5 Days Chengdu Travel Itinerary, Plan a 5-Days Trip in the Panda’s Home

How would you plan a 5-day trip to Chengdu? We offer both a 5-day itinerary with in the city and a 5-day itinerary that includes Chengdu's surrounding areas. Besides city attractions like the Giant Panda Base,Wuhou Shrine, People's Park, we also include trips to Leshan and Emei Mountain, Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain, Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. Our itineraries not only cover the usual tourist spots but also include local cultural experiences such as cooking Sichuan cuisine, cycling city tour, watching Sichuan opera with face-changing, experiencing local life in tea houses, and volunteering with giant pandas.

Actually, all the itineraries are flexible. If none of these suits your needs, please feel free to contact us. We would be honored to customize a perfect, personalized itinerary specifically for you.

5 Days Chengdu Itinerary for Family with Kids

Day 1: Chengdu Arrival

Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel for a short break. Visit Wuhou Shrine, learn about the history of the Three Kingdoms period. Visit People's Park, which not far from Wuhou Shrine, enjoy the park’s teahouses, boating on the lake, and children's playground.

In the evening, stroll the traditional-style streets of Jinli Street, shop for souvenirs, and taste local snacks.

Day 2: Enter the Panda’s world

In the morning, visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, explore the panda enclosures and learn about panda conservation (Tips: Giant Pandas most active between 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM, 2:30PM - 4:00PM).

Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, sampling famous Sichuan cuisine.

After lunch, head to the Jinsha Site Museum to explore ancient Shu civilization. The museum has kid-friendly exhibits, interactive displays, and even some hands-on workshops.

In the evening, admire a Sichuan Opera performance featuring the famous face-changing act, which is sure to captivate the kids.

Day 3: Natural and historical heritage

Drive to Qingcheng Mountain(about 1.5 hours), take a cable car ride to the top for scenic views and an easy hike suitable for children. Then continue to visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, which has been in operation for over 2,000 years, and learn about this ancient water management system and its significance. Stay overnight in Dujiangyan.

Day 4: Leshan Giant Buddha Adventure

Morning, take a comfortable drive (about 2 hours) or high-speed train (about 2 hours) to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha. Choose between a boat ride for easy viewing or a gentle walking trail around the statue.

In the afternoon, stroll through the local markets and sample some of Leshan’s famous delicacies. The city is known for treats like Bobo Chicken (skewered meats in spicy sauce), Sweet-Skin Duck, Kaka’er, Tang Hu Lu(Candied hawthorn), Paper-thin Shaomai dumplings, and Leaf-wrapped Sticky Rice Cakes, etc.

Return to Chengdu and relax at the hotel, or visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys for souvenirs and casual bites.

Day 5: Chengdu Cycling and Cooking Class

Morning, Enjoying Family-friendly cycling tour, ride through quiet lanes, parks, and along riverbanks. Stop by Jianshe Road Local Market to explore colorful food stalls and local life.

In the afternoon, head to a hands-on Sichuan cooking class. From shopping for fresh ingredients to mastering wok skills, you’ll make classic dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu together with your kids. Finish the experience by savoring your own delicious creations!

5 Days Chengdu Itinerary for Seniors with a Slow Pace

Day 1: Chengdu Arrival

Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel for a short break. Star your trip with a leisurely visit to the Wuhou Shrine, a historic site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous military strategist. Explore Jinli Ancient Street, where you can admire traditional architecture, shop for souvenirs, and savor local snacks.

Enjoy a comfortable dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling Chengdu's renowned Sichuan cuisine, but at a pace suited for leisurely dining.

Day 2: Panda Day and Relaxation

In the morning, head to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, spend a peaceful morning observing pandas in a serene, natural setting. Benches and shaded areas are available for resting. (Giant Pandas most active between 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM, 2:30PM - 4:00 PM)

Head to People's Park to enjoy its tranquil environment. Participate in tea tasting at one of the park’s famous teahouses and, if interested, watch or join locals practicing Tai Chi. Enjoy a traditional Sichuan opera performance, including the famous face-changing act, at a local theater.

Day 3: Dujiangyan Day Trip

In the morning, drive to Dujiangyan(about 1 hour), visit Qingcheng Mountain (lower section), take a cable car ride to the top for scenic views and an easy hike suitable for Seniors.

In the afternoon, take a guided day trip to Dujiangyan, home to the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System (UNESCO site). It's a flat walking area with beautiful views, cultural landmarks, and minimal exertion.

Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and enjoy a hotpot dinner, with mild, non-spicy broth options available for a comfortable taste experience.

In the morning, Visit Huanglongxi ancient town (about a 1-hour drive from Chengdu). Start your exploration with a relaxed stroll along the ancient streets, admiring the well-preserved Ming and Qing-style architecture. Visit the Three Ancient Temples, experiencing the town’s religious and cultural heritage.

Try some local specialties like Huanglongxi Grilled Fish, One Noodle, or Leaf-wrapped Sticky Rice at a riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, walk along the riverside and explore alleys, covered bridge and water wheels, relax at a traditional teahouse with a cup of Gaiwan tea - lidded bowl tea), and if you're interested, experience a traditional ear-cleaning service, a local specialty.

Day 5: Spiritual  Delights before Departure

Spend the morning at Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu's best-preserved Buddhist temple, where you can walk through the peaceful gardens and visit the teahouse for a moment of quiet reflection. Explore these historic alleys of Wide and Narrow Alleys, where you can see traditional courtyard houses, enjoy small museums, and find places to rest and take in the atmosphere.

Finish the 5-day trip with wonderful experience.

5 Day Chengdu Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Arrive and Feel the City Beat

Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel for a short break.

And then, visit Wuhou Shrine and People’s Park. Explore historic sites and enjoy local laid-back lifestyle.

Chill out at Taikoo Li and IFS, stylish shopping areas with trendy cafes, art spaces, and giant panda sculptures. Enjoy Sichuan hotpot at a popular local restaurant.

Day 2: Chengdu, Cultural Immersions and Outdoor Adventures

Drive to Dujiangyan(about 1 hour), visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System, explore this ancient engineering marvel and the surrounding scenic area. Continue to visit Mount Qingcheng, hike through this beautiful Taoist Mountain, taking in temples and natural scenery.

Admir a Sichuan Opera performance, complete with face-changing and fire-spitting acts. Stay overnight in Dujiangyan.

Day 3: Panda Valley and Return to Chengdu

In the morning, visit Panda Valley to see giant pandas in a more natural environment. Return to Chengdu in the afternoon. Wander along Jinli Pedestrian Street to enjoy traditional snacks, shopping, and the charming old-style atmosphere.

Day 4：Explore Nature

Take a high-speed train (about 1.5 hours) to Huanglong. Explore the stunning Huanglong Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the cable car to the top and marvel at the vibrant travertine pools, often described as a “Fairyland on Earth.” Head to Juizhaigou and stay overnight in Jiuzhaigou.

Day 5: Jiuzhaigou and Departure

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Jiuzhaigou, with its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and colorful forests. It is regarded as ‘sacred mountain and holy water’ by local Tibetan compatriots, and foreign tourists regard it as a fairy tale world.

Departure with wonderful experience.

5 Days Chengdu Cultural Immersion Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Heritage

Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel for a short break. And then, head to Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms period. Walk through Jinli Ancient Street, experiencing traditional architecture and local crafts. Explore the Sichuan Opera Museum and learn about the rich history of Sichuan Opera.

In the afternoon, participate in a traditional Sichuan cooking class, learning to make classic dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu.

Enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance with face-changing and fire-spitting acts. Dinner at a local restaurant to savor more Sichuan cuisine.

Day 2: Panda Volunteering and Local Culture

Engage in a half-day volunteer program, including feeding pandas, cleaning enclosures, and learning about panda conservation.

Have lunch at the panda base cafeteria. Visit the Sanxingdui Museum to explore ancient Shu civilization artifacts.

Stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, Chengdu's wide and narrow alleys, to enjoy local snacks and souvenirs. Dinner at a traditional hotpot restaurant.

Day 3: Dujiangyan Day Trip

Take a guided day trip to Dujiangyan(about 1 hour drive), home to the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System (UNESCO site). It's a flat walking area with beautiful views, cultural landmarks, and minimal exertion. Continue to visit Mount Qingcheng, one of the birthplaces of Taoism, taking in temples and natural scenery.

In the morning, Visit Huanglongxi ancient town (about a 1-hour drive from Chengdu). Start your exploration with a relaxed stroll along the ancient streets, admiring the well-preserved Ming and Qing-style architecture. Visit the Three Ancient Temples, experiencing the town’s religious and cultural heritage.

Try some local specialties like Huanglongxi Grilled Fish, One Noodle, or Leaf-wrapped Sticky Rice at a riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, walk along the riverside and explore alleys, covered bridge and water wheels, relax at a traditional teahouse with a cup of Gaiwan tea - lidded bowl tea), and if you're interested, experience a traditional ear-cleaning service, a local specialty.

Day 5: Tea Culture and Relaxation

In the morning, visit the People's Park and experience a traditional tea house, sipping tea while watching locals practice Tai Chi and play Mahjong. Try your hand at making Chinese tea in a tea culture workshop.

In the afternoon, explore Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the former residence of the famous Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. Relax with a leisurely walk through the Chengdu Botanical Garden.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a renowned Sichuan restaurant, savoring the flavors of Chengdu one last time.

Customize Your Unique Chengdu Tour

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Chengdu tour, please visit our Chengdu Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Chengdu Trip

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• Travel itinerary: various itineraries for your reference
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Chengdu
• Attraction: well-selected top attractions
• Activities: Chengdu cultural immersions
• Where to Visit: top places to visit in Chengdu
• Unique Perspective: top things to do in Chengdu
• Food and Restaurants: what and where to eat while traveling in Chengdu
• Accommodation: handpicked hotels for you
• Chengdu Tours: tailor-made Tours for your reference