Chengdu
Pandas & The Slow Life
Welcome to Chengdu! Famous for Giant Pandas, the mysterious Sanxingdui civilization, and its relaxed "Slow Life" culture.
1. Attractions
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: Pandas & Tea Culture
Panda Research Base (大熊猫繁育研究基地)
The best place to see pandas. Go EARLY (arrive by 7:30 AM) as pandas sleep by 10:00 AM.
People’s Park (Renmin Park) (人民公园)
Experience the local vibe. Visit Heming Tea House, watch locals play Mahjong, and try the 'ear cleaning' service.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Chunxi Road / IFS (春熙路 / IFS)
See the giant Panda Sculpture climbing the IFS building wall. A mix of high-end fashion and city lights.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Day 2: History & Poetry
Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠)
Dedicated to Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei. Famous for its Red Walls and bamboo groves.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂)
The former residence of Du Fu, one of China's greatest poets. A peaceful, garden-like museum.
Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子)
Preserved Qing Dynasty streets renovated into trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. Lively at night.
Cost:Free to walk
Hours:Open all day
Day 3: The Mystery of Sanxingdui
Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆)
A world-class archaeological site showcasing a mysterious 3,000-year-old civilization. Bronze statues look almost alien.
Evening: Hotpot Feast or Snacks at Jinli (火锅 / 锦里小吃)
Try Chuanchuan Xiang (Skewers Hotpot) where you pick your own skewers. Casual and fun. or try some snacks at Jinli.
Cost:Varies
Hours:Evening
Day 4: The Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛)
The largest stone Buddha in the world. Take the boat to get a full view without the 3-hour hiking queue.
2. Food
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Sichuan Cuisine
Mapo Tofu
麻婆豆腐
Tofu in spicy chili and bean-based sauce (numbing!).
Kung Pao Chicken
宫保鸡丁
The authentic version with peanuts and peppercorns.
Dan Dan Noodles
担担面
Noodles with minced pork and chili oil.
Rabbit Head
兔头
A local obsession. Spicy and savory. Give it a try if you dare!
3. Transportation
Arrival
- Air:
Shuangliu (CTU): Closer to city center (16-20km). Metro Line 10 (30 mins; 2-6 RMB) or High-speed train to East Station (10 mins; 8 RMB) are best. Taxis take ~40 mins (~60 RMB).
Tianfu (TFU): Newer, distant hub (50km). Metro Line 18 is fastest (33 mins; 10 RMB). 24-hour Airport Bus (1 hr; 25 RMB) is best for late arrivals or heavy luggage. Taxis are expensive (~1 hr; 200+ RMB plus tolls).Check flights via
- Train:
Chengdu East: Largest high-speed hub; best for long-distance trips (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.). Direct access via Metro Lines 2 & 7. Only 15 mins to downtown (Chunxi Road/Taikoo Li) via Line 2. Modern facilities and the top choice for most tourists.
Chengdu South: Secondary hub; mainly serves regional/intercity routes (e.g., to Leshan, Emeishan). Direct access via Metro Lines 1, 7, & 18. Good alternative if tickets to East Station are sold out, with quick Line 1 access to the city center.Check trains via
To Panda Base
- Metro + Bus (South Gate): Take Metro Line 3 to Zoo Station (Exit D) → Walk to bus stop → Bus 655 to Panda Base.
- Metro + Bus (West Gate): Take Metro Line 3 to General Hospital (Exit B) → Bus 409 to West Gate.
- Direct Tourist Bus: Departs from Kuanzhai Alley or Wuhou Shrine (~10 CNY).
- Taxi: Actually not far from Chengdu. Taking taxi is fine
To Sanxingdui
- Option A (Recommended): Direct Tourist Bus from Chunxi Road (25 CNY). Non-stop and easiest.
- Option B: High-Speed Train from Chengdu East to Guanghan North (18 mins) + Taxi.
To Leshan Giant Buddha
- High-Speed Train: Take one hour train from Chengdu East or South Station to Leshan.
City Transport
- Metro: Excellent network. Use Alipay to scan and ride.
4. Where to Stay
Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li
The absolute center. Best for shopping, food, and catching the bus to Sanxingdui.
Wuhou District
Closer to the Tibetan Quarter and Jinli Street.
5. Essential Tips
💡 Top Tips
- Sanxingdui Tickets: Book online in advance! It's incredibly popular and often sells out.
- Spice: "Bu La" (Not Spicy) still means a little spicy. Say "Bu Yao La Jiao" for no chili.
- Giant Panda For the best panda viewing experience, visit between March–May and October–November to see active cubs and feeding times. Choose between December and February to avoid crowds as it is winter in China. Arrive early as pandas are most active from 8:00 to 10:30 AM, and note that the popular panda "Hua Hua" takes Mondays off.