Written by Jasmine Miao |
Many people traveling to China for the first time choose Chengdu as one of their destinations. Clearly there are many reasons why you should visit Chengdu if it’s so popular. The biggest surprise will be that it’s the home of China’s giant pandas. The city’s surrounded by mountains and beautiful natural reserves that are the natural habitat of these adorable animals.
Apart from the natural landscapes, the culture of Chengdu has also earned itself a place among the dynamic regional cultures of China. Its culinary tradition being the most famous, boasts spicy and rich-flavored dishes including the famous hot pot. The slow lifestyle of old Chengdu can be seen around the local teahouses and parks amidst the modern skyscrapers that have newly been brought up from the ground.
For visitors who are traveling to Chengdu, this article is here to help you with your Chengdu travel itinerary. From a short trip of 2 to 3 days to a longer stay of a week, we will advise you on what to do for different trip lengths and styles of travel. We will also provide detailed Chengdu itineraries for your reference.
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- How to Plan Your Chengdu Itinerary Step by Step
- Top Attractions to Include in Your Chengdu Itinerary
- How Many Days to Spend in Chengdu?
- 1-Day Chengdu Itinerary: The Express Panda & City Tour
- 2-Day Chengdu Itinerary: Covering the Essence
- 3-Day Chengdu Itinerary: Classic City Highlights Tour
- 4-Day Chengdu Itinerary: The City & Nearby Excursions
- 5-Day Chengdu Itinerary: Scenic Wonders around the City
- 7-Day Chengdu Itinerary: In-Depth Travel Experience
- Essential Chengdu Travel Tips for Your Itinerary
- Go on a Chengdu Trip with China Xian Tour
How to Plan Your Chengdu Itinerary Step by Step
Starting to plan your Chengdu trip can be daunting, but here’s a detailed rundown of what to do. Feel free to reach out to our travel experts and let us know what’s weighing on your mind.
Step 1 – Determine How Long Your Trip Will Be
You first need a rough sense of just how long your Chengdu itinerary will extend to. Read on to learn more about how many days you will need in Chengdu.
Step 2 – Circle the Must-See Attractions
After you know how many days you’ll have, circle the Chengdu attractions and experiences that are of most interest to you. Be sure to look into nearby destinations around Chengdu. Many beautiful scenery spots surround the city.
Step 3 – Plan for Transportation
Now that you have an overall Chengdu itinerary, you can look at flights and other transportation. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is the largest port of arrival. Prices can vary by time of year.
Step 4 – Place a Premium on Prime Location
Once you have your flight booked, you can now consider where in Chengdu you will be staying and hotel prices. It’s an international metropolis, so there are many possibilities in Chengdu accommodations. Usually they will be a little cheaper if booked in advance.
Step 5 – Make it Your Own by Choosing Your Travel Style
Finally, you can adjust your Chengdu travel agenda so that it suits your travel style, your priorities, pace, and budget.
Top Attractions to Include in Your Chengdu Itinerary
Attractions Within Chengdu City
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the star attraction of Chengdu. It’s the closest and the most convenient place to see pandas. There are about 80 giant pandas as well as other protected animals of the area. The dense greens simulate their natural habitat and provide a great environment for a walking tour.
Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley) is an area that has been a part of Chengdu for many years. It is well-known for the local tea culture, Sichuan Opera performances, and the everyday activities of the people who live in Chengdu.
Sanxingdui Museum, although technically not part of Chengdu City, is only a 40-minute drive away, and it’s so worth the trip. The museum showcases a massive collection of artifacts of the ancient Sanxingdui civilization from over 3,000-5,000 years ago. Rumored to be the works of aliens, the artifacts of this lost civilization are puzzling and amazing to witness.
Attractions Nearby Chengdu
Leshan Giant Buddha is the top nearby attraction of Chengdu. Carved out of a cliff by the river, the giant Buddha sits at 71 meters tall, the largest seated Buddha statue in the world. Not far from Chengdu, it’s a day trip that most travelers are happy to make.
Mount Emei is a Buddhist spiritual site with gorgeous natural sceneries. It’s an excellent spot for hiking. Through the thick forests, you’ll discover ancient temples and pavilions.
Jiuzhaigou National Park is famously one of the most beautiful places in China. This valley in the mountains near Chengdu has untouched waters and colorful landscapes that feels entirely otherworldly.
Other Attractions to Look into
Attractions within Chengdu
Attraction |
Type |
Highlight |
Wuhou Temple |
culture |
Three Kingdoms heritage |
Dufu’s Thatched Cottage |
culture |
former residence of the famous Tang poet |
Wenshu Monastery |
Buddhism |
ancient Buddhist temple of Chengdu |
Chunxi Road |
shopping |
busiest modern shopping district of Chengdu |
Jinli Ancient Street |
culture |
ancient street bustling with Chengdu local life |
Attractions nearby Chengdu
Attraction |
Type |
Highlight |
engineering marvel |
incredible irrigation system |
|
Mount Qingcheng |
nature/Taoism |
a birthplace of Taoism |
How Many Days to Spend in Chengdu?
Here’s a basic rundown of what you may be able to do on Chengdu tours of different lengths.
- 1 Day: highlight tour to see pandas and the city center
- 2-3 Days (recommended minimum amount of travel time): the classic city tour with a taste of local culture
- 4-5 Days: in-depth Chengdu city tour plus day trip to a nearby attraction
- 7 Days and More: immersive exploration of Chengdu and the surrounding areas
1-Day Chengdu Itinerary: The Express Panda & City Tour
Visitors who are tight on schedule might choose to go on Chengdu day tours. Although just one day is hardly enough for getting to know a brand-new city, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of its charm. Pandas are must-see for most travelers. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding becomes the top option in this case since it’s the closest place to see them. Besides that, you can choose whether you want to further explore the city itself or venture outside of it for some unique landscape.
- Itinerary A: One Day Chengdu Panda Tour
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Dufu Thatched Cottage – Wide and Narrow Alley – People’s Park
This itinerary is catered for those who want to get familiar with Chengdu’s history and culture and local life in addition to giant pandas. The attractions listed above are all in the city centre area, so you won’t be wasting too much time on the road. It will make a fine option for a Chengdu stopover tour for many travelers.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Leshan Giant Buddha
If you’re on a China tour and only stopping over in Chengdu for one day, this itinerary will take you to the two top highlights. Leshan Giant Buddha is a 2-hour drive away from downtown Chengdu.
- Itinerary C: One Day Dujiangyan Panda and Mt. Qingcheng Tour
Dujiangyan Panda Valley – Qingcheng Mountain
This itinerary is a good alternative to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Dujiangyan Panda Valley is a lot quieter and more natural. It takes about 1.5 hours from the city center and it’s nearby sights in Dujiangyan like Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Perfect itinerary if you want to get close to nature for a day, onward business trip etc, and found a spare day in Chengdu!
2-Day Chengdu Itinerary: Covering the Essence
Chengdu 2-day tours are more common because you’ll get to see a little bit more of the city. You can spend all of your time walking through the streets of downtown and won’t be bored. Or work a day trip into your itinerary. Make sure you sit down at a local restaurant for an authentic Chengdu meal as the food is a big part of the city’s culture.
- Itinerary A: 2 Days Chengdu Panda Tour
Day 1: Chengdu arrival – Jinli Old Street – dinner at local restaurant
Day 2: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Wuhou Temple
This is a great itinerary for first-time visitors to Chengdu. You’ll have time to walk down the historic streets and visit the cultural sites of the city.
- Itinerary B: 2 Days Chengdu Leshan Giant Buddha Tour
Day 1: Chengdu arrival – Leshan Giant Buddha – Sichuan Opera Face Changing performance (optional)
Day 2: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – People’s Park – Jinli Old Stree
For something like a weekend trip to Chengdu, here’s an itinerary that will fill your two days with fun and excitement. This compact travel plan will give you a glance of Chengdu’s folk art, local life on top of visiting the essential attractions.
3-Day Chengdu Itinerary: Classic City Highlights Tour
3 days is a good amount of time for travelers passing through Chengdu, especially solo travelers, to witness the highlights of the city. Taking a side trip outside the city is possible but may feel a little tight for the schedule.
- Itinerary A: 3 Days Chengdu City Tour
Day 1: Chengdu arrival – free exploration
Day 2: Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base – lunch at local restaurant – Wuhou Temple – Jinli Old Street
Day 3: Wide and Narrow Alley – Jinsha Site Museum – lunch at local restaurant – Chengdu departure
This is the classic Chengdu itinerary that covers most attractions in the city. It’s great for families with kids or senior travelers as the travel pace is relatively slow. You’ll have some flexibility in your schedule with most attractions being in the downtown area. It doesn’t involve any strenuous activities. It’s also a great option for culture and history lovers who wish to get to know the city’s heritage.
Day 1: Chengdu arrival – Sanxingdui Museum – People’s Park – Jinli Old Street
Day 2: Dujiangyan Panda Base Volunteer Program
Day 3: Sichuan Cuisine Museum visit & cooking lesson
If you are planning a trip to Chengdu and have kids or food lovers in the family, we have designed the best 3-day Chengdu Itinerary for you! Not only will you get to see the adorable Giant Pandas at the Panda Reserves but by taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a Panda Volunteer, you will get very close up too! Your family can help the Keepers of the Pandas by cleaning and preparing food for them. Your kids will be able to receive a Panda Volunteer Certificate!
To add some spice to your Chengdu trip, try a cooking class with a professional chef at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. It’s an exciting activity that your family will enjoy and create wonderful memories while learning how to prepare delicious food.
4-Day Chengdu Itinerary: The City & Nearby Excursions
4 days will allow you to cover many of the top things to do in Chengdu. You’ll have the freedom to pick 1 or 2 side trip destinations like Leshan or Dujiangyan. You’ll get a sense of the vibe of the city, the local life, and taste many of its delicious foods. There’ll be some flexibility in your schedule, so 4 days is a good amount of time for family trips.
Day 1: Chengdu arrival – free exploration
Day 2: Dujiangyan Panda Base Volunteer Program
Day 3: Qingcheng Mountain – Jinsha Site Museum – People’s Park – Jinli Old Street
Day 4: Leshan Giant Buddha – Chengdu departure
This itinerary involves two excursions out of Chengdu. Neither Dujiangyan nor Leshan is far from downtown, within two hours. The kids will have loads of fun working on the volunteer program, and the stunning views of Qingcheng Mountain will give you a nice hike too.
5-Day Chengdu Itinerary: Scenic Wonders around the City
You can venture a little further out the city with 5 days. There are many beautiful mountains and natural landscapes nearby Chengdu. Besides Dujiangyan and Leshan, popular Chengdu side trip destinations include Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, Mount Siguniang, etc. They are perfect for natural lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Day 1: Chengdu arrival
Day 2: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Jinsha Site Museum – People’s Park – Kuanzhai Alley
Day 3: Bullet train from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong Scenic Area
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou Valley
Day 5: Jiuzhaigou departure
The high-speed rail will flash you over from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou in 1.5 hours, and get to enjoy some of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. Compared to all the other places or mountains outside of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou is the best of all, more accessible and welcoming towards kids or elderly people, since it is not too high in altitude and there are not too much need for horrible hiking.
7-Day Chengdu Itinerary: In-Depth Travel Experience
If you’re heading for an extended stay like a week or more, then you should definitely take a Chengdu hiking tour. The city draws so many nature lovers because of the fact that it is surrounded by some of the best hiking in the world from snow mountains to stunning gorges.
Day 1: Chengdu arrival
Day 2: Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base – Wenshu Temple – People’s Park – Kuanzhai Alley
Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha – Emei Mountain
Day 4: Emei Mountain exploration – drive back to Chengdu
Day 5: Bullet train from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong Scenic Area
Day 6: Jiuzhaigou Valley
Day 7: Jiuzhaigou departure
This itinerary works in both Emei Mountain and Jiuzhaigou. Neither is too far away from the city. Nature lovers, couples, solo travelers would enjoy this travel plan.
Essential Chengdu Travel Tips for Your Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Chengdu: Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November)
- Chengdu Transportation: The metro is very convenient for getting around within Chengdu. There are also taxis that are relatively cheap. For your side trips outside of Chengdu, hiring a private driver is going to make things a lot easier. You might also want to use the high-speed rail system.
- Places to See Pandas: There are a few places to see pandas in and near Chengdu. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the one in the city – i.e. the most convenient and closest for visitors only having a short trip to see pandas. Dujiangyan Panda Base and Dujiangyan Panda Valley are current establishments in Dujiangyan. Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve and Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base are a little further away from the city.
* Not all facilities offer the same experience or volunteer programs. Make sure you look into them before going on your Chengdu panda tour.
- Extend Your Chengdu Tour: Chengdu is the transport hub of Southwest China, with direct transport links to all major cities. For that classic China Tour experienceyou want to go to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. If you do wish to linger and explore the regional culture, Chongqing and Yunnan are next to Sichuan Province. Get inspiration for your next adventure from the following iconic pairings with Chengdu:
Chengdu – Chongqing Itineraries
Shanghai – Chengdu Itineraries
Go on a Chengdu Trip with China Xian Tour
Visit Chengdu with China Xian Tour. Let us know what you have in mind, and we can help you tailor your Chengdu itinerary. With our private transfer service, getting around cities and attractions will be a lot easier. Our local guide can also tell you all about the city’s culture and history. If you’re interested in visiting other parts of China, either nearby Chengdu or not, we have lots of China itineraries including Chengdu.
