The Best Chengdu Travel Itineraries from 2 to 7 Days

Chengdu is a popular tourist destination known for its unique blend of ancient culture, laid-back lifestyle, and modern charm, with popular itineraries often including visits to top attractions such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and the Wide and Narrow Alleys. Interesting cultural activities and top things to do include tea sipping in traditional teahouses, Sichuan opera face-changing performances, hot pot dining experiences, and exploring local markets. Visitors can also enjoy a mix of historical exploration and modern leisure in the city’s vibrant cultural neighborhoods.

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Chengdu itinerary, please contact us.

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.

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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. 

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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.

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5 Days Chengdu Itinerary

A 5-day journey in Chengdu allows you to dive deeper into the city’s rich heritage and surrounding beauty. Meet giant pandas, explore local life at People’s Park, and discover ancient temples like Wuhou Shrine. Try your hand at Sichuan cuisine in a cooking class and watch the dazzling Sichuan Opera face-changing show. Take a day trip to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng or visit the nearby Panda Valley. Wrap up your trip exploring the trendy Taikoo Li and Kuanzhai Alley for shopping and nightlife. It's a perfect balance of tradition and modern fun.

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7 Days Chengdu Itinerary

A 7-day trip in and around Chengdu offers a rich and immersive experience of Sichuan’s culture, nature, and flavors. Begin with classic city highlights, such as pandas, Wuhou Shrine, People’s Park, and Jinli Ancient Street. Then, venture out to Dujiangyan, Mount Qingcheng, and the serene Bamboo Sea. Head to Leshan to see the world’s largest sitting Buddha and take a river cruise. Dive into local traditions with a cooking class and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Yulin Road. Optional trips to hot springs, tea plantations, or countryside villages offer even more to discover. This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking both depth and variety.

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Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou Itineray

For a trip to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, immerse yourself in some of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders and vibrant Tibetan culture. Marvel at the colorful travertine pools of Huanglong National Park and the crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks of Jiuzhaigou Valley. Explore traditional Tibetan villages, spin prayer wheels for blessings, horse riding and savor local delicacies like yak butter tea. Stroll through the ancient town of Songpan or unwind in a natural hot spring in Guhou. This journey is perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers seeking a peaceful yet awe-inspiring highland adventure.

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Chengdu Food Itineray

For a Chengdu food itinerary, dive into the heart of Sichuan cuisine with a flavorful journey through the city. Start your day with a classic local breakfast like spicy noodles or steamed buns, then visit traditional markets and sample street snacks such as rabbit head, skewers, and sweet fermented rice balls. Enjoy a hands-on cooking class to learn iconic dishes like Kung Pao chicken and mapo tofu. In the evenings, indulge in a sizzling hotpot dinner or explore the lively food stalls on Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Alley. Don’t miss sipping tea at a local teahouse while watching a Sichuan opera face-changing show. This itinerary is perfect for food lovers wanting to taste and experience Chengdu’s bold and unforgettable culinary culture.

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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

Jiuzhaigou Valley

• Chengdu Travel Guide: attractions, weather, food, culture, tours, etc.
• Chengdu Culture: rich and unique
• 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