Where to Go in China?
Explore Destinations & Get Inspored For Your Next Getaway
Ultimate 3-Day Chengdu Adventure: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan Province, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. From ancient temples and cultural sites to vibrant markets and delicious food, there’s something for every traveler. If you’re visiting Chengdu for the first time, planning your itinerary is essential to ensure you make the most of your time. In this 3-day Chengdu itinerary, we’ll guide you through the must-see attractions, transport tips, and how to get around efficiently.


Day 1: Explore Chengdu’s Cultural Heritage and Iconic Sights

Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

How to Get There: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is about 18 km (11 miles) from the city center. You can take a taxi (around 30 minutes) or a local bus (Bus 87) to get there.

What to Do: Start your day with the city’s most iconic attraction—the Giant Panda Base. This world-renowned center is home to the famous giant pandas and red pandas. You’ll get the chance to see these adorable creatures up close, learn about panda conservation efforts, and watch them in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is in the morning when the pandas are most active.

Afternoon: Wenshu Monastery and Tea Culture

How to Get There: From the Panda Base, take a taxi to Wenshu Monastery (around 25 minutes).

What to Do: After the pandas, head to the serene Wenshu Monastery, one of Chengdu’s oldest Buddhist temples. The tranquil surroundings and beautiful architecture make it a perfect place to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, visit the nearby Wenshu Teahouse for a traditional tea ceremony. Chengdu’s tea culture is an essential part of its identity, and this is a great opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Lunch Recommendation: Try some local vegetarian Sichuan cuisine at a restaurant near the monastery.

Evening: Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine

How to Get There: A short 10-minute walk from Wenshu Monastery.

What to Do: In the evening, head to Jinli Ancient Street for a stroll through this lively pedestrian street filled with traditional Sichuan architecture, souvenirs, and street food. The street is especially magical at night when lanterns light up the area. Adjacent to Jinli is the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms-era statesman Zhuge Liang. It's a great place to learn about Chengdu’s rich historical heritage.

Dinner Recommendation: Don’t miss out on Sichuan’s famous hotpot—try one of the hotpot restaurants in the Jinli area for an authentic experience.


Day 2: Discover Chengdu’s Temples, Museums, and Modern Attractions

Morning: Sichuan Museum

How to Get There: Take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to Sichuan Museum (approximately 20 minutes from your hotel).

What to Do: Start your day with a visit to the Sichuan Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the culture and history of Sichuan province. The museum’s collection includes ancient relics, Tibetan artifacts, and a fascinating collection of local art. Spend around 1-2 hours exploring its exhibits.

Afternoon: Chunxi Road and Sichuan Opera

How to Get There: From Sichuan Museum, take a short metro ride (Line 1) to Chunxi Road, Chengdu’s busiest shopping district.

What to Do: Explore Chunxi Road, which offers a mix of modern malls, local boutiques, and street food. It’s the perfect spot for shopping or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. For lunch, try some famous Sichuan street food, such as dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and spicy skewers.

Afternoon Activity: In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in Sichuan Opera. The most famous performance in Chengdu is the Face Changing Show (Bian Lian), where actors change their masks at lightning speed—a fascinating and unique part of Chengdu’s cultural heritage. You can catch this show at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse in the city center.

Evening: Chengdu IFS and Taikoo Li

How to Get There: From the opera, take a 10-minute walk to the IFS Mall and Taikoo Li, Chengdu’s luxury shopping and dining area.

What to Do: End your day at IFS Mall, home to a stunning outdoor sculpture of a giant panda, and the nearby Taikoo Li area. Both areas feature high-end shopping, chic cafes, and top restaurants. It's a great place to grab dinner or shop for souvenirs.

Dinner Recommendation: Try a local Sichuan-style restaurant to enjoy traditional dishes in a modern setting.


Day 3: Natural Beauty and Scenic Views Around Chengdu

Morning: Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

How to Get There: Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System are about 60 km (37 miles) from Chengdu. You can take a day tour, rent a car, or take a train from Chengdu Railway Station to Dujiangyan (about 1 hour). Then, take a short bus or taxi to Mount Qingcheng.

What to Do: Begin the day with a visit to Mount Qingcheng, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous Taoist mountains in China. The mountain is covered in lush greenery, making it perfect for a tranquil hike. You can take the cable car to the top for panoramic views or explore the scenic Taoist temples along the way. Afterward, visit the nearby Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient water management system that has been in operation for over 2,000 years and is still in use today.

Afternoon: Relax at a Riverside Café or Spa

How to Get There: After your visit to Dujiangyan, head back to Chengdu in the afternoon (about 1.5-2 hours travel).

What to Do: After a full day of exploration, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon. Head to one of Chengdu’s beautiful riverside cafés for a peaceful break or visit a traditional spa for a rejuvenating massage.

Evening: Sichuan Cuisine Dining and Sichuan Hotpot

How to Get There: Return to the city center and head to a well-known restaurant such as Huangcheng Laoma Hotpot for dinner.

What to Do: Conclude your 3-day Chengdu trip with a feast at a local Sichuan hotpot restaurant. This is the ideal way to end your Chengdu journey, enjoying a spicy and flavorful meal, accompanied by the city’s vibrant atmosphere.


Transportation Tips for Getting Around Chengdu

Public Transport: Chengdu has an extensive metro system that connects most of the city’s main attractions. The metro is affordable and efficient for getting around. For longer distances, take a taxi or Didi (China’s Uber).

Buses: Chengdu’s bus network is also well-connected, but it can be confusing for non-Chinese speakers. It’s best to rely on taxis or ride-sharing apps for convenience.

Private Tours: If you prefer convenience, consider booking a private tour that includes transportation and a guide to maximize your time.


Ultimate 3-Day Chengdu Adventure: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan Province, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. From ancient temples and cultural sites to vibrant markets and delicious food, there’s something for every traveler. If you’re visiting Chengdu for the first time, planning your itinerary is essential to ensure you make the most of your time. In this 3-day Chengdu itinerary, we’ll guide you through the must-see attractions, transport tips, and how to get around efficiently.


Day 1: Explore Chengdu’s Cultural Heritage and Iconic Sights

Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

How to Get There: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is about 18 km (11 miles) from the city center. You can take a taxi (around 30 minutes) or a local bus (Bus 87) to get there.

What to Do: Start your day with the city’s most iconic attraction—the Giant Panda Base. This world-renowned center is home to the famous giant pandas and red pandas. You’ll get the chance to see these adorable creatures up close, learn about panda conservation efforts, and watch them in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is in the morning when the pandas are most active.

Afternoon: Wenshu Monastery and Tea Culture

How to Get There: From the Panda Base, take a taxi to Wenshu Monastery (around 25 minutes).

What to Do: After the pandas, head to the serene Wenshu Monastery, one of Chengdu’s oldest Buddhist temples. The tranquil surroundings and beautiful architecture make it a perfect place to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, visit the nearby Wenshu Teahouse for a traditional tea ceremony. Chengdu’s tea culture is an essential part of its identity, and this is a great opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Lunch Recommendation: Try some local vegetarian Sichuan cuisine at a restaurant near the monastery.

Evening: Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine

How to Get There: A short 10-minute walk from Wenshu Monastery.

What to Do: In the evening, head to Jinli Ancient Street for a stroll through this lively pedestrian street filled with traditional Sichuan architecture, souvenirs, and street food. The street is especially magical at night when lanterns light up the area. Adjacent to Jinli is the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms-era statesman Zhuge Liang. It's a great place to learn about Chengdu’s rich historical heritage.

Dinner Recommendation: Don’t miss out on Sichuan’s famous hotpot—try one of the hotpot restaurants in the Jinli area for an authentic experience.


Day 2: Discover Chengdu’s Temples, Museums, and Modern Attractions

Morning: Sichuan Museum

How to Get There: Take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to Sichuan Museum (approximately 20 minutes from your hotel).

What to Do: Start your day with a visit to the Sichuan Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the culture and history of Sichuan province. The museum’s collection includes ancient relics, Tibetan artifacts, and a fascinating collection of local art. Spend around 1-2 hours exploring its exhibits.

Afternoon: Chunxi Road and Sichuan Opera

How to Get There: From Sichuan Museum, take a short metro ride (Line 1) to Chunxi Road, Chengdu’s busiest shopping district.

What to Do: Explore Chunxi Road, which offers a mix of modern malls, local boutiques, and street food. It’s the perfect spot for shopping or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. For lunch, try some famous Sichuan street food, such as dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and spicy skewers.

Afternoon Activity: In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in Sichuan Opera. The most famous performance in Chengdu is the Face Changing Show (Bian Lian), where actors change their masks at lightning speed—a fascinating and unique part of Chengdu’s cultural heritage. You can catch this show at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse in the city center.

Evening: Chengdu IFS and Taikoo Li

How to Get There: From the opera, take a 10-minute walk to the IFS Mall and Taikoo Li, Chengdu’s luxury shopping and dining area.

What to Do: End your day at IFS Mall, home to a stunning outdoor sculpture of a giant panda, and the nearby Taikoo Li area. Both areas feature high-end shopping, chic cafes, and top restaurants. It's a great place to grab dinner or shop for souvenirs.

Dinner Recommendation: Try a local Sichuan-style restaurant to enjoy traditional dishes in a modern setting.


Day 3: Natural Beauty and Scenic Views Around Chengdu

Morning: Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

How to Get There: Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System are about 60 km (37 miles) from Chengdu. You can take a day tour, rent a car, or take a train from Chengdu Railway Station to Dujiangyan (about 1 hour). Then, take a short bus or taxi to Mount Qingcheng.

What to Do: Begin the day with a visit to Mount Qingcheng, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous Taoist mountains in China. The mountain is covered in lush greenery, making it perfect for a tranquil hike. You can take the cable car to the top for panoramic views or explore the scenic Taoist temples along the way. Afterward, visit the nearby Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient water management system that has been in operation for over 2,000 years and is still in use today.

Afternoon: Relax at a Riverside Café or Spa

How to Get There: After your visit to Dujiangyan, head back to Chengdu in the afternoon (about 1.5-2 hours travel).

What to Do: After a full day of exploration, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon. Head to one of Chengdu’s beautiful riverside cafés for a peaceful break or visit a traditional spa for a rejuvenating massage.

Evening: Sichuan Cuisine Dining and Sichuan Hotpot

How to Get There: Return to the city center and head to a well-known restaurant such as Huangcheng Laoma Hotpot for dinner.

What to Do: Conclude your 3-day Chengdu trip with a feast at a local Sichuan hotpot restaurant. This is the ideal way to end your Chengdu journey, enjoying a spicy and flavorful meal, accompanied by the city’s vibrant atmosphere.


Transportation Tips for Getting Around Chengdu

Public Transport: Chengdu has an extensive metro system that connects most of the city’s main attractions. The metro is affordable and efficient for getting around. For longer distances, take a taxi or Didi (China’s Uber).

Buses: Chengdu’s bus network is also well-connected, but it can be confusing for non-Chinese speakers. It’s best to rely on taxis or ride-sharing apps for convenience.

Private Tours: If you prefer convenience, consider booking a private tour that includes transportation and a guide to maximize your time.