4 Days Chengdu, China Itinerary
This 4-day itinerary explores the highlights of Chengdu, from its famous panda sanctuary to its bustling markets and serene temples. It balances iconic attractions with local experiences, ensuring a memorable trip on a moderate budget.
Duration
4 days
Budget
$400-800 (excluding flights)
Best Time
The best times to visit Chengdu are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Activities
22
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Fast
Chengdu is known for its giant pandas, delicious Sichuan cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a blend of modern city life and ancient traditions, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 10 must-have experiences
Giant Panda Encounter
Day 1: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Sichuan Food Immersion
Day 1: Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu (老妈抄手)
Traditional Tea House Experience
e.g., Heming Teahouse (People's Park), Wenshu Monastery Teahouse
Ancient Street & Cultural Walk
Day 1: Jinli Ancient Street
Spiritual Sanctuary & Temple Visit
Day 1: Wuhou Temple
Sichuan Opera & Cultural Performance
Day 3: Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Urban Green Oasis & Local Life
Day 3: People's Park
Dynamic Nightlife & Modern Scene
e.g., Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu, JiuYanQiao Bar Street
Historical & Archaeological Exploration
e.g., Wuhou Shrine, Jinsha Site Museum
Epic Day Trip & Ancient Wonders
Day 2: Leshan Giant Buddha
Chengdu's cuisine is known for its bold flavors, particularly its use of Sichuan peppercorns, which create a unique numbing sensation called 'ma la'. Expect spicy, savory, and complex dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. The food scene is diverse, ranging from street food stalls to upscale restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes
A communal pot of simmering broth where you cook various meats, vegetables, and noodles. The broth is typically spicy and flavored with Sichuan peppercorns. It's a social and delicious experience.
📍 Hot pot restaurants throughout the city, especially in Jinjiang District.
Silken tofu in a spicy and savory sauce made with fermented black beans, ground meat (usually pork or beef), chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns. It's a classic Sichuan dish with a rich and complex flavor profile.
📍 Local restaurants and street food stalls. Chen Mapo Tofu is a famous restaurant.
Thin wheat noodles served in a spicy and savory sauce made with chili oil, sesame paste, preserved vegetables, and ground pork. It's a popular street food snack.
📍 Street food stalls and noodle shops throughout the city.
Diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a sweet and spicy sauce. While found globally, the Chengdu version is more authentic and flavorful.
📍 Restaurants serving Sichuan cuisine.
Food Neighborhoods
Known for traditional snacks and Sichuan cuisine in a historic setting.
Known for a mix of traditional and modern restaurants, tea houses, and street food.
Known for a wide variety of restaurants, from local specialties to international cuisine, catering to all budgets.
Known for more local, less touristy food options, including many small restaurants and street vendors.
Vegetarian options can be limited but are growing in availability. Look for dishes with tofu, vegetables, and noodles. Communicating 'wo chi su' (I am vegetarian) can be helpful. Vegan options are more challenging to find. Halal restaurants are available, particularly in Muslim neighborhoods. Be mindful of ingredients like MSG, common in Chinese cooking; if you have allergies, clearly communicate them.
It's customary to use chopsticks. Don't stick your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice, as it resembles incense offerings for the dead. Sharing dishes is common. Tapping the table with your fingers is a sign of gratitude, especially when someone refills your tea.
Chinese New Year
ChunjieMost important Chinese holiday with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions.
Note: Book flights/hotels 2 months ahead
Mid-Autumn Festival
Zhongqiu JieHarvest festival with mooncakes, lanterns, and moon viewing.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in Jinjiang District, take a taxi or Didi (ride-hailing app) to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.$8
8:00 AM - Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Observe giant pandas in their natural habitat. Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) to avoid crowds and see pandas at their most active. Allocate at least 3-4 hours. Consider taking a taxi or Didi (Chinese Uber) for easy access.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take a taxi from the Panda Base to a branch of Chen Mapo Tofu (老妈抄手) near you.$10
12:00 PM - Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu (老妈抄手)
Enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine, including the famous Mapo Tofu. This restaurant is a local favorite and offers a variety of spicy dishes. Be prepared for a potential wait during peak hours.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Lunch
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶From Chen Mapo Tofu, take a taxi or subway to Wuhou Temple.$8
2:00 PM - Wuhou Temple
Explore this historic temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. The temple grounds are beautiful and offer a glimpse into Chinese history and culture.
Book on Klook - 🚶Jinli Ancient Street is adjacent to Wuhou Temple, so you can walk there.FREE
4:00 PM - Jinli Ancient Street
Stroll through this vibrant pedestrian street filled with traditional crafts, food stalls, and teahouses. It's a great place to experience local culture and sample Sichuan snacks. Be prepared for crowds, especially in the evening.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take a taxi from Jinli Ancient Street to Yu's Family Kitchen (喻家厨房) near you.$25
7:00 PM - Dinner at Yu's Family Kitchen (喻家厨房)
A higher-end Sichuan restaurant offering refined dishes. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Dinner
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
Jinjiang District
Central location, close to shopping, dining, and transportation options.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Chengdu are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring. Summer (June to August) can be hot, humid, and rainy, while winter (December to February) is typically cold, foggy, and damp. Avoid major Chinese national holidays like Golden Week (early October) and Chinese New Year, as tourist sites will be extremely crowded and transportation prices higher.
The weather in Chengdu during the shoulder seasons is generally mild and comfortable. Expect sunny days with occasional rainfall, and temperatures that are ideal for walking and sightseeing.
Spring and Autumn offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring Chengdu's outdoor attractions and enjoying cultural experiences.
Avoid traveling during Golden Week (early October) and Chinese New Year, as tourist sites will be extremely crowded and transportation prices higher.
Getting Around
Extensive high-speed rail and metro systems in major cities
City-specific transit cards or Alipay QR codes
Download DiDi for ride-hailing. Book train tickets in advance on 12306 or Trip.com.
Travel
$600-1200 (roundtrip flight)Accommodation
$120-200 (4 nights)Food
$120-200Activities
$60-100Eat at local 'fly restaurants' (苍蝇馆子 - small, hole-in-the-wall eateries), noodle shops, and street food stalls for delicious and incredibly cheap meals.
Utilize Chengdu's extensive and efficient metro system for getting around. It's affordable and often faster than taxis due to traffic.
Indulge in an authentic, high-quality Sichuan hotpot experience. Look for popular local chains or highly-rated independent restaurants for the best flavors and atmosphere.
Attend a Sichuan Opera face-changing (bian lian) and hand-shadow show. While touristy, it's a unique cultural experience worth the cost for the artistry.
Spend an afternoon in a traditional tea house (e.g., Renmin Park, Kuanzhai Alley). Order a cup of local tea, people-watch, and soak in the slow-paced local life without spending much.
Don't be afraid to try all the different street snacks and 'xiaochi' (small eats). Many are unique to Chengdu and offer a true taste of the city's culinary soul for very little money.
- Secure a reliable VPN subscription and set it up before arriving in China to access blocked international websites and apps.
- Download and set up WeChat Pay and Alipay on your smartphone; these are the primary methods of payment, with cash being rarely accepted.
- Be prepared for a language barrier; English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist areas and international hotels. Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app.
- Book tickets for popular attractions like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Embrace the local cuisine, but be mindful of spice levels; Sichuan food is famously potent. Politely request 'bu yao tai la' (not too spicy) if you're sensitive.
- Stay hydrated and drink bottled water. Tap water is not safe for drinking.
- Traffic can be heavy; utilize Didi Chuxing for convenient and reliable transportation within the city.
- Be aware of local customs; generally, avoid pointing with your finger and be respectful in temples or religious sites.
- 1VPN subscription (crucial for accessing international services)
- 2Comfortable walking shoes (for exploring city sights and panda bases)
- 3Portable power bank (for keeping your phone charged for navigation and payments)
- 4Universal travel adapter with Type A, C, and I plugs (China uses Type A, C, and I sockets)
- 5Layered clothing (temperatures can vary, especially in spring and autumn; prepare for both warmth and cooler evenings)
- 6Rain gear (a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket, as Chengdu is often misty or rainy)
- 7Personal medications and basic first-aid (especially stomach remedies for spicy food)
- 8Anti-pollution mask (optional, but useful during periods of higher air pollution, particularly in winter)
- 9Small daypack (for daily essentials, water, and souvenirs)
- 10Hand sanitizer (useful for before meals or after public transport)
Chinese Visa
Apply well in advance through your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Requirements vary by nationality.
International Flights
Book as early as possible, especially if traveling during peak seasons or major holidays, for better prices.
Accommodation in Chengdu
Secure your hotel or hostel 2-3 months ahead for peak travel times, or 1 month for off-peak.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding tickets
Book online via official channels (e.g., WeChat mini-program, official website, or trusted third-party) 1-7 days in advance, as same-day tickets may sell out.
VPN Subscription
Purchase and install a reputable VPN before departing for China to ensure access to international internet services.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
High-speed rail tickets (if traveling inter-city)
Book train tickets via 12306.cn (official site) or apps like Trip.com up to 15-30 days in advance, especially for popular routes.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Official stores at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or in city center locations. Bring your passport.
📍 Online rental platforms like GlocalMe or at the airport. Requires pre-booking.
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and many restaurants. Public WiFi is also available in some areas, but may require a Chinese phone number to register. VPN is recommended for accessing websites and services blocked in China.
Useful Apps
Download a VPN before arriving in China to bypass internet censorship. Have WeChat or Alipay set up with a payment method for convenient transactions. Familiarize yourself with basic Chinese phrases for communication. Consider downloading offline maps for navigation in case of connectivity issues. Check if your phone is compatible with Chinese networks before purchasing a SIM card.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two angled flat pins + ground
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — may be refused
Not expected; round up fare if desired
Not expected in most hotels
Tipping is not part of Chinese culture. High-end international hotels may accept tips.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Chengdu is generally a safe city for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
120
119
Limited English support — have your hotel address written in Chinese
Payments
China is nearly cashless — mobile payment dominates
International cards rarely accepted outside luxury hotels
WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential; some now allow foreign card linking
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Carry some cash for rural areas.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit Chengdu are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather. Avoid major holidays for fewer crowds.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: