Chengdu, China-4-day-itinerary

August 29, 2024

Chengdu, China 4-Day Itinerary

Morning: Arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and take a taxi or metro to your hotel.
Hotel Suggestion: The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu, a luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Sichuan breakfast at Fang’s Restaurant, featuring spicy dishes like mapo tofu and twice-cooked pork.
Visit: Explore the bustling streets of Jinli Street (), a historic pedestrian shopping street lined with traditional tea houses, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Lunch: Try some local street food, such as Chengdu hot pot or Kung Pao chicken, at one of the many food stalls in the area.
Afternoon: Visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys (), a historic complex featuring traditional architecture, tea houses, and souvenir shops.

Morning: Take a taxi or metro to the Giant Panda Research Base (about 1 hour journey), a must-visit attraction in Chengdu.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan lunch at Panda Restaurant, located near the research base.
Afternoon: Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area (about 2 hours journey by taxi or bus), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world’s largest Buddha statue.
Dinner: Try some local Sichuan cuisine at Chengdu Impression Restaurant, known for its spicy dishes and traditional atmosphere.

Morning: Take a taxi or metro to Mount Qingcheng (about 1.5 hours journey), a scenic mountain with stunning views, temples, and hiking trails.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the mount or try some local snacks from vendors.
Afternoon: Visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient irrigation system that is still in use today (about 1.5 hours journey by taxi or bus).
Dinner: Try some local street food, such as Chengdu skewers or Sichuan noodles, at one of the many night markets in the city.

Morning: Visit the Wuhou Temple, a historic temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous Shu Han general (about 30 minutes journey by taxi or metro).
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan lunch at Huang Cheng Lao Ma Restaurant, known for its spicy dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city before departing from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Things to Know

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals also speak Sichuan dialect. English is not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Chinese phrases.
Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is still king in many places.
Weather: Chengdu has a subtropical monsoon climate with hot summers and chilly winters. Be prepared for crowds and occasional rain showers.

Transportation

Airport Transfer: Take a taxi or metro (RMB 10-20) from the airport to your hotel.
Metro: Chengdu has an efficient metro system with English signs. Tickets cost RMB 2-5.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but not all drivers speak English. Show your destination on a map or use a translation app.

Tips

Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes, and avoid public displays of affection.
Bargain: Expect to bargain at markets and souvenir shops.
Try New Foods: Be adventurous and try new Sichuan dishes, but be aware of food allergies and spice levels.

Other Things of Interest

Sichuan Opera: Catch a performance of the famous Sichuan Opera, known for its vibrant costumes, acrobatics, and musical instruments.
Tea Houses: Visit one of the many traditional tea houses in Chengdu, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and watch locals playing chess or cards.

Enjoy your trip to Chengdu!