City TourYour first journey to Chengdu can be an exhilarating but overwhelming experience, bearing in mind the fact that the city is culturally sophisticated, food is extravagant, and there are plenty of attractions. That being said, with proper planning, you will be in a state to make the best out of your time and discover the city. This guide will provide you with a Chengdu guide encompassing features such as attractions, food, transportation, among others.
Pre – trip Preparation
Research and Prioritize
Do some research on the things to see in Chengdu before starting to pack. Decide what interests you the most, either cultural heritage, nature, or trying local food. If, for example, you are a history buff, places like the Jinsha Ruins Museum and its mysterious ancient Shu culture or the Wuhou Temple, a temple dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms, should feature on your list of places to visit. Nature lovers might rather put first the hike to Mount Qingcheng, whose monasteries and trees are famous, or visit to the Dujiangyan, an ancient civilization’s engineering marvel of water conservancy. And gastronomes will of course rather put first trying out the city’s fine variety of delicious restaurants.
Check the Weather and Pack Accordingly
Chengdu has a subtropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. Summers (June – August) can be quite warm, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, so lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection like hats and sunscreen are essential. Winters (December – February) are chilly, and you’ll need warm layers, especially if you plan to visit mountainous areas around the city. Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) offer more moderate temperatures, making light jackets and comfortable walking shoes ideal. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella or raincoat year – round, as the city experiences frequent drizzles.
Arrange Transportation and Accommodation in Advance
Chengdu is very accessible from the rest of the world. If you like to arrive by flight, it has two big airports. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is closer to the city center, and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport has more international flights. If you advance book your flight tickets, you can have a good deal. If you would like to travel by train, Chengdu East Railway Station is a major traffic hub for high-speed rails. It is the most convenient way of transport after arriving in Chengdu, and you can reach most of the tourist attractions. Purchase a transport card for your trip.
In terms of accommodation, for newcomers to Chengdu, Chunxi Road, famous for shopping and nightlife, Kuanzhai Alley, where you get to experience traditional Chengdu architecture and culture, and if you want to have personal interactions with giant pandas, you can also choose to stay near the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Do book your homestay or hotel in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
One – Day Itinerary Recommendations
Cultural Immersion Day
Morning: Begin your day at the Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum. Shu brocade and embroidery are two of China’s four famous brocades and embroideries, with a history spanning over 2000 years. Here, you can admire a vast collection of exquisite brocade and embroidery works, from ancient imperial tributes to modern art pieces. Participate in a hands – on workshop where skilled artisans will teach you the basic techniques of embroidery, such as the “needle – pulling” method unique to Shu embroidery. Create a small embroidered souvenir, like a handkerchief or a keychain, to take home as a memento of your Chengdu trip.
Noon: Drop by the local Kuanzhai Alley, but avoid the busiest tourist roads and head down side Jinhe Road instead. This restaurant-lined road offers numerous restaurants that serve authentic Sichuan home cooking. Don’t forget to order the Steamed Pork with Rice Noodles and the Fish-Fragrant Eggplant, a mix of sweet, sour, salty, hot, and fresh ingredients. After lunch, go visit a Sichuan Opera makeup workshop the old-fashioned way. Watch professional makeup artists execute the elaborate Sichuan Opera makeup process, and if you dare, you can even get a brief Sichuan Opera makeup and feel this intangible cultural heritage for yourself.
Afternoon: Pay a visit to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum. In addition to the regular tour, join a special activity of poetry appreciation conducted in the serene garden of the museum. Listen to scholars and poets read aloud Du Fu’s classic poems and learn about the historical and cultural background of his writings. Take a poetry workshop, during which you can try to write a poem inspired by the beautiful scene in front of your eyes and Du Fu’s soul. Then visit the museum’s exhibition hall of calligraphy, which displays replicas of ancient calligraphy works related to Du Fu. Study calligraphy with a local calligrapher and take back your own “piece of literary art.”.
Evening: End the day at the Sichuan Opera House. See a wonderful Sichuan Opera that not only features the classic face-changing and fire-breathing, but also other specialty arts such as “water sleeve dance” and “puppet show”. Beforehand, enjoy a “Sichuan Opera Theme Dinner” where dishes are named after opera characters and themes, such as “General Braised Beef” and “Fairy Sweet Soup”. After the performance, you may even participate in an interactive session with the actors, learn some basic Sichuan Opera movements, and take photos with the actors donning their gorgeous costumes.
Natural and Cultural Heritage Tour
Morning: Take a day trip to the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. This 2,000-year-old masterpiece of engineering is still functional today. Walk along the old water channel and see the Erwang Temple to learn to admire the ancient Chinese wisdom of water conservancy projects.
Lunch: Dine at a local restaurant in Dujiangyan and order dishes such as Mapo Tofu and Twice-cooked Pork.
Afternoon: Go to Qingcheng Mountain. You may ascend by cable way or ascend on foot to explore Taoist temples en route. Enjoy the fresh air and natural scenery, and experience the Taoist culture.
Evening: Return to Chengdu and relax in a teahouse within People’s Park. Enjoy an old-style covered bowl tea, watch locals playing mahjong or other games of recreation.
Multi – Day Self – Guided Itinerary
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Follow the Cultural Immersion Day Tour itinerary above.
Day 2: Morning at Jinsha Site Museum to learn about the ancient Shu civilization artifacts, including the Sun Bird gold foil. Visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage in the afternoon, Du Fu’s own original house, a great Tang Dynasty poet. Walk around the peaceful gardens and learn about Du Fu’s life and work. Enjoy the evening on Chunxi Road for dinner and shopping. Try some contemporary Sichuan food at upscale restaurants and shop at fashionable malls.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Leshan and tour the famous Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue. Taste local dishes of Leshan after the Giant Buddha tour, such as Bobo Chicken. Return to Chengdu in the evening to stage for the end of the trip.
Five-day Itinerary
Apart from the three-day tour itinerary, on the fourth day, visit the Chengdu Museum to learn about the history and culture of the city in detail. Wander in fashionable areas such as Taikoo Li in the afternoon, where fashionable shopping and eating are beautifully combined with traditional Sichuan architectural flair. On the fifth day, you might prefer to go out to see some of the specialty attractions such as Tanghu Park, or just sit at a neighborhood cafe and take in the laid-back vibe of Chengdu prior to the tour being over.
Food Exploration
Chengdu is a heaven for gastroms, famous for its hot and spicy Sichuan cuisine. And forget the hot pot, whose hot and spicy foundation is inerasable; Chuanchuanxiang, where food is put on bamboo sticks and simmered in the hot pot; and Dandan noodles, whose unique spicy and sweet taste is intolerable. In order to taste the true flavor of local culture, you could go to street food stalls and restaurants hidden away in alleys. Food streets to go to include Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Ancient Street and Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera House, where you can enjoy cultural performance while eating.
Things to Note
Spicy food: Sichuan food is renowned for its pungency. If you are not used to hot food, eat a little and tell the waiter that you would prefer less heat. You can also have some non-pungent Sichuan dishes such as sweet and sour spare ribs or Kung Pao chicken.
Busy spots: Mainstream areas tend to be heavily populated on weekends and holidays. If possible, visit them early morning or late evening when the crowds will be small.
Language Barrier: Even if the majority of the youth of Chengdu are familiar with some English, English might not be spoken in small restaurants and shops. It would be nice to have a translation app on your phone or to carry a typical phrasebook along with you.
By following this guide, you can plan an unforgettable trip to Chengdu, experiencing its rich culture, delicious food, and unique charm. Whether you’re here for a short visit or an extended stay, Chengdu is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can plan a memorable Chengdu trip and experience its rich culture, delicious food, and unique charm. Whether you are visiting for a short time or staying for a long time, Chengdu will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you want to join a group tour, you can contact our company – Chengdu Travel Agency. We are one of the leading travel companies in Sichuan, with experienced guides to serve you. We also provide customized tours in Chengdu and chartered tours in Chengdu. Looking forward to your contact.
