Chengdu China 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Morning

  • Arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
  • Take a taxi or metro (Line 1) to your hotel
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu or budget-friendly Chengdu Mix Hostel

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Wide and Narrow Alleys (), a historic pedestrian street lined with traditional architecture, teahouses, and souvenir shops
  • Try some local snacks at the alleys’ many food stalls

Evening

  • Head to Jinli Street (), a popular nightlife area filled with bars, restaurants, and live music venues
  • Enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner at Huang Cheng Lao Ma, a local institution

Things to Know

  • Register your accommodation with the police station within 24 hours of arrival (your hotel can assist)
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
  • Download the Didi Chuxing app for easy taxi hailing

Day 2: Giant Panda Research Base and City Exploration

Morning

Afternoon

  • Explore the nearby People’s Park (), a peaceful green oasis with lakes, walking paths, and cultural events
  • Visit the adjacent Museum of Sichuan Province (open 9am-5pm, free admission), showcasing local history and culture

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Sichuan dinner at Mapo Tofu Restaurant, famous for its spicy tofu dish
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the Anshun Bridge (), a historic pedestrian bridge with great city views

Transportation

  • Take metro Line 3 to the Giant Panda Research Base or People’s Park
  • Use Didi Chuxing or taxis for shorter distances

Day 3: Leshan and Emei Shan

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Leshan (), about 2.5 hours away by car (hire a driver or join a tour)
  • Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, featuring the world’s largest Buddha statue (open 7:30am-6:30pm, ¥90)

Afternoon

  • Explore Emei Shan (), one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains (open 8am-5pm, ¥150)
  • Take a scenic hike or ride the cable car to enjoy stunning views

Evening

  • Return to Chengdu and relax at your hotel
  • Enjoy a late-night snack at Yang’s Dumpling, famous for its boiled dumplings

Day 4: Sanxingdui and Jinli Ancient Town

Morning

  • Visit Sanxingdui Museum (open 8am-5pm, ¥82), featuring ancient Shu culture artifacts
  • Marvel at the mysterious bronze masks and golden sun bird

Afternoon

  • Explore Jinli Ancient Town (), a charming historic town with traditional architecture and cultural attractions
  • Try some local tea and snacks at one of the many teahouses

Evening

Day 5: Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng (), about 1.5 hours away by car (hire a driver or join a tour)
  • Explore the Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan Scenic Area, featuring ancient Taoist temples and stunning natural scenery (open 8am-6pm, ¥120)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest irrigation systems
  • Learn about its history and significance in Chinese agriculture

Evening

  • Return to Chengdu and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or nearby bars

Day 6: Wangjianglou Park and Jinli Street Nightlife

Morning

  • Visit Wangjianglou Park (), a scenic park with gardens, lakes, and walking paths
  • Take in the stunning views of the surrounding cityscape

Afternoon

  • Explore the nearby Jinli Street () again, this time focusing on its lively nightlife scene
  • Enjoy live music, bars, and street food

Evening

  • Dance the night away at one of Jinli’s many clubs, such as Lan Kwai Fong
  • Try some late-night skewers or noodles from a street vendor

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Visit the Chengdu Flower Market (), a colorful and lively marketplace (open 8am-6pm, free admission)

Afternoon

  • Depart for the airport and head home (or onward to your next destination)
  • Reflect on an unforgettable trip to Chengdu!

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese (many locals also speak Sichuan dialect), but some English spoken in tourist areas
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB), with ATMs and currency exchange available
  • Weather: Chengdu has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters; pack accordingly
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to protect yourself and belongings; be mindful of pickpocketing and scams
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural attractions

Accommodation

  • Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu, InterContinental Chengdu Global Center
  • Mid-range: Chengdu Minshan Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou
  • Budget: Chengdu Mix Hostel, Lazybones Hostel Chengdu

Transportation

  • Airport: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
  • Metro: Convenient and efficient, with multiple lines covering the city
  • Taxi: Widely available, but be prepared for potential language barriers; use Didi Chuxing or show your destination in Chinese characters
  • Bus: Affordable and extensive network, but may not be as convenient for tourists

Food

  • Must-try dishes: Sichuan hot pot, mapo tofu, boiled dumplings ( Yang’s Dumpling), twice-cooked pork
  • Local snacks: Spicy rice cakes, stinky tofu, grilled squid
  • Restaurants: Huang Cheng Lao Ma, Mapo Tofu Restaurant, Chengdu Impression Restaurant

Activities

  • Giant Panda Research Base, Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Emei Shan
  • Kung Fu show at Sichuan Kung Fu Theater
  • Explore Wide and Narrow Alleys, Jinli Street, and Wangjianglou Park