Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is famous for its pandas, spicy cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Here’s a detailed 3-day itinerary that covers the best of Chengdu, including both popular and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Day 1: Pandas and Chengdu Culture
Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Overview: Start your trip with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located about 30 minutes from the city center. This is one of the best places in the world to see giant pandas in a natural setting.
- Activities:
- Panda Enclosures: Observe pandas of all ages, from tiny cubs in the nursery to adults lounging and eating bamboo.
- Red Pandas: Don’t miss the red pandas, which are smaller and more elusive but equally adorable.
- Panda Museum: Learn about panda conservation efforts and the biology of these fascinating creatures.
Afternoon: Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street
- Wuhou Shrine (Wuhouci): Visit this historic temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers insight into ancient Chinese history.
- Jinli Ancient Street: After exploring Wuhou Shrine, stroll down Jinli Ancient Street, a beautifully restored area that recreates the atmosphere of ancient Chengdu. The street is lined with traditional teahouses, artisan shops, and food stalls.
- Street Food: Try local snacks like dan dan noodles, sticky rice cakes, and Sichuan-style skewers.
Evening: Sichuan Opera and Hot Pot
- Sichuan Opera at Shufengyayun Theatre: Experience the unique art of Sichuan Opera, known for its face-changing (Bian Lian) performances, fire-breathing, and acrobatics. The performances are colorful, lively, and an integral part of Sichuan culture.
- Hot Pot Dinner: End your day with a traditional Sichuan hot pot, known for its fiery flavors. Popular spots include Haidilao Hot Pot or Shujiuxiang Hot Pot. Customize your broth and dip a variety of meats, vegetables, and tofu into the spicy soup.
Day 2: History, Tea Culture, and Local Markets
Morning: Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- Overview: Take a morning trip to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage site located about an hour from Chengdu. Built over 2,000 years ago, this engineering marvel still controls the waters of the Min River and irrigates the surrounding plains.
- Activities:
- Yuzui and Baopingkou: Visit the key components of the irrigation system and walk across the Anlan Suspension Bridge for great views.
- Erwang Temple: Explore this temple dedicated to the architect of the irrigation system, Li Bing.
Afternoon: Chengdu’s Tea Culture and Kuanzhai Alleys
- People’s Park: Return to Chengdu and visit People’s Park, a popular spot for locals. Here, you can see Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle in action—residents practicing tai chi, singing karaoke, or simply relaxing.
- Heming Teahouse: Experience Chengdu’s famous tea culture at Heming Teahouse in People’s Park. Sip a cup of jasmine tea and enjoy the surroundings. If you’re feeling adventurous, try traditional ear-cleaning services offered by locals.
- Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow Alleys): Wander through Kuanzhai Alleys, a historic area with preserved Qing Dynasty architecture. The alleys are filled with teahouses, boutiques, and small museums.
- Shopping: Browse local handicrafts, such as Sichuan embroidery and lacquerware, and pick up unique souvenirs.
- Snacks: Sample traditional Chengdu snacks like zhong dumplings and three guns (a type of fried pastry).
Evening: Night Market at Jinsha Site Museum
- Jinsha Site Museum: Visit the Jinsha Site Museum, an important archaeological site dating back to the ancient Shu civilization. The museum features exquisite artifacts like gold masks, jade, and ivory carvings.
- Night Market: After exploring the museum, head to the nearby night market for dinner. Here, you can find a variety of street food and local delicacies, as well as traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei
Morning: Leshan Giant Buddha
- Overview: Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, located about two hours from Chengdu. This 71-meter-tall statue, carved into a cliff face, is the largest stone Buddha in the world.
- Activities:
- Boat Tour: Take a boat tour on the river to get the best view of the Buddha from the water.
- Hiking: Alternatively, hike around the site to see the Buddha from different angles, including a close-up view of its head and feet.
Afternoon: Mount Emei (Emeishan)
- Overview: If time permits, visit Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, located near Leshan. The mountain is famous for its beautiful scenery, temples, and monkeys.
- Activities:
- Baoguo Temple: Start your visit at the Baoguo Temple, located at the base of the mountain. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
- Cable Car: Take a cable car up to one of the higher points on the mountain for stunning views. If you’re up for it, you can also hike part of the way, passing by ancient temples and scenic spots.
- Golden Summit (Jinding): The Golden Summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, often shrouded in mist. At the summit, you can visit the Huazang Temple and see the giant statue of Samantabhadra.
Evening: Return to Chengdu
- Evening Stroll: After returning to Chengdu, take a relaxing evening stroll along the Jin River, where you can see the city’s modern skyline mixed with traditional buildings.
- Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, trying any Sichuan dishes you may have missed, such as mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, or kung pao chicken.
Additional Tips:
- Transportation: Taxis, metro, and buses are convenient for getting around Chengdu. For day trips like Leshan, consider booking a private car or joining a tour for convenience.
- Accommodation: Stay in central Chengdu, near Tianfu Square or the Chunxi Road area, for easy access to major attractions and dining options.
- Language: While English is not widely spoken, most tourist sites have English signs. Learning a few basic Chinese phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
This itinerary provides a comprehensive look at Chengdu’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, making the most of your few days in this vibrant city.
