Chengdu itinerary 7 days

7 Days Chengdu Itinerary, Plan a Week Trip in Chengdu

Helen Tang
1998 Words/8 Minutes, By Helen Tang, Updated April 29, 2025
A 7-day trip to Chengdu offers a wonderfully relaxed pace. Over these 7 days, you can slowly experience almost all of the top attractions and cultural highlights the city has to offer. Must-visit attractions include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (to see the adorable pandas), the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street. You can also explore Qingcheng Mountain and the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha. Cultural experiences might include attending a Sichuan Opera performance (with face-changing shows), joining a hands-on Sichuan cooking class, take your time learning traditional crafts like bamboo weaving or Sichuan embroidery, and other activities. Finish with a soothing tea ceremony or a slow walk through the city's historical alleys.

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.

7 Days Chengdu itinerary for family with kids

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Chengdu

Arrival in Chengdu, check into the hotel and have a short break. Visit Wenshu Monastery, take a relaxing walk around Tianfu Square.

In the evening, visit the IFS Panda on the Wall to see the giant 3D panda installation, and enjoy a casual dinner nearby.

Day 2: Meet the Pandas & Explore People's Park

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (best panda viewing time: 7:30–10:30 AM).

Head to People’s Park, enjoy a boat ride, taste local snacks, and experience local leisure culture. Try a relaxed ear-picking experience (very local and safe for adults).

Free time or an optional Sichuan Opera show with face-changing performance.

Day 3: Hands-on Bamboo Weaving & Kuanzhai Alley

Participate in a Bamboo Weaving Workshop, learn this traditional craft with your kids and create your own bamboo souvenirs.

Explore the historic Kuanzhai Alley, taste Chengdu’s Street snacks, and visit small museums or souvenir shops. Visit the Sichuan Museum nearby if your family is interested in culture and history.

Day 4: Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Qingcheng Mountain

Full-day excursion to Dujiangyan, Star with a visit to Dujiangyan Irrigation System, learn about this ancient water project through interactive exhibitions.

Take a light hike or cable car ride at Mount Qingcheng, famous for its Taoist culture and lush greenery. Return to Chengdu in the evening.

Day 5: Sichuan Cuisine Museum & Sichuan Cooking Class

Visit Sichuan Cuisine Museum, join a Hands-on Sichuan Cooking Class, making dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu together with your kids. End the class by enjoying your own creations!

Enjoy a mild hotpot dinner in the evening, with non-spicy broth options available.

Day 6: Huanglongxi Ancient Town Adventure

Full-day trip to Huanglongxi Ancient Town. Stroll along ancient alleys, visit old temples, and relax at traditional teahouses. Taste famous local dishes such as Huanglongxi Grilled Fish, One Noodle, and local sweets.

Day 7: Historical immersion & Departure

Explore the ancient treasures of the Sanxingdui Museum and the legendary stories at Wuhou Shrine. It's a fun and educational journey where kids can gain a deeper understanding of Chengdu's rich history and cultural heritage.

Depending on flight time, have a leisurely stroll in the Jinli street before transferring to the airport for departure

7 Days Chengdu Itinerary for Seniors with a Slow Pace

Enjoy a relaxing journey through Chengdu, blending cultural heritage, nature, leisure, and authentic local life. Each day is thoughtfully paced for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Arrive in Chengdu and meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel for a restful check-in. Enjoy a short stroll around Kuanzhai Alley,visit a nearby teahouse for your first taste of Chengdu's tea culture.

Day 2: Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Take a short drive to explore the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (about 1-hour drive), an ancient engineering marvel still in use today. Learn about its fascinating history and stroll along scenic walkways.

Return to Chengdu and relax at your hotel.

Day 3: Panda Base and Jinsha Site Museum

Morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (best time to see active pandas: 7:30–10:30 AM).

In the afternoon, explore the Jinsha Site Museum, marveling at the ancient Shu civilization’s treasures at a comfortable pace.

Enjoy a mild hotpot dinner in the evening, with non-spicy broth options available.

Day 4: Enjoy a leisurely time exploring the ancient town

Take a leisurely day trip to Huanglongxi Ancient Town.

Wander its charming ancient streets, visit teahouses, savor local specialties, and enjoy the town’s slow-paced lifestyle.

Day 5: Wuhou Shrine and People's Park

Visit Wuhou Shrine, a tranquil site steeped in Three Kingdoms history. Walk through the Jinli Old Street, admire traditional Sichuan architecture, and try local snacks at a leisurely pace. Spend the afternoon at People’s Park, visit the famous Heming Tea House, and watch locals practicing Tai Chi, dancing, or even matchmaking.

Head to Jiuzhaigou, stay overnight in Jiuzhaigou.

Day 6: Admire Jiuzhaigou National Park

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Jiuzhaigou National Park, 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.

Day 7: Sichuan Cuisine and Departure

Back to Chengdu. Visit Sichuan Cuisine Museum and Join a hands-on Sichuan cooking class. Free time until your transfer to the airport or train station.

Depart with wonderful memories of your Chengdu journey!

7 Day Chengdu Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Upon arrival in Chengdu, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. Explore Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, soaking in the vibrant city vibe and modern atmosphere.

Day 2: Chengdu City Exploration

Morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (best time to see active pandas: 7:30–10:30 AM).

Relax at People's Park, where you can join locals for tai chi, sip tea, and enjoy Chengdu's famously slow-paced lifestyle. Head to Wuhou Shrine to dive into the history of the Three Kingdoms era, then stroll through the traditional Jinli Ancient Street.

Day 3: Day Trip to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain (All Day)

Take a trip to  Dujiangyan Irrigation System (about 1-hour drive) to learn about China's ancient irrigation engineering marvel. Continue on to Qingcheng Mountain, where you can hike among lush scenery and Taoist temples.

Transfer to Jiuzhaigou and check into a cozy Tibetan-style hotel near entrance of the Jiuzhaigou National Park.

Day 4: Jiuzhaigou National Park Adventure (All Day)

Spend the day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, visiting highlights like Five Flower Lake Shuzheng waterfall, Panda Lake and Long Lake. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, crystal water, and perhaps have a casual picnic with yak jerky snacks along the way.

Day 5: Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong

Travel to Huanglong Scenic Area (about 2.5hours drive). Take a cable car up and explore the dazzling travertine pools at Huanglong, known as a "Fairyland on Earth."

Head to Emei, stay overnight in Emei.

Day 6: Explore Mount Emei (All Day)

Head to Mount Emei. Hiking and cable car both way to Visit the Golden Summit to enjoy stunning views of the sea of clouds and sunset. In the evening, unwind in a natural hot spring at the foot of the mountain.

Day 7: Leshan – Return to Chengdu

On the way to Leshan, visit the Emeishan Snow Bud Tea Plantation to learn about Sichuan’s famous tea culture. Head to Leshan to visit the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone Buddha statue.

Return to Chengdu. Finish your 7-day trip with unforgettable experience.

7-Day Chengdu Cultural Immersion Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Arrive in Chengdu and transfer to your hotel. Take it easy with a stroll around the lively Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li areas. Soak in the city’s youthful energy and modern atmosphere while trying some local street food, Stay in central Chengdu for convenient access to major cultural sites.

Day 2: Unveil the Secrets of Ancient Civilizations

Visit the Jinsha Site Museum to explore relics from the ancient Shu Kingdom, including the iconic Gold Sun and Immortal Birds Ornament.

Visit the Sichuan Museum for an even deeper dive into the region’s history, art, and culture.

Day 3: Explore Ancient Engineering and Taoist Traditions

Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been operating for over 2,000 years.

Hike the Qingcheng Mountain, known for its lush scenery and Taoist temples. Discover Taoist philosophy amidst serene natural beauty.

Return to Chengdu and enjoy a hotpot dinner, choose a mild broth if you prefer less spice!

Day 4: Dive into Chengdu’s Traditional Culture

Visit the Wuhou Shrine and learn about the heroes of the Three Kingdoms era. Stop by a traditional teahouse in People's Park to enjoy a leisurely afternoon of tea-sipping and people-watching. If you're interested, you can also experience the traditional ear-picking service.

Stroll through Jinli Ancient Street, where the architecture and atmosphere bring old Chengdu to life. Sample traditional snacks and browse local handicrafts.

Experience a Sichuan Opera performance with iconic face-changing and fire-spitting shows at a local theater.

Day 5: Hands-on Cultural Experiences

Morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (best time to see active pandas: 7:30–10:30 AM).

Shop for fresh ingredients at a local market and join a hands-on Sichuan cooking class. Learn to make famous dishes like Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken.

Stroll through Kuanzhai Alleys, blending old Chengdu charm with stylish boutiques and artisan shops.

Day 6: Day Trip to Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Head to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture. Wander through its historic streets and alleys, visit temples, savor local specialties like Huanglongxi grilled fish, and experience a slower, more traditional way of life.

Discover the local Fire Dragon Dance and traditional Fuhe Haos folk singing, if available.

Day 7: Farewell to Chengdu

Visit the Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum, where a rich collection of Shu brocade and embroidery artifacts is on display. You can also see ancient looms and watch artisans demonstrate traditional weaving techniques. Visit Wenshu Monastery, is a sacred Buddhist site that combines spiritual practice, classical gardens, ancient architecture, pilgrimage, sightseeing, and religious study.

Depart from Chengdu, bringing back wonderful memories of your cultural immersion journey

Customize Your Unique Chengdu Tour

Chengdu Travel Guide

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Helen Tang

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