China

Chengdu

Chengdu: pandas, peppercorns and teahouse calm.

Local time
UTC+8
Population
21.0M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Affordable
  • Food$$$$$About $16 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $34 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $1.2 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇳 CNY =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

CTUChengdu Shuangliu International AirportMain domestic airport, 11 km southwest of centre.
HowCostTime
Metro line 10Taipingyuan, then lines 3 and 7¥2-630-40 min
Cheapest and reliable; buy at machines.
Airport busCity centre, Renmin Nanlu area¥10-1540-60 min
Runs all day, less frequent at night.
TaxiCity centre¥45-6025-40 min
Metered; have your address in Chinese.
DiDiCity centre¥40-6025-40 min
Works with foreign cards in app.
TFUChengdu Tianfu International AirportNewer airport for many international flights, 46 km southeast.
HowCostTime
Metro line 18South Railway Station, then line 1¥11 to Tianfu Square50-60 min
Trains roughly 06:00-23:00.
Airport busChengdu IFS near Chunxilu¥4060-90 min
Check desk outside arrivals for times.
Metro line 19Shuangliu Airportcheck locallyabout 30 min express
Useful for airport-to-airport transfers.
TaxiCity centre¥120-18050-80 min
Long ride; tolls may apply.
DiDiCity centre¥110-17050-80 min
Book after landing; pickup zones signed.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Chengdu

Getting around

Metro for most trips; DiDi or taxis for evenings and airport runs.

  • Metro ★Many lines with English ticket machines. WeChat/Alipay and most international cards accepted. Line 10 links Shuangliu Airport to the centre in about 30–40 min. Line 18 links Tianfu Airport to South Railway Station in about 50 min; ticket to Tianfu Square around ¥11.
  • Bus¥2 air-conditioned, ¥1 older buses. Exact change or a transit card. Signs in Chinese only, so use a map app.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Metered taxis are cheap; add about ¥10 for the airport expressway toll when leaving town. DiDi works well.
  • Rental carNot needed in the city; traffic and parking are a hassle. Use trains for day trips.
  • WalkingThe flat centre is good on foot, and shared bikes are handy for short hops.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers pandas, hotpot and the old lanes at an easy pace; add a night for a day trip to Leshan or the mountains.

Best for
  • FoodHotpot, mapo tofu and teahouse snacks all day.
  • CultureTeahouses, Sichuan opera and old lanes.
  • NaturePandas, bamboo parks and green hills nearby.

Weather by month

11°4°Jan🌧 5d
13°5°Feb🌧 6d
19°10°Mar🌧 11d
24°14°Apr🌧 13d
27°18°May🌧 14d
30°21°Jun🌧 14d
31°23°Jul🌧 20d
31°23°Aug🌧 19d
26°20°Sep🌧 16d
21°15°Oct🌧 13d
17°10°Nov🌧 5d
11°5°Dec🌧 5d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Humid subtropical: mild winters, warm summers and rain in every month, heaviest in July and August.

  • Best time: March to May and October to NovemberHighs of 19–27°C and manageable rain. Ideal for walking, pandas and day trips.
  • Rain all yearEven the driest months see about 5 rain days. July and August are wettest with about 20. Always carry a small umbrella.
  • Hot, humid summer (June to August)Highs near 30–31°C with muggy air. Do outdoor sights early morning; rest indoors in the afternoon.
  • Cool, damp winter (December to February)Highs of 11–13°C and lows of 4–5°C. Homes and some rooms are lightly heated, so bring warm layers.
  • Cloudy skies are commonChengdu is often overcast and hazy. Don't count on blue skies for photos.
  • What to packLayers, a rain jacket or umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, and mosquito repellent for summer evenings.

Landmarks 10

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

    The city's defining experience and the reason many people come to Chengdu: you can watch giant pandas up close, including playful cubs. Go early in the morning when the pandas are most active and feeding, and book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.

  2. 2

    Jinli Ancient Street

    A lively restored old street with traditional architecture, snacks and souvenir stalls, and it is the most famous stroll in the city. Visit in the late afternoon or evening when the lanterns come on, and expect crowds.

  3. 3

    Wuhou Shrine

    A historic shrine complex dedicated to Zhuge Liang and the Three Kingdoms era, set in peaceful gardens next to Jinli. It pairs naturally with a Jinli visit; go on a weekday morning for quieter paths.

  4. 4

    Du Fu Thatched Cottage

    The former residence of the great Tang poet Du Fu, now a serene museum and garden. It is a calm, green escape from the city center; allow an hour or two and go in the morning.

  5. 5

    Wenshu Monastery

    A working Buddhist monastery in the old city with incense-filled halls, tea houses and a vegetarian restaurant. It is easy to reach by metro and makes a relaxed half-day with nearby streets.

  6. 6

    People's Park

    The classic Chengdu park where locals drink tea, play mahjong and watch the world go by. Come in the afternoon, order a cup of tea at a teahouse and simply people-watch.

  7. 7

    Tianfu Square

    The central square and a handy orientation point in the modern city, with the Mao statue and metro interchange. It is a quick stop rather than a long visit; combine it with nearby shopping streets.

  8. 8

    Qingcheng Mountain

    A Taoist mountain outside the city with temples, forest trails and views, a popular day trip from Chengdu. Wear comfortable shoes and start early, as the full climb takes most of a day.

1Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding2Jinli Ancient Street3Wuhou Shrine4Du Fu Thatched Cottage5Wenshu Monastery6People's Park7Tianfu Square8Qingcheng Mountain

Cultural

Museum 1

Old Town 1

Park 1

Historical Square 1

Buddhist 1

Other Religion 1

Natural

Mountain 1

Activities

Zoo 1

Aquarium 1

Amusement Park 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Plans

    Chengdu rewards slow days with spicy food, old lanes and easy trips to mountains and pandas. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Food ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want hotpot, snacks and teahouse life with pandas on the side.

    Stay: Chunxi Road. Shopping and food street on the doorstep; good metro links and many hotels.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ CNY 555
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ CNY 293
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    CNY 600–1,800
    2 nights · Chunxi Road
    Day 1

    Arrive, old lanes and hotpot

    Tickets ≈ CNY 170 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 56
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ CNY 16
    2. 1

      15:00–16:30 · Free to walk; snacks and teahouses extra

      Kuanzhai Alley (Kuanzhai Xiangzi)

      Open all day. Walk the three lanes and snack as you go.

      Open Open all day; liveliest from late afternoon

    3. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 13
    4. 2

      17:00–18:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60 for snacks

      Local wet market food walk

      Busiest in the morning, but stalls stay open into the evening. Check on the day.

      Open Busiest roughly 07:00–11:00

    5. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 14
    6. 3

      19:00–21:00 · ≈ CNY 80–180 per person

      Sichuan hotpot dinner

      Book ahead on weekends. Ask for mild (weiwēi) if you are new to chilli.

      Open Most hotpot restaurants roughly 11:00–02:00

    7. Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 14
    Day 2

    Pandas early, snacks and tea

    Tickets ≈ CNY 205 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 172
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 13 km · ≈ 41 min · ≈ CNY 35
    2. 1

      07:30–10:30 · ≈ CNY 55 adult; check on the day

      Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Landmark quest

      Go at opening. Pandas are most active early and it is cooler.

      Open Roughly 07:30–18:00; pandas most active early

    3. Taxi · 17 km · ≈ 50 min · ≈ CNY 42
    4. 2

      12:00–13:00 · ≈ CNY 10–30 per snack

      Sichuan snack food street

      Lunch of small Sichuan snacks. About 30 minutes by taxi from the base.

      Open Roughly 10:00–22:00

    5. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 12
    6. 3

      14:30–16:00 · ≈ CNY 20–40 for a pot of tea

      People's Park teahouse

      Teahouse in the park. Order jasmine tea and sit outside.

      Open Park roughly 06:00–22:00; teahouse daytime

    7. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ CNY 15
    8. 4

      17:30–18:30 · Free to walk; shopping extra

      Chunxi Road pedestrian shopping walk

      Shops roughly 10:00–22:00. Good for a stroll before dinner.

      Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00

    9. Taxi · 12 km · ≈ 39 min · ≈ CNY 34
    10. 5

      19:00–20:30 · ≈ CNY 60–120 per person

      Kwafood Landmark quest

      Dinner. Check the branch hours on the day.

      Open Roughly 11:00–22:00; check the branch

    11. Taxi back to your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 39 min · ≈ CNY 34
    Day 3

    Opera, then fly

    Tickets ≈ CNY 180 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 64
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ CNY 16
    2. 1

      09:00–10:30 · Free entry; vegetarian meal ≈ CNY 20–40

      Wenshu Monastery

      Morning is calmest. Vegetarian lunch nearby is good value.

      Open Roughly 08:00–17:00; check on the day

    3. Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 20
    4. 2

      13:00–15:00 · Free to walk; snacks and teahouse extras cost CNY 10–50

      Jinli Ancient Street Landmark quest

      Street open all day. Shops roughly 09:00–22:00.

      Open Street open all day · shops roughly 09:00–22:00

    5. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 13
    6. 3

      19:30–21:00 · ≈ CNY 120–280 depending on seat

      Sichuan opera face-changing show

      Evening shows usually around 19:30–21:00. Book tickets a day ahead. Skip if your flight is early.

      Open Evening shows, usually around 19:30–21:00

    7. Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ CNY 15

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day for the Leshan Giant Buddha by high-speed train, about 1 hour each way; check times on the day.
    • Spend a morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; go early, pandas are active before the heat.
    • Swap a city day for Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan, an easy day trip by train from the city.

    Getting around

    • Metro: many lines, English ticket machines, WeChat/Alipay and most international cards accepted.
    • Metro line 10 links Shuangliu Airport to the centre in about 30-40 min.
    • Metro line 18 links Tianfu Airport to South Railway Station in about 50 min; ticket to Tianfu Square around ¥11.
    • Buses cost ¥2 air-conditioned, ¥1 older; exact change or transit card; signs in Chinese only.
    • Taxis are metered and cheap; add about ¥10 for the airport expressway toll when leaving town.
    • Ride apps: DiDi works well; walking and shared bikes are good in the flat centre.

    Where to stay

    • Tianfu Square · ≈ CNY 250–700 a night
      Dead centre, on two metro lines; easy walk to museums and the river.
    • Chunxi Road · ≈ CNY 300–900 a night
      Shopping and food street on the doorstep; good metro links and many hotels.
    • Kuanzhai Alley · ≈ CNY 280–800 a night
      Old lanes, teahouses and snacks; quieter evenings, central but relaxed.
    • Wuhou Temple · ≈ CNY 200–600 a night
      Near the temple, Jinli Street and the panda-base bus routes; cheaper rooms.

    Food & drink

    • Hotpot is the must-do: a divided pot of mild and numbing-spicy broth, dipped in oil and garlic. Expect ¥80–150 per person with drinks.
    • Try mapo tofu, dan dan noodles and kung pao chicken at small local restaurants; a filling meal is often ¥20–50.
    • Snack streets: Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley for tourists, or local lanes for cheaper bites. Prices are higher at the famous streets.
    • Teahouses are part of the day: order jasmine tea, sit for an hour, and watch the city go by. Around ¥20–60 a pot.
    • Street stalls are fine but busy ones turn over food faster. Drink bottled or boiled water if your stomach is sensitive.

    Tips

    1. Sichuan hotpot is a staple, but be prepared for the intense numbing heat of the Sichuan peppercorn (málà)
    2. The local lifestyle is famously slow and relaxed compared to the hustle of Beijing or Shanghai
    3. Spend an afternoon drinking jasmine tea and playing Mahjong in People's Park
    4. Book tickets to the Giant Panda Breeding Base in advance and arrive early to see them active
    5. WeChat Pay and Alipay are absolutely mandatory for payments; cash is rarely accepted
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
      • Skip-the-line entry to the panda base
      • See giant pandas and red pandas up close
      • 1,031 reviews · 4.5 rating
      Entry includedInstant ticket

      Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (1,031)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
      • Morning visit to the panda base
      • Option to add Leshan Giant Buddha in the afternoon
      • 279 reviews · 4.7 rating
      Half-day tourOptional Buddha visit

      Panda Base Half-day Tour or Panda & Buddha Day Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (279)

      • Traditional Sichuan opera performance
      • Face-changing and fire-spitting acts
      • 296 reviews · 4.6 rating
      Evening showTicket included

      Sichuan Opera Shu Feng Ya Yun Evening Show Ticket

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (296)

      • Taste hidden local dishes
      • Visit local bars for craft beers
      • 108 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Food tourSmall group

      Hidden Dishes and Beers UNESCO Food Evening Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (108)

      Souvenirs

      Pixian Doubanjiang (Chili Bean Paste)

      CNY 15–40250–500g · estimate

      This fermented chili bean paste comes from Pixian County, just outside Chengdu. It is the base of many Sichuan dishes, especially mapo tofu.

      Where: Large supermarkets or official stores that carry the Juancheng brand
      Check the sealed packaging and the aging period printed on the label before you buy.

      Shu Brocade Silk Pouch

      CNY 80–2501 small piece · estimate

      Shu brocade is a traditional silk weaving craft that has been practiced in Chengdu for centuries. Small pouches show the city's old textile skills in a portable form.

      Where: Gift shop at the Chengdu Shu Brocade Museum
      Look at the fabric and how the pattern is made, and ask whether the piece is hand-woven or machine-made.

      Sichuan Huajiao (Sichuan Peppercorn)

      CNY 20–6050–100g · estimate

      Sichuan peppercorns give the numbing sensation found in many local dishes. Chengdu cooking relies on them heavily.

      Where: Hongqi Chain or the spice section of large supermarkets
      Smell both red and green varieties before choosing, since their flavors differ.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

      Search flights · Trip.com

      Hotels

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