Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its famous giant pandas, spicy cuisine, and rich traditions, it’s a fantastic destination for first-time travelers. Whether you're here for the pandas or the food, this 3-day Chengdu itinerary will guide you through the best attractions, cultural experiences, and efficient transportation options so you can maximize your time in this vibrant city.

Day 1: Explore Chengdu’s Famous Pandas and Ancient Culture

Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

How to Get There: The Chengdu Panda Base is approximately 18 km (11 miles) from the city center, and it's best reached by taxi (around 30 minutes) or via public bus (Line 87).

What to Do: Start your Chengdu adventure with the city’s iconic Giant Panda Base. The park is home to over 80 pandas and offers a chance to observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Morning is the best time to see the pandas at their most active. You can also learn about conservation efforts and take photos of the playful pandas eating bamboo or rolling around.

Afternoon: Explore Wenshu Monastery and Tea Culture

How to Get There: After visiting the panda base, take a 25-minute taxi ride to Wenshu Monastery, located in the city center.

What to Do: After a morning with the pandas, head to the peaceful Wenshu Monastery, one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Chengdu. It’s a tranquil spot, perfect for a quiet walk or some reflection. Don’t miss a visit to the Wenshu Teahouse, where you can enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and try various local teas like Chengdu Green Tea or Jasmine Tea.

Evening: Stroll Through Jinli Ancient Street and Visit Wuhou Shrine

How to Get There: From Wenshu Monastery, it’s a short 10-minute walk to Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine.

What to Do: For the evening, head to Jinli Ancient Street, a lively, historic pedestrian street lined with traditional Sichuan architecture, street food stalls, and souvenir shops. You can enjoy Sichuan snacks such as Kung Pao Chicken and Dan Dan Noodles. Right next to Jinli is the Wuhou Shrine, a significant historical site dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period, where you can learn about China’s rich history.

Day 2: Dive into Chengdu’s History and Modern Culture

Morning: Sichuan Museum and Renmin Park

How to Get There: Start your day with a visit to the Sichuan Museum, easily accessible via a short metro ride from most downtown hotels.

What to Do: The Sichuan Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It features extensive collections on local history, ancient art, and cultural exhibits. Afterward, take a peaceful walk through Renmin Park, located near the museum. The park is perfect for a relaxing stroll, and you’ll see locals practicing Tai Chi, enjoying a game of Mahjong, or sipping tea in the traditional teahouses.

Afternoon: Chunxi Road Shopping and Sichuan Cuisine

How to Get There: Take a short metro ride (Line 2) to Chunxi Road, Chengdu’s bustling commercial hub.

What to Do: Next, visit Chunxi Road, Chengdu’s main shopping district. It’s a vibrant area filled with international brands, local boutiques, and plenty of street food vendors. For lunch, dive into the local food scene by trying Sichuan hotpot, a spicy and flavorful meal that is perfect for any foodie. Don’t miss dishes like Mapo Tofu and Twice-Cooked Pork.

Evening: Sichuan Opera and Face-Changing Performance

How to Get There: From Chunxi Road, take a short taxi ride to Shufeng Yayun Teahouse, the home of Sichuan Opera performances.

What to Do: End your day with a unique cultural experience by attending a Sichuan Opera performance, known for its incredible face-changing act, where performers switch masks in an instant to the amazement of the audience. It’s a traditional art form that is fascinating to watch and gives you a deeper understanding of Sichuan’s culture.

Day 3: Natural Wonders and Scenic Beauty Around Chengdu

Morning: Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

How to Get There: Take a tour or a private car to Mount Qingcheng (around 1.5 hours from Chengdu) and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.

What to Do: On Day 3, explore the natural beauty of Mount Qingcheng, one of China’s most famous Taoist mountains. The mountain is covered in lush greenery and dotted with Taoist temples, offering an excellent chance for a peaceful hike. Afterward, visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest water conservation systems in the world. The system, which dates back over 2,000 years, is still in use today to regulate the water flow of the Min River.

Afternoon: Return to Chengdu and Visit Wuhouci

How to Get There: After visiting Dujiangyan, return to Chengdu (1.5-hour drive).

What to Do: After your excursion, return to Chengdu for a relaxing afternoon. Stop by the Wuhouci Temple in the city to explore more about the Three Kingdoms era and visit the beautiful gardens around the temple.

Evening: Sichuan Hotpot and Chengdu Nightlife

How to Get There: End your trip with a visit to one of Chengdu’s famous hotpot restaurants in the city center.

What to Do: No trip to Chengdu would be complete without trying Chengdu hotpot. You can find many great hotpot restaurants throughout the city, serving up spicy broths filled with meats, vegetables, and an assortment of dipping sauces. After your meal, explore Chengdu’s nightlife at a bar or lounge in Taikoo Li or Chunxi Road.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Chengdu

Public Transit: Chengdu has a well-developed metro system, which is efficient and budget-friendly. Line 1 and Line 2 cover most of the key attractions in the city.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Didi (China’s version of Uber) is widely available and offers a convenient way to get around the city, especially if you’re traveling to places like the Panda Base or Dujiangyan.

Private Tours: If you prefer a more comfortable and personalized experience, consider booking a private tour that includes transport and a guide.