This ultimate Chengdu travel guide packs all practical, verified tips, unmissable attractions, iconic local eats, tailored itineraries, and accommodation recommendations for a hassle-free trip to this beloved Chinese cultural hub, perfect for first-time China travelers, foodies, and panda enthusiasts alike.
Top Must-Visit Attractions in Chengdu
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Core Overview:The world-famous panda breeding base is the top spot to see giant pandas in their naturalistic habitat, a must-visit for animal lovers traveling to China and the undisputed highlight of any Chengdu trip.
Basic Information:Located at 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu; National 5A Scenic Spot; Open 07:30-18:00 (last entry 17:00, closed on Mondays for maintenance except national holidays); Adult ticket 55 RMB, child ticket 27 RMB for kids 1.2-1.5m, free for kids under 1.2m and seniors over 65; Recommended游玩时长: 3-4 hours.
- Naturalistic outdoor enclosures where you can watch pandas eat bamboo, play, and nap up close without harsh barriers
- Adorable red panda exhibit, a lesser-known but equally charming highlight for visitors
- Interactive panda science museum with exhibits on conservation efforts, panda biology, and the history of the base
- Special summer night viewing sessions (July-August) that let you see pandas in a cooler, less crowded environment
Practical Travel Tips:Take Metro Line 3 to Panda Base Station (Exit B), then take the free official shuttle bus to the base entrance; alternatively, take bus 198, 87, or 655 directly to the main gate. The best time to visit is early morning (7:30-10:00) when pandas are most active and energetic. Recommended游览路线: Start at the Giant Panda Museum to learn about conservation, then walk to the outdoor enclosures, visit the red panda area, and end at the gift shop to pick up panda-themed souvenirs. Important notes: Do not use flash photography, do not feed the pandas, and maintain a safe distance of at least 2 meters from the enclosures.
Cultural Context & Atmosphere:Founded in 2026 to rescue and breed endangered giant pandas, the base has become a global leader in panda conservation, with over 200 giant pandas bred here to date. Visiting the base feels both educational and heartwarming, as you get to see these fluffy, iconic animals in a space designed to mimic their natural mountain habitat.
Who Should Visit:Perfect for panda lovers, families with young kids, casual travelers, and anyone looking for a unique, heartwarming experience during their China trip.
A group of fluffy giant pandas playing and eating bamboo in their naturalistic outdoor enclosure at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, with green trees and sunny weather
Jinli Ancient Street
Core Overview:A 1,800-year-old historic street rooted in Three Kingdoms culture, Jinli is a bustling pedestrian street filled with traditional Sichuan architecture, local snacks, handcrafts, and cultural performances.
Basic Information:Located at No. 231 Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu; National 4A Scenic Spot; Open 24 hours a day (most shops and stalls run 10:00-22:00); Free entry; Recommended游玩时长: 2-3 hours.
- Traditional wooden Qing-style buildings lined with red lanterns, perfect for photos and cultural immersion
- Dozens of local snack stalls serving authentic Sichuan street food, from spicy stinky tofu to sugar-fried chestnuts
- Handcraft shops selling traditional Chinese goods like paper cuts, bamboo weaving, and panda-themed souvenirs at fair prices
- Daily folk performances like Sichuan opera face-changing and shadow puppetry for free (check the street’s official schedule for times)
Practical Travel Tips:Take Metro Line 3 to Wuhouci Station (Exit D), then walk 5 minutes to the street entrance. The best time to visit is late afternoon to evening, when the red lanterns are lit and the street has a warm, festive atmosphere. Avoid peak hours on weekends and national holidays, when the street can be extremely crowded.
Cultural Context & Atmosphere:Jinli was originally a business street during the Three Kingdoms period, and has been restored to preserve the traditional architecture and cultural heritage of old Chengdu. Walking down the street feels like stepping back in time, with the smell of local snacks filling the air and the sound of traditional music playing in the background.
Who Should Visit:Perfect for cultural travelers, photographers, foodies, and anyone looking to experience traditional Chinese street life.
Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Core Overview:The world’s largest stone Buddha statue, carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in China.
Basic Information:Located in Leshan City, about 150 km from Chengdu; UNESCO World Heritage Site; Open 07:30-18:30 (last entry 17:30); Adult ticket 80 RMB, child ticket 40 RMB; Recommended游玩时长: 3-4 hours.
- The 71-meter-tall stone Buddha statue, carved over 90 years during the Tang Dynasty
- Scenic views of the confluence of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers
- Walking trail along the cliff face that lets you get up close to the Buddha’s feet
- Optional boat tour to see the Buddha from a distance, which gives a full view of the entire statue
Practical Travel Tips:Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan Station (about 1 hour, ticket price 54 RMB), then take bus 3 or taxi to the scenic area. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. If you take the boat tour, book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Cultural Context & Atmosphere:The Buddha was carved by a Buddhist monk named Haitong to calm the turbulent waters at the confluence of the three rivers, and has stood as a symbol of peace and protection for over 1,200 years. Visiting the scenic area feels both awe-inspiring and peaceful, with the sound of the rivers flowing below and the quiet of the mountain surrounding you.
Who Should Visit:Perfect for history buffs, landscape photographers, and anyone interested in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Must-Try Local Chengdu Cuisine
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors (thanks to the use of Sichuan pepper). Here are the top dishes you must try during your trip:
Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot)
Core Features:A casual street food staple where you choose your own ingredients (vegetables, meat, noodles) and cook them in a spicy, numbing broth. The broth is made with Sichuan pepper, chili oil, and a blend of spices, creating a bold, addictive flavor.
Per Capita Cost:20-50 RMB per person
Recommended Locations:Niuwangmala (a popular chain with locations across Chengdu), street stalls in Jinli Ancient Street, and local night markets near Chunxi Road.
Sichuan Hot Pot
Core Features:A communal dining experience where you cook a variety of ingredients in a large pot of spicy broth at the table. The most popular broth is the "ma la" (spicy and numbing) broth, but you can also choose mild broth for those who cannot handle heavy spice.
Per Capita Cost:80-150 RMB per person
Recommended Locations:Haidilao (a famous international chain with good service), Kuailouzai (a local family-run spot with authentic flavors), and Little Sheep (a popular hot pot chain).
Dan Dan Noodles
Core Features:A classic Sichuan street food dish made with wheat noodles, minced pork, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and soy sauce. The dish has a bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor, and is often served with a side of pickled vegetables.
Per Capita Cost:10-20 RMB per person
Recommended Locations:Chen's Dan Dan Noodles (a local staple near Chunxi Road), street stalls in Jinli Ancient Street, and food courts in shopping malls.
Boboji (Bawang Chicken)
Core Features:A traditional Sichuan dish made with steamed chicken seasoned with Sichuan pepper, ginger, and salt. The chicken is tender and flavorful, and is often served with a side of dipping sauce made from chili oil and soy sauce.
Per Capita Cost:60-100 RMB per person
Recommended Locations:Local family-run restaurants near Jinli Ancient Street, and Boboji Restaurant (a famous chain with locations across Chengdu).
A bustling street food stall in Jinli Ancient Street, serving spicy Sichuan malatang with fresh vegetables and meat, surrounded by traditional wooden Qing-style buildings and red lanterns
Tailored Travel Itineraries
Whether you have 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days in Chengdu, here are tailored itineraries to help you make the most of your trip:
1-Day Chengdu Itinerary
- 7:30-11:30: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (early morning to see active pandas)
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch at a local malatang stall near the base
- 14:00-17:00: Explore Jinli Ancient Street, try local snacks and browse handcraft shops
- 18:00-20:00: Dinner at a Sichuan hot pot restaurant near Chunxi Road
- 20:30-22:00: Walk along Chunxi Road for shopping and evening views
2-Day Chengdu Itinerary
- Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary above
- Day 2: Take a day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area: take the high-speed train to Leshan, explore the scenic area, and return to Chengdu in the evening
3-Day Chengdu Itinerary
- Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary above
- Day 2: Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
- Day 3: Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System (a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over 2,000 years ago, still in use today), then explore the old town of Dujiangyan
Accommodation Recommendations
Chengdu has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style, with most top spots located near popular attractions or metro stations:
Budget Hotels (100-300 RMB/night)
These hotels offer clean, basic rooms and convenient locations, perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and budget-conscious visitors.
- 7 Days Inn: Locations near Chunxi Road and Jinli Ancient Street, affordable price, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour front desk
- Home Inn: Clean rooms, friendly service, and close to metro stations, making it easy to get around the city
Mid-Range Hotels (300-800 RMB/night)
These hotels offer comfortable rooms, good service, and convenient locations, perfect for families, couples, and casual travelers.
- Intercity Hotel Chengdu: Located near Tianfu Square, panoramic city views, spacious rooms, and on-site restaurant
- Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Center: Located near Chunxi Road, modern amenities, fitness center, and close to popular attractions
Luxury Hotels (800+ RMB/night)
These hotels offer five-star amenities, top-notch service, and prime locations, perfect for luxury travelers and special occasions.
- The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu: Located in the Jinjiang District, panoramic views of the city, fine-dining restaurants, and a spa
- Four Seasons Chengdu: Located near Tianfu Square, elegant rooms, personalized service, and on-site dining options
Travel Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overpriced Souvenirs: Avoid buying souvenirs at Jinli Ancient Street, as prices are often marked up by 200-300%. Instead, buy souvenirs at local supermarkets or chain stores like Walmart, which offer fair prices and a wide selection.
- Spicy Food Shock: Most local restaurants use very spicy broth and seasonings. If you cannot handle heavy spice, ask for "mild" or "non-spicy" when ordering food.
- Unlicensed Taxis: Avoid taking unlicensed taxis, as they often overcharge visitors. Use official Didi or taxi apps instead, or take licensed taxis with a meter.
- Crowds at the Panda Base: Visit the panda base early in the morning to avoid crowds and see active pandas. If you visit during peak hours, you may only see pandas napping in their enclosures.
- Touching Pandas: Do not touch or disturb pandas, even if they look cute. The base has strict rules to protect the pandas, and violating these rules can result in fines or ejection from the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Do I need a visa to visit Chengdu?A: Most foreign travelers need a Chinese visa to visit Chengdu, but you can enjoy a 144-hour transit visa-free stay if you arrive and depart from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
- Q: What is the best time to visit Chengdu?A: The best time to visit Chengdu is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, and winter (December-February) is cool and dry, but with fewer crowds.
- Q: Can I see pandas at any time of day?A: No, pandas are most active in the early morning (7:30-10:00) and late afternoon (16:00-18:00). During the middle of the day, pandas often nap in their enclosures.
- Q: Is Chengdu safe for solo travelers?A: Yes, Chengdu is a very safe city for solo travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Most people speak little to no English, but you can use translation apps like Google Translate to communicate.
- Q: How do I get around Chengdu?A: The best way to get around Chengdu is by metro, which covers most popular attractions and is affordable (ticket price 2-10 RMB). You can also take taxis or Didi, which are cheap and convenient.