Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a vibrant metropolis that perfectly balances modern development with traditional charm. Known as the home of giant pandas, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and a famously laid-back lifestyle, Chengdu offers visitors a unique glimpse into both ancient and contemporary Chinese culture.
Located in the fertile Sichuan Basin, Chengdu is surrounded by mountains and sits on the western edge of the Sichuan Plains. The city is served by the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and the new Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Chengdu is renowned for its teahouse culture, historic temples, and as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The city seamlessly combines ancient sites like the Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street with modern landmarks such as the New Century Global Center and Taikoo Li.
The city center features the iconic Tianfu Square and the ancient Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi), while the outskirts house the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The city's rich cultural heritage is evident in its traditional Sichuan Opera performances, while its modern face shows in the vibrant nightlife and shopping districts. Chengdu's cuisine is world-famous for its bold flavors and signature dishes like hotpot, mapo tofu, and dan dan noodles.
Chengdu Routes
Chengdu Trending Attractions
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Wide and Narrow Alleys
Jinli Ancient Street
Wenshu Monastery
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Mount Qingcheng
Dujiangyan Irrigation
Chunxi Road
Taikoo Li Chengdu
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Daci Temple
Qingyang Temple
Sanxingdui Museum
Chengdu Museum
Pre-Trip Preparation
Chengdu has a subtropical monsoon humid climate with distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are pleasant, summers are humid and warm, while winters are relatively mild but can feel chilly due to high humidity. Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly:
- Spring/Autumn: Long-sleeve shirts and light jackets
- Summer: Light, breathable clothing and sun protection
- Winter: Warm down jackets, scarves, and gloves
Transportation
Chengdu is accessible through two major airports:
- Shuangliu International Airport
- Airport shuttle buses
- Metro Line 10 to city center
- Tianfu International Airport
- Metro Line 18
- 24-hour airport express service covering major areas like Chunxi Road and East Railway Station
The city's extensive metro system connects major transportation hubs to popular destinations:
- East Railway Station: Metro Line 2
- South Railway Station: Metro Line 1
Accommodation
Popular areas to stay include:
-
Chunxi Road & Taikoo Li area
- Heart of Chengdu's fashion district
- Luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses
- Excellent shopping and dining options
- Convenient metro access to attractions
-
Wide and Narrow Alleys area
- Traditional Chengdu atmosphere
- Boutique hotels and guesthouses
- Walking distance to historic sites
- Rich in local cuisine options
Must-Visit Attractions
Natural Beauty
Mount Qingcheng
Known as one of the most peaceful mountains in China, Mount Qingcheng offers stunning scenery throughout the year:
- Spring: Wild flowers bloom across the mountainside
- Summer: Perfect escape from the heat with cool mountain breezes
- Autumn: Beautiful fall foliage with red maples and golden ginkgo trees
- Winter: Snow-covered landscapes create a magical atmosphere
The mountain is also one of Taoism's birthplaces, featuring numerous temples like:
- Tianshi Cave
- Shangqing Palace
Tips for visiting:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes
- Bring water and snacks
- Take breaks at rest stops along the trail
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
This UNESCO World Heritage site has been functioning for over 2000 years, making the Chengdu Plain the "Land of Abundance." Key features include:
- Fish Mouth Levee: Divides the Min River into inner and outer streams
- Flying Sand Spillway: Manages flood water and sediment
- Bottle-Neck Channel: Controls water flow to the plains
- Best viewpoints: Qinyan Tower and Yulei Pavilion
Giant Panda Encounters
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
A world-renowned panda research and education center offering visitors close encounters with these beloved animals:
Highlights:
- Newborn panda cubs in the Moon Delivery House
- Adult pandas in their villas
- Red panda activity area
Visiting tips:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
- Start with the nursery areas
- Follow the marked paths
- Maintain quiet
- No flash photography
- No feeding the animals
Historical Sites
Wuhou Memorial Temple
The only temple in China dedicated to both a ruler and his minister, commemorating Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period:
Features:
- Traditional architecture with red walls and green tiles
- Gallery of Three Kingdoms period statues
- Famous "Three Excellencies Stele"
- Beautiful gardens and courtyards
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Former residence of the great Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, featuring:
- Traditional gardens and pavilions
- Exhibition halls showcasing Du Fu's life and works
- Historic reconstructions of living quarters
- Peaceful streams and bamboo groves
Historic Streets
Wide and Narrow Alleys
Three parallel ancient streets from the Qing Dynasty:
- Wide Alley: Traditional teahouses and snack shops
- Narrow Alley: Restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Well Alley: Creative shops and cultural displays
Features:
- Traditional Sichuan cuisine
- Local handicrafts
- Cultural performances
- Modern cafes and bars
Jinli Ancient Street
One of the oldest commercial streets in Sichuan history:
- Traditional architecture
- Cultural performances
- Local snacks and delicacies
- Handicraft shops
- Sichuan Opera performances
Food Guide
Hotpot
Chengdu's famous hotpot features:
- Traditional beef tallow base
- Various soup bases (tomato, mushroom, clear oil)
- Fresh ingredients
- Signature dipping sauces
Popular hotpot restaurants:
-
Hong Tang Traditional Hotpot
- Classic Chengdu style
- Famous for tripe and beef platters
- Traditional decor
-
Jiangbei Old Stove Hotpot
- 20+ years of history
- Signature goose intestines
- Complimentary snacks
Street Food
Must-try local specialties:
- Dan Dan Noodles
- Long Chaoshou (Wonton)
- Zhong Dumplings
- Mapo Tofu
Popular food streets:
-
Jianshe Road Food Street
- Famous for potato cakes
- Traditional beef dishes
- Local snacks
-
Kuixing Tower Street
- Modern fusion restaurants
- Traditional teahouses
- Local desserts
Shopping and Entertainment
Fashion Shopping
-
Chunxi Road
- International brands
- Local boutiques
- Traditional shops
- Best shopping seasons: December and June
-
Taikoo Li
- Luxury brands
- Designer stores
- Historic architecture
- Modern shopping experience
Entertainment
-
Sichuan Opera
- Face-changing performances
- Traditional music
- Cultural shows
-
Bar Scene
- Nine Eyes Bridge bar street
- Local craft breweries
- Live music venues
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Classic Tour
Day 1:
- Morning: Wide and Narrow Alleys
- Afternoon: Wuhou Memorial Temple
- Evening: Jinli Ancient Street
Day 2:
- Morning: Giant Panda Base
- Afternoon: Dujiangyan
- Evening: Hotpot dinner
Day 3:
- Morning: Du Fu Thatched Cottage
- Afternoon: Mount Qingcheng
- Evening: City center
5-Day In-depth Tour
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrival in Chengdu
- Afternoon: Check-in at Chunxi Road hotel
- Evening: Explore Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Afternoon: Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- Evening: Return to city, dine in Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit Wuhou Memorial Temple
- Afternoon: Visit Jinli Ancient Street
- Evening: Enjoy Sichuan Opera performance
Day 4:
- Morning: Visit Jinli Ancient Street
- Afternoon: Visit Jinsha Site Museum
- Evening: Explore Old Chengdu
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage
- Afternoon: Tea time in People's Park
- Evening: Prepare for departure
Travel Tips
- Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas
- Be cautious of scams targeting tourists
- Carry insect repellent (especially in summer)
- Follow hiking safety guidelines
- Learn basic Sichuan dialect phrases
- Respect local customs and traditions