Chengdu Travel Guide: The Land of Leisure and Spicy Delicacies
Chengdu, a city you won't want to leave once you arrive. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely urban life alongside tempting spicy Sichuan cuisine; experience the rich heritage of ancient Shu culture as well as the vibrancy and prosperity of a modern metropolis. Whether strolling through Kuanzhai Alley, watching pandas, eating hotpot, relaxing in teahouses, or enjoying Sichuan opera, Chengdu always lets you find your own travel rhythm.
1. Travel Preparation
✅ Best Travel Time:
Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant climate, ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August): Hot weather, but you can experience the culture of late-night snacks and cold drinks.
Winter (December-February): Damp and cold, but fewer tourists, perfect for hot springs and hotpot.
🚆 Transportation:
Airplane: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (close to downtown), Tianfu International Airport (new airport, a bit farther).
High-speed Rail: Chengdu East Station, Chengdu South Station, Chengdu West Station, connecting major cities nationwide.
City Transport: Metro, buses, and shared bikes are very convenient, and taxis are affordable.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
Chunxi Road/Taikoo Li: City center, rich in shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Near Kuanzhai Alley/Jinli: Quaint and traditional, perfect for experiencing old Chengdu atmosphere.
Jiuyanqiao/Lan Kwai Fong: Nightlife hubs with lively bars and night markets.
2. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Classic City Attractions
🐼 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Watch the national treasure pandas eat bamboo and roll around; morning visits are recommended when pandas are more active.
🏮 Kuanzhai Alley: Composed of Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley, featuring old Chengdu architecture and modern artistic shops.
🎎 Jinli Ancient Street: A Three Kingdoms culture-themed street, very atmospheric when lanterns light up at night.
🏛 Wuhou Shrine: A temple commemorating Zhuge Liang, with red walls and bamboo groves perfect for photos.
🏙 Chunxi Road & IFS/Taikoo Li: Chengdu’s most bustling commercial areas, check out the climbing panda sculpture.
2. Recommended Day Trips Around Chengdu
🌿 Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain: World Cultural Heritage sites, featuring ancient irrigation works and a famous Taoist mountain, ideal for nature lovers.
🏯 Sanxingdui Museum (Guanghan): Mysterious ancient Shu civilization site, with stunning bronze masks.
⛰ Leshan Giant Buddha: The world’s largest stone Buddha statue, can be combined with a visit to Mount Emei.
3. Chengdu Food Recommendations
🔥 Hotpot:
Shu Daxia (local favorite), Xiaolongkan (popular online), Dalongyi (moderate spiciness)
🍜 Sichuan Cuisine & Snacks:
Chen Mapo Tofu (classic Sichuan dish), Taolin Restaurant (authentic Sichuan cuisine)
Zhong Dumplings (sweet and spicy flavor), Long Chao Shou (thin skin, fresh filling)
Egg Pancake (street snack), Tang You Guozi (crispy outside, sticky inside)
🍢 Chuan Chuan Xiang & Barbecue:
Gangguan Factory District Wujun Gan Chuan Chuan Xiang, Malubianbian Malatang, Li Buguan Baba Shao (Yibin barbecue, spicy and satisfying)
🍵 Teahouses & Snacks:
Heming Teahouse in People’s Park: Experience Chengdu’s slow life, drink gaiwan tea, and get ear cleaning.
Shuangliu Laoma Rabbit Head (spicy/five-spice), Wang Ma Hand-Shredded Roasted Rabbit
4. Itinerary Recommendations
3-Day Classic Tour
**Day 1**: Kuanzhai Alley → People’s Park (tea drinking) → Wuhou Shrine → Jinli (night view)
**Day 2**: Panda Base → Chunxi Road/Taikoo Li → IFS Climbing Panda → Jiuyanqiao Nightlife
**Day 3**: Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain Day Trip
5-Day In-Depth Tour
**Day 4**: Sanxingdui Museum (or Leshan Giant Buddha)
**Day 5**: Du Fu Thatched Cottage → Wenshu Monastery → Jianshe Road Snack Street
5. Travel Tips
✔ Chengdu metro coverage is extensive; it’s recommended to use the “Tianfu Tong” app to scan and ride.
✔ If you’re afraid of spicy hotpot, order a “Yuan Yang Pot” (half spicy, half mild) or pair it with Weiyi soy milk/ice jelly to cool down.
✔ Chengdu’s nightlife is rich; Jiuyanqiao and Lan Kwai Fong bar streets are worth experiencing.
✔ If visiting surrounding areas (like Mount Emei, Siguniang Mountain), consider staying 1-2 extra days.
6. Special Experiences
🎭 Watch Sichuan Opera Face-Changing: Recommended theaters are “Shufeng Yayun” or “Furong Guocui.”
🍲 Eat at an authentic local “fly restaurant”: such as “Mingting Restaurant” or “Yutian Restaurant.”
🚲 Cycle along Jinjiang Greenway: Feel the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu.
Chengdu is a city perfect for slow strolling and savoring food. We hope this guide helps you explore Chengdu and enjoy a comfortable holiday! 🌶🐼🍜