If we’re looking for a place that mixes nature, history, great food, and relaxed vibes, Chengdu should be at the top of our travel list.
It’s home to giant pandas, Taoist mountains, ancient relics, and unforgettable street snacks. Ready for the full travel guide? Let’s go!
Visit Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base
No trip to Chengdu is complete without seeing the adorable giant pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place for it. The base is large, green, and peaceful — perfect for watching pandas eat, nap, and play.
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: $10 USD
- How to get there: Take Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue, then transfer to Bus 198A or 198B
- Best time to visit: Before 10:00 AM (pandas are most active in the morning)
- Tips: Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and avoid weekends for fewer crowds
Step into History at Wuhou Shrine and Jinsha Site Museum
We love how Chengdu brings ancient history to life. First stop: Wuhou Shrine, built in memory of the famous strategist Zhuge Liang.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Ticket price: Around $6 USD
- Location: Wuhou District, central Chengdu
- Travel tip: Go early to enjoy the peaceful temple grounds before the crowds arrive
Next, we head to the Jinsha Site Museum, which tells the story of a civilization that lived here over 3,000 years ago. The gold mask relic is a must-see!
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Apr–Oct), until 6:30 PM (Nov–Mar)
- Ticket price: $9 USD
- How to get there: Metro Line 7 to Jinsha Museum Station
- Tip: Allocate at least 2 hours — it’s a big and well-curated museum
Escape into Nature at Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan
Looking for a day trip from Chengdu? Mount Qingcheng is a perfect choice. This sacred Taoist mountain is full of lush forests, peaceful temples, and scenic hiking paths.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: $15 USD
- How to get there: Take a high-speed train to Qingchengshan Station, then hop on Bus 101
- Tip: The back mountain trail is quieter and offers amazing views
Right nearby is the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, over 2,000 years old and still working today. It’s not only impressive but also very scenic with bridges and walkways over rivers.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ticket price: $12 USD
- Best combo: Visit both sites in one day for the full experience
Chengdu’s Street Food and Hotpot Heaven
We can’t leave Chengdu without talking about food. This city is known as a “Gastronomic Capital” for a reason! Here’s what we shouldn’t miss:
- Chengdu Hotpot: Usually around $15–$25 USD per person
- Dandan noodles: Spicy and rich, about $2 USD per bowl
- Mapo tofu: Around $3–$5 USD at local spots
- Sweet water noodles: Around $1.50 USD
The best place to snack and shop is Jinli Ancient Street. It’s full of local flavors, souvenirs, and lights at night.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tip: Try eating small bites from different stalls — it’s the best way to taste Chengdu
Getting Around the City
Chengdu’s public transportation makes travel super easy.
- Metro: Over 10 lines, clean and efficient; rides cost around $0.50 USD
- Taxis: Start at $2 USD; use ride apps like DiDi for convenience
- Airport: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is about an hour from the city center by metro or shuttle bus
- Train: High-speed trains connect Chengdu with cities like Xi’an, Chongqing, and Shanghai
- Travel tip: Buy a Chengdu Metro Card or use Alipay/WeChat Pay for seamless metro access.
Best Time to Visit and Helpful Travel Tips
- Best seasons: Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) — mild and dry
- Language: Mandarin is spoken, but many signs at attractions have English
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (1 USD ≈ 7.1 RMB)
- Useful apps: “Pleco” for translation, “Amap” for maps, and “DiDi” for ride-hailing
- Tip: Bring a portable battery and VPN if you rely on online services
Let’s Make Some Chengdu Memories Together!
Strolling through ancient temples, tasting spicy street food, and watching playful pandas in action — each moment in Chengdu brings its own kind of joy. This city invites us to slow down, soak up the culture, and enjoy every bite and view along the way.
Lykkers, is Chengdu calling your name?
Tell us — would you explore panda parks or historical spots first? Or maybe dive into a hotpot right away? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep dreaming and planning our next trip. See you in Chengdu!
Chengdu, China | Ultimate Travel Guide
Video by TravelLucid
