2 to “Xipu Station,” transfer to intercity high-speed rail to “Dujiangyan Station” (10 RMB, approx. 30 min). After exiting, take a taxi or bus to the scenic area.

Alternatively, you can book a day tour package through Ctrip or Muzhu (approximately 300 RMB per person, which includes transportation, admission, and a guide; choose tours without shopping stops).

Morning: Dujiangyan Scenic Area

Time: 9:00–12:00

Overview: This ancient irrigation system, constructed by Li Bing and his son during the Warring States period, is still operational today.

Recommended Route: Lidi Park → Baopingkou → Feishayan → Yuzui → Anlan Rope Bridge

Admission: ¥80/person, free for seniors over 60

Lunch: Near Nanqiao Bridge

Recommended Cuisine: Zhang Laozao (brown sugar fermented rice porridge), Spiced Rabbit Head (five-spice flavor)

Afternoon: Mount Qingcheng (Front Mountain)

Time: 1:30 PM–5:00 PM

Introduction: Qingcheng Mountain is the birthplace of Taoism. The Front Mountain features clusters of Taoist temples, while the Back Mountain showcases natural landscapes.

Recommended Route: Mountain Gate → Yuecheng Lake (cable car available) → Shangqing Palace → Laojun Pavilion

Admission: Front Mountain 80 RMB/person, one-way cable car 35 RMB

Return Recommendation: The Last high-speed train departs at 20:30; descend the mountain before 18:00

📜 Day 3 Itinerary: Deep Dive into Chengdu’s Culture

Morning: Wuhou Temple + Jinli Ancient Street

Time: 8:30–12:00

Transportation: Exit C of Gaoshengqiao Station (Metro Line 3), 10-minute walk

Introduction:

Wuhou Temple: China’s only temple honoring both a ruler (Liu Bei) and his minister (Zhuge Liang). Its red walls and bamboo groves offer excellent photo opportunities (Admission: ¥50)

Jinli: Qin-Han style commercial street with beautiful nighttime lighting (free admission), though daytime offers fewer crowds and better photo opportunities

Lunch: Jinli Snack Street

Tip: Main street snacks are pricier; try San Da Pao (three-cannon rice cakes), Liang Gao (cold rice cakes), and Jun Tun Guo Kui (military-style flatbread)

Afternoon: Du Fu Thatched Cottage + Huanhua Creek Park

Time: 14:00–17:30

Transportation: 1.5 km bike ride or taxi from Jinli (approx. ¥10)

Introduction:

Du Fu Thatched Cottage: Former residence of Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, featuring thatched cottage ruins and a forest of stone steles inscribed with his poems—perfect for literature enthusiasts (Admission: ¥50, half-price for students)

Huanhua Creek Park: Free admission, hailed as “Chengdu’s version of Suzhou gardens”

Dinner: Jianshe Road Snack Street

Recommended Delicacies: Fu Ji Spare Ribs, Ye Po Po Pot Chicken, Wande Bing Tian (Japanese Shaved Ice)

📸 Day 4 Itinerary: Artistic Flair & Departure

Morning: Dongjiao Memory

Time: 9:00–11:30

Transportation: Exit B1 from Dongjiao Memory Station (Metro Line 8)

Description: An arts district repurposed from an old factory, featuring graffiti walls, vintage train engines, and art exhibitions—perfect for stylish photos (free admission)

Lunch: Jinba Street

Once named one of the “World’s 50 Coolest Streets”

Recommended Restaurants: Wuzhao Snacks (Japanese-style light meals), Let’s Taipei (flying fish roe baguette)

Afternoon: Free time + Return journey

Optional itineraries:

Wenshu Monastery: Free admission Buddhist temple; nearby Zhang Laoer Liangfen at Dongzi Kou

Tianfu Art Park: Contemporary art exhibitions (booking required, free)

Return transportation:

Airplane: Shuangliu Airport (direct via Metro Line 10); Tianfu Airport (taxi recommended, approx. ¥150)

High-Speed Rail: Chengdu East Station (Metro Lines 2/7), experience the “Panda Tourist Train” (overnight bullet train)

⚠️ Essential Tips for Your Chengdu Travel Plan

A smooth Chengdu itinerary relies on smart logistics. Here are some essential tips for your trip.

Transportation:

Tianfu Airport is about 60 km from downtown; book a ride in advance for night arrivals

Avoid unlicensed taxis (“black cars”) near scenic spots

Ticket Discounts:

Students and seniors get half-price admission with a valid ID

Purchase combined Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain tickets in advance on platforms like Meituan for better value

Food Tips:

Snacks on the main streets of Kuan Zhai Alley and Jinli tend to be overpriced. Explore nearby side streets like Kuixinglou Street or Jianshe Road instead

For popular hotpot spots (e.g., Nan Hotpot), secure a spot before 4:30 PM or opt for neighborhood-favorite local establishments for more authentic flavors

✅ Finalizing Your Perfect Chengdu Itinerary: Must-Sees & Must-Eats

Top 5 Must-Visit:

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Mount Qingcheng

Kuan Zhai Alley

Wuhou Temple

Must-Try Cuisine:

Zhong Shui Jiao Dumplings

Husband and Wife Lung Slices

Mapo Tofu

Hot Pot

Egg Pancake