Explore Chengdu — PandaRoads

✧ Must-See

Chengdu's Top Attractions

From playful pandas to ancient engineering marvels.

★ Must-See

Chengdu Panda Base

100+ pandas on 92 forested acres. Arrive by 9am for feeding—pandas nap by noon. Cub nursery (Jun-Sep) is pure magic. ¥55 entry. Your guide handles tickets.

¥55 · 3 hrs

★ Free

Jinli Ancient Street

Chengdu's most atmospheric historic street. Qing Dynasty architecture, street food, puppet shows, craft shops. Free entry, open late. Next to Wuhou Shrine.

Free · 2 hrs

Historic

Wuhou Shrine

1,800 years old (built 223 AD). Dedicated to legendary strategist Zhuge Liang. Peaceful gardens, ancient halls, the "Three Steles". ¥50 entry. Combine with Jinli.

¥50 · 2-4 hrs

★ Free

Kuanzhai Alley

3 historic lanes from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Wide Alley for leisure, Narrow for courtyard culture, Well for street life. Metro accessible, free, open 24h.

Free · 2-3 hrs

UNESCO

Dujiangyan Irrigation

2,300-year-old engineering marvel (built 256 BC). The world's only dam-less irrigation system still in use today. Irrigates 75+ million acres. 1hr from Chengdu by train.

¥80 · Half-day trip

★ Culture

Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Poet Du Fu's home (759-762). He wrote 240 poems here. 20-hectare garden with streams, bridges, and a 30,000+ volume poetry museum. ¥50 entry.

¥50 · 2 hrs

🌶️ Taste Chengdu

Chengdu Food Scene

UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Warning: everything is deliciously addictive.

★ Black Pearl 1-Diamond

🍲 Huang Cheng Lao Ma (皇城老妈)

Chengdu's most famous hotpot since 1986. The "Mandarin Duck" pot (half spicy, half mild) is perfect for first-timers. Aged beef tallow broth is the secret.

¥120-200/person

★ Historic (est. 1862)

🥟 Chen Mapo Tofu

Serving the iconic mapo tofu since 1862. The original recipe—silky tofu in a fiery chili-bean sauce—hasn't changed in 160+ years. A Chengdu landmark.

¥32-48

★ Late Night

🍢 Chuan Chuan (Skewer Hotpot)

Grab skewers from the fridge, dip in boiling spicy broth, eat. Charged by the stick. Fun, casual, and delicious. Best at Shu Jiujia (蜀九香).

¥60-100/person

★ Street Food

🍜 Jinli Street Food Stalls

San da pao (three-shots rice balls), chuan chuan skewers, fried tofu, tanghulu. Eat your way down the ancient street. ¥5-30 per item.

¥5-30/item

★ Tea Culture

🍵 Heming Teahouse (People's Park)

The city's oldest teahouse. Bamboo chairs, jasmine tea (¥20), locals playing mahjong and practicing calligraphy. The soul of Chengdu.

¥15-35

★ Breakfast

🥟 Long Chao Shou (抄手)

Sichuan-style wontons in spicy chili oil and black vinegar. A Chengdu breakfast classic. Different from any wonton you've had before.

¥12-25

🏨 Accommodation

Where to Stay in Chengdu

We book the best rooms at the best rates.

$$$ Luxury

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu

At the heart of the city. Spectacular views, world-class spa, and exceptional service. Steps from Taikoo Li. From $250/night.

$$ Mid-Range

Buddha Zen Hotel

Boutique hotel near Kuanzhai Alley. Traditional courtyard design with modern comforts. Peaceful oasis in the city center. From $80/night.

$ Budget

Holiday Inn Express Panda Base

Clean, comfortable, and near the Panda Base. Free breakfast and shuttle to the base. From $50/night.

🚇 Getting Around

Chengdu Transport Guide

Modern, clean, and easy to navigate.

Best Value

🚇 Metro

12 lines covering all attractions. English signs, air-conditioned. ¥2-8 per ride. Get a Tianfu Tong Card for easy tap-and-go.

Convenient

🚕 DiDi / Taxi

Affordable rides, ¥8-30 for most trips. Use DiDi app (China's Uber). Airport to city: ~¥80-120.

Fun

🚲 Bike / E-Bike

Chengdu is flat and bike-friendly. Use HelloBike app. ¥1/30min. Best way to explore the city's tree-lined streets.

📋 Sample Plan

3 Days in Chengdu

The perfect Chengdu experience: pandas, culture, and unforgettable food.

Day 1: Pandas & Hot Pot 🐼

Early morning at the Panda Base (before 9am!). Afternoon: Jinli Ancient Street. Evening: Your first Sichuan hot pot experience!

Day 2: History & Opera 🏛️

Wuhou Shrine in the morning. Kuanzhai Alley walk. Afternoon tea at People's Park. Evening: Sichuan Opera with face-changing performance!

Day 3: Nature & Cuisine 🌶️

Day trip: Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Qingcheng. Return for a Chengdu food tour—Dan Dan noodles, Mapo Tofu, and more!

💡 Know Before You Go

Chengdu Travel Tips

Everything you need for a smooth trip.

🐼 Panda Base Tips

Arrive by 8:30am—pandas nap by noon. Book tickets in advance (your guide handles this). Morning feeding is the best time to see them active!

🌶️ Spice Level Guide

Start with 微辣 (wei la - micro spice). The numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns is unique and addictive! Your guide custom-orders your spice level.

💵 Budget

Chengdu is very affordable. Street meals from ¥10, metro rides ¥2. Our custom 4-day plans start from $800/person all-inclusive.

Chengdu: Pandas, Spice & Soul