Chengdu, China: It’s not just about the pandas, though they’re pretty darn cute. This bustling city is a melting pot of ancient history, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and a whole lot of fun. From wandering through ancient temples to sipping tea in traditional teahouses, Chengdu has something to satisfy every traveler’s wanderlust. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready for a culinary adventure, and don’t forget to say hello to those cuddly pandas!
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How to get to Chengdu
Fly in to Chengdu
Chengdu is a major transport hub in southwest China and has two airports! Both of which service domestic and international flights. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) (成都双流国际机场) is closer to downtown Chengdu, while Tianfu International Airport (TFU) (成都天府国际机场) is further from the city centre. Both airports are easily accessible via metro which makes travelling into the city a breeze.
High speed Train to Chengdu
Depending on where you’re travelling from within China, you can take an inter-city high speed train into Chengdu to one of the major stations. These are Chengdu Railway Station (成都站, chéng dū zhàn) in the north, Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站, chéng dū dōng zhàn), Chengdu South Railway Station (成都南站, chéng dū nán zhàn) and Chengdu West Railway Station (成都西站, chéng dū xī zhàn).
Check out our guide: How to use the high speed train in China.
Travel Tips for Chengdu
Get your China Essentials
Navigating China without Alipay or WeChat is like trying to eat noodles with a spoon – nearly impossible!
Using cash is sooo 2000s (pls) and these two super apps are now the lifeblood of China’s digital economy. You’ll need them for almost everything, from ordering food to travelling on the metro. While they might seem daunting at first, make sure you have them set up as they’re essential tools for a smooth and convenient trip.
Nightlife in Chengdu
Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu, named after its famous Hong Kong counterpart, is where the party’s at! This vibrant district teems with bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering something for every taste. Whether you’re craving live music, delicious cocktails, or just a lively atmosphere, Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu is the place to be.
Explore beyond Chengdu
There’s no doubt about it, Sichuan province is one of our favourite regions of China. It has everything – beautiful nature, city life and laid back, beachy vibes (sans beach). Make it a trip and explore all the beautiful Sichuan nature!
Where to see pandas in Chengdu
If you go to China and don’t see pandas, did you really go to China?
Within China, Sichuan province is most famously known as the home of the pandas (and hot pot). While there are several panda sanctuaries all over the region, the best one to visit is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The research base is home to over 100 pandas and is a perfect place to get your panda fix!
To get there by public transport, take the metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station. Exit through Exit A and walk 10 meters to find the 408 Shuttle Bus stop. This bus takes you to the South Gate of the Panda Base.
Panda facts: Pandas are naturally found in the mountainous regions of central China, specifically in the provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi. These areas provide the ideal habitat for pandas, with bamboo forests, high altitudes, and cool temperatures.
Visit Wuhou Shrine Temple
Built in 223 A.D. during the construction of Liu Bei’s mausoleum, Wuhou Shrine is a historic site dedicated to the memory of Zhuge Liang, a brilliant military strategist and statesman of the Three Kingdoms period, and Liu Bei, the first emperor of the Shu Han Kingdom. The shrine houses large gardens, ancient temples, and historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into China’s rich history and culture.
Explore the historic Kuan Zhai Alleys
Kuan Zhai Alleys (宽窄巷子, kuān zhǎi xiàng zǐ), literally means wide and narrow alley. This is a historic neighbourhood in Chengdu that has been beautifully preserved.
These charming alleyways are lined with traditional Sichuan-style houses, teahouses, and shops, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. Admittedly, the place has become a bit of a tourist trap but we still loved wandering in and out of shops. Be sure to explore the local shops, sample delicious street foods, and experience the atmosphere of this historic district.
Hot tip: when searching for this place in maps, type ‘Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley’.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
As a child, I remembering visiting my grandparents in China who lived in Chengdu at the time. The peaceful and serene gardens of Du Fu Thatched Cottage left a lasting impression on 10 year old Ling so it was high on my list to return there this time around.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂, dù fǔ cǎo táng) is a historic site commemorating the life and works of the renowned Tang Dynasty poet, Du Fu. This simple yet elegant cottage offers visitors a glimpse into the poet’s humble lifestyle and provides a serene environment to appreciate his poetry.
Wenshu Monastery
Wenshu Monastery (文殊院, wén shū yuàn) is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Chengdu. This ancient temple complex is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Wander through serene gardens, admire ancient architecture, and experience the tranquility of Buddhist life. Don’t forget to check out the giant incense burner and the bustling teahouse, where you can sip on fragrant tea and watch the world go by.
Chengdu day-trip: Leshan Grand Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a colossal statue carved into a cliff face, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most impressive ancient sculptures. To reach Leshan Giant Buddha from Chengdu, take a train to Leshan Railway Station (乐山站, lè shān zhàn), followed by a bus or taxi to the Buddha.
Sometimes people may combine a visit to both Leshan Giant Buddha and Emeishan in the same day due to their close proximity. Personally we’d recommend splitting them up if you can to fully enjoy your visit to both sites.
Chengdu day-trip: Emeishan (Mount Emei)
Emeishan is a sacred Buddhist mountain, renowned for its stunning scenery and numerous temples. Visitors can hike up the mountain, passing through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and ancient temples. The summit of Emeishan offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
To get there from Chengdu, you’ll need to take a train to Emeishan Railway Station (峨眉山站, é méi shān zhàn). Try book your train ticket a day or two ahead of time since your preferred time can sometimes book out. The train journey takes about 1-1.5 hours in total.
Afterwards, you’ll need to take a 40 minute bus to Baoguo Temple (报国寺, bào guó sì), which is the main gate to Mount Emei Scenic Area. Alternatively, you can take a Didi, which will only take 10 minutes to reach the scenic spot.
Chengdu day-trip: Dujiangyan Scenic Area
For engineering enthusiasts out there, there is the incredibly impressive Dujiangyan Irrigation System. This is a marvel of ancient Chinese engineering, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Chengdu.
This complex system was built over 2,000 years ago, and has effectively controlled the Minjiang River, preventing floods and providing irrigation for the fertile Sichuan Basin. The system’s ingenious design and long-lasting impact on agriculture and civilization make it a fascinating historical site to visit.
To reach Dujiangyan Scenic Area from Chengdu, you’ll need to take a train to Lidui Park Station (离堆公园站, lí duī gōng yuán zhàn). From here, you can take a taxi or bus to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Alternatively, you can also take a train to Dujiangyan Railway Station (都江堰站, dū jiāng yàn zhàn). This station is slightly further away (about 20 minutes by taxi) and also has connecting bus options.
If you’re staying in the area, other tourist sites around Dujiangyan city include Mount Qingchen and Dujiangyan Panda Base.
Where to stay in Chengdu
Good hostels are hard to come by in China, but this one in Chengdu is a stand out and gets recommended to ALL our travelling friends. It’s the POSHPACKER Chengdu Flipflop Hostel or on Booking you’ll find it under Chengdu Flipflop Hostel Poshpacker (Chunxi Road Metro Station). It has a great selection of both dorms and private rooms, nice common area, good vibes and lots of foreign travellers. We actually met a few friends here who we ended up travelling with in Xi’an!
Otherwise, anywhere near Chunxi Road (春熙路, chūn xī lù) is an awesome choice. Chunxi Road is a large pedestrian shopping street in downtown Chengdu with easy metro access and full of places to eat and shop. Personally, we love it – it’s young, modern and an absolute vibe to hang out in!
Eat and drink
Iconic dishes
Chengdu is a foodie’s paradise, renowned for its bold and flavorful Sichuan cuisine. Must-try dishes include Kung Pao Chicken (宮保雞丁, gōng bǎo jī dīng), Ma Po Tofu (麻婆豆腐, má pó dòu fǔ), and Sichuan Hot Pot (四川火锅, sì chuān huǒ guō).
Street foods
Don’t miss out on the street food classic Dandan Noodles (担担面, dān dān miàn). A delicious combination of noodles, meat, vegetables, and chili oil. For a lighter bite, try Sichuan Wontons (红油抄手, hóng yóu chāo shǒu).
For a truly authentic dining experience, head to the bustling Jinli Street (锦里古街, jǐn lǐ gǔ jiē) or Kuan Zhai Alleys. These historic neighbourhoods are filled with local eateries, tea houses, and snack stalls, offering a wide range of delicious treats.
Dessert
And to cool off, indulge in a bowl of refreshing Tofu Pudding (豆腐花, dòu fǔ huā). Plot twist: there’s actually a spicy version where instead of brown sugar syrup, it’s savoury and they put chilli on it – cause why not?
Best time to visit Chengdu
The best time to visit Chengdu is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surrounding areas.
Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the city comes alive with blooming flowers and fresh greenery. However, keep in mind that these are also the peak tourist seasons, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Winter (June-August) is also perfectly fine for visiting Chengdu, though you can expect it to get very cold in the mountains. Mount Emei is generally snow-covered and very cold in winter. It is also humid and cloudy and the relative humidity is over 85%.
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