Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province, is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and, of course, its adorable pandas. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to experience more, this two-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this fascinating city. From iconic cultural landmarks to local food streets, this guide will take you through Chengdu’s must-see sights, unique experiences, and the best food spots.
Day 1: A Day of Shopping, Culture, and Local Flavors
10:00 – Chunxi Road (春熙路)
Start your Chengdu adventure at Chunxi Road (春熙路), the city’s busiest and most fashionable shopping district. A must-see here is the “Wall Climbing Panda” at the IFS (International Finance Square). Head to the 7th floor for a chance to snap a photo with the climbing panda, and if you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, you can opt to photograph its backside from the ground level, which is equally cute. Chunxi Road (春熙路) has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, so take your time to wander around. It’s a lively spot but can be quite tiring after a while.
12:00 – Taikoo Li (太古里)
Just a 5-minute walk from Chunxi Road, you’ll reach Taikoo Li (太古里), a trendy, upscale shopping mall that attracts both locals and tourists. It’s home to high-end international brands and luxury boutiques. Be sure to check out the stunning 3D holographic screen that brings a modern, artistic feel to this shopping area. If it’s too hot outside, head down to the basement to visit the Fangsuo Bookstore (方所书店). This unique bookstore offers a peaceful place to browse, and you can even enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
If you’re feeling a bit more cultural, head next door to the Daci Temple (大慈寺), a peaceful and beautiful temple where you can take photos of the small monk statue. It’s also a lovely spot for tea-drinking and prayer.
13:00 – Panda Bookstore (熊猫书店)
Head to the Panda Bookstore (熊猫书店), an adorable, panda-themed shop that is filled with panda memorabilia. It’s the perfect stop for some souvenir shopping. You can also enjoy a sweet treat here — the panda ice dumplings are Instagram-worthy and absolutely delicious.
14:00 – People’s Park (人民公园)
After the bookstore, make your way to People’s Park (人民公园), just a short walk away. This park is where you’ll find locals, mostly elderly people, playing cards and enjoying the leisurely pace of life. Stop by the Heming Teahouse (鹤鸣茶社) within the park for a cup of tea and a snack. You can also experience “ear picking” (though we suggest skipping this activity as it’s not always hygienic). It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in Chengdu’s famous leisurely lifestyle. If you’re up for it, head to the matchmaking corner (相亲角) where parents advertise their children’s marriage prospects.
16:00 – Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子)
Next, head over to Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子) (Wide and Narrow Alleys), which is a historically preserved area filled with charming courtyards and traditional Sichuan architecture. The area is perfect for photography, offering plenty of spots to capture the essence of Chengdu’s old-town atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the Panda Grandpa (熊猫爷爷) souvenir shop opposite Shaocheng Primary School (少城小学), where you can find affordable panda plush toys and other local crafts. This area also has great photo ops, such as the 52tous Panda Baby (52tous熊猫宝宝) or the Bubble Mart (泡泡玛特) store.
18:30 – Panda Post Office (Shu Wa Jie Store) (熊猫邮局-暑袜街店)
For a fun souvenir stop, visit the Panda Post Office (熊猫邮局) in the Shu Wa Jie alley (暑袜街). This post office is all about pandas, and you’ll find a wide range of panda-themed gifts and stamps. Afterward, head to Cui Niang Niang Hotpot (翠嬢嬢老火锅) nearby for some traditional Sichuan hotpot. The spicy cheese meatballs and braised pig’s feet (粑蹄花) are a must-try, along with the refreshing Yangzhi Ganlu (杨枝甘露) dessert.
Day 2: Panda Fun, Cultural Exploration, and Relaxing Parks
7:30 – Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地)
Rise and shine early for a trip to the Chengdu Panda Base (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地), one of the most popular and must-see attractions in the city. To get there, take Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station (熊猫大道站) and exit at Gate D. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance via their WeChat account, as there are no onsite ticket sales anymore. Tickets are ¥55 for adults and ¥27 for half-price tickets. A sightseeing bus ride within the base is ¥30.
- To see the famous Hua Hua Panda, enter through the South Gate (南门) and follow these steps:
- Turn right at the Golden Panda (金熊猫) sign (most visitors go straight).
- Walk until you reach Swan Lake (天鹅湖) and then take a left.
- Continue to the Villa No. 5 sign and turn right to a small road.
- Follow the small road to Villa No. 6, where you can find the famous panda, Hua Hua.
- If you’re not going to see Hua Hua, you can enter from the West Gate, where there are fewer people.
11:00 – Wenshu Monastery (文殊院)
Next, visit the Wenshu Monastery (文殊院), a peaceful Buddhist temple famous for its vibrant red walls and beautiful atmosphere. Don’t miss the photo opportunity with the temple’s iconic “幸福 (happiness)” characters, which are often found on the exterior of the temple. Admission is free, and you can even receive a free incense stick to offer up as part of your visit. Afterward, take a stroll through Wenshu Fang (文殊坊), a lively market area near the monastery with plenty of street food, shops, and local treats.
13:00 – Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂)
After lunch, head to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂), where the famous Tang dynasty poet Du Fu once lived. It’s a tranquil spot that will let you step back in time, and you’ll be able to see the poet’s old living quarters, gardens, and a variety of exhibits. Entry costs ¥50 per person. The Bamboo Forest (竹林) and Red Walls (红墙) here are beautiful spots for photos.
15:00 – Huanhua Stream Park (浣花溪公园)
Spend the afternoon at Huanhua Stream Park (浣花溪公园), a free 5A-rated scenic area in Chengdu. The park is a peaceful place to unwind, with plenty of walking paths and scenic views. You can read poetry, sip tea, or even take in some birdwatching. It’s the perfect place to soak in the slow life that Chengdu is famous for.
16:00 – Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠)
A visit to Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) is a must for history enthusiasts. This landmark, dedicated to the famous military strategist Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period, offers fascinating insights into ancient Chinese history and culture. The iconic red wall and bamboo shadows make it an ideal photo spot, especially for those wearing traditional Chinese clothing.
18:00 – Jinli Ancient Street (锦里)
Finish your day at Jinli Ancient Street (锦里), a charming traditional street next to Wuhou Shrine that comes alive at night. The street is lit up beautifully after dark and is perfect for photography. Here, you can also explore the variety of street food stalls and souvenir shops. Be cautious about prices, as some items can be overpriced.
20:00 – Jiu Yan Bridge and Anshun Lang Bridge (九眼桥与安顺廊桥)
End your Chengdu adventure by visiting Jiu Yan Bridge (九眼桥) and the nearby Anshun Lang Bridge (安顺廊桥). At night, the illuminated bridges offer a beautiful scene along with the nightlife atmosphere. You can also enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Jinjiang River (锦江) to get a closer view of the city’s nightscape.
Transportation Tips
- Shuangliu International Airport: 20 km from the city center, reachable in about 30 minutes via metro (Line 10 to Line 3) or a 30 RMB taxi ride.
- Tianfu International Airport : 60+ km from the city center, accessible via metro (Line 18 to Line 1 to Line 3) in about 1.5 hours or a 100 RMB taxi ride.
- Chengdu South Railway Station: Accessible via Metro Line 1 to Line 2 or 3, with a short ride to the city center.
- Chengdu East Railway Station: Close to Chunxi Road, accessible by metro in 20 minutes.
- Chengdu West Railway Station: Accessible by metro Line 4 to Line 2 or 3.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Near Wenshu Monastery: This area offers various cozy homestays and guesthouses, plus plenty of local dining options.
- Near Chunxi Road: There are many mid-to-high-end hotels and hostels near this bustling shopping area, with convenient transportation options.
- Near Kuanzhai Alley: Boutique hotels and guesthouses with traditional architectural styles are popular here, though they can be on the pricier side.
- Near Simaqiao Metro Station (驷马桥地铁站): Offers more budget-friendly options with easy transportation access.