Chengdu travel itineraries, how to plan a best Chengdu trip

2-day chengdu itinerary

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in China, is a city known for its spicy cuisine, giant pandas, and vibrant culture. With only two days to explore, here's a suggested itinerary:

Day 1:  Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Start your day by visiting the most famous attraction in Chengdu, the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.  It's best to go in the morning when the pandas are most active. After visiting the pandas, head to the Wide and Narrow Alleys, a historic area in the city center that has been transformed into a modern shopping and dining destination. Here, you can enjoy a cup of tea, try local snacks, and shop for souvenirs. Take a half-day trip to Leshan, a city about two hours from Chengdu, to see the Leshan Giant Buddha. This massive stone statue of Buddha carved into a cliff is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an impressive sight to see.

Day 2: Dujiangyan Irrigation System: Start your day by visiting the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,000-year-old irrigation system that still works today. This engineering marvel allowed for the cultivation of the fertile Chengdu Plain and is considered a masterpiece of Chinese engineering. Jinli Street: After visiting Dujiangyan, head back to Chengdu to explore Jinli Street, a traditional street lined with shops and teahouses. Here, you can try local snacks, watch street performances, and shop for souvenirs. Sichuan Opera: End your day with a Sichuan Opera performance. This traditional form of Chinese opera is known for its unique singing style, face-changing performances, and acrobatic stunts.

3-day itinerary for Chengdu that includes a visit to Qingcheng Mountain

Day 1: Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see the adorable giant pandas up close. Explore the lively and vibrant Jinli Ancient Street, which is filled with local food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional architecture.

Day 2: Take a day trip to Qingcheng Mountain, located just outside of Chengdu. Hike to the top of the mountain to visit Taoist temples and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient engineering marvel that has been in use for over 2,000 years.

Day 3: Take a stroll through People's Park, a popular public park in the city center that features beautiful gardens, teahouses, and a large pond with paddle boats. Explore the Wuhou Shrine, a temple complex dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms-era strategist Zhuge Liang. Afterward, head to the nearby Jinsha Site Museum to learn about the ancient Shu civilization and see artifacts from the region's rich history. 

4-day itinerary for Chengdu that includes visits to Leshan and Emei Mountain

Day 1: Chengdu City Tour, Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the pandas in their natural habitat. Explore the Wenshu Monastery, one of the largest and best-preserved Buddhist temples in Chengdu. Walk along Jinli Street, an ancient pedestrian street filled with shops and food stalls selling local delicacies.

Day 2: Leshan Buddha Day Trip, Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest Buddha statue in the world. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Min River and get a closer view of the Buddha statue from below. Visit the Lingyun Temple, located at the top of the mountain overlooking the Buddha.

Day 3: Emei Mountain Overnight Trip, Take a two-hour drive to Emei Mountain, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Spend the day hiking through the lush forest and enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountain. Stay overnight in one of the many accommodations on the mountain.

Day 4: Emei Mountain and Return to Chengdu, Get up early and hike to the Golden Summit to see the sunrise and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Baoguo Temple, one of the oldest temples on the mountain, before descending back to the base. Return to Chengdu by late afternoon.

The itinerary can be adjusted based on your preference and the actual situation during your visit. It's recommended to hire a private car with a driver  to visit Leshan and Emei Mountain, as public transportation may not be convenient.