3–4 days recommended

Chengdu 成都

Q: How many days do I need in Chengdu, and where should I stay?

Three days covers the pandas, the centre and a day trip such as the Leshan Giant Buddha. Stay near Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, with the metro and everything close by, or near Wenshu Temple for a quieter feel.

Q: What time should I go to see the pandas?

First thing. The base opens at 7.30 and pandas are active until mid-morning, while they eat. By midday they sleep, and arriving then is the classic mistake. Tickets are sold online only, with your passport. It is 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from the centre.

Q: When is the best time to visit Chengdu?

March to June and September to November are mild. Summer is hot and humid, and skies are often grey for much of the year, so do not count on many blue days.

Q: How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

Most international flights land at Tianfu (TFU), about 50 km out. The line 18 express reaches South Railway Station in about 35 minutes, then change metro lines. A taxi takes 60 to 90 minutes. If you land at Shuangliu (CTU), you are much closer.

Q: What should I eat in Chengdu? Is there vegetarian food?

Hotpot, mapo tofu and dandan noodles. Sichuan pepper numbs your mouth, so ask for "wēi là" if you want it mild. Mapo tofu usually has minced meat, so ask for it without if you are vegetarian. Wenshu Temple has a vegetarian restaurant.

The most relaxed city in China. Pandas, tea houses and the spiciest food you will try.

How many days3–4

Where to stayChunxi Road and Taikoo Li

What you will see

Wenshu Temple and a tea houseA slow afternoon

Sichuan opera and face changing. In the evening

Our hotels in Chengdu

BudgetAtour Taikoo LiBetween Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road, some rooms with courtyardsFrom 50 € a night · 9.5 on Trip.com ComfortableBuddha Zen HotelZen courtyard hotel beside Wenshu MonasteryFrom 52 € a night · 9.5 on Trip.com SpecialUpper HouseFormerly The Temple House, century-old courtyard inside Taikoo LiFrom 330 € a night · 9.6 on Trip.com

Weather month by monthAverage high and low, °C

10°3°J

13°6°F

18°9°M

23°14°A

27°18°M

29°21°J

31°22°J

31°22°A

26°19°S

21°15°O

17°10°N

11°5°D

Green, pleasant. Blue, cold. Red, hot. Grey, many rainy days. 1991 to 2020 averages from the China Meteorological Administration.

Extras to add to your trip

Pandas at opening time, with a guideArrive at 7.30 · Civitatis

Sichuan opera and face changingIn the evening · Civitatis

Sichuan cooking classMapo tofu and dumplings · Civitatis

More hotels in Chengdu

Itineraries that include Chengdu

12 daysWith kids and pandas · Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai 15 daysChina in depth · Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai

Metro and bus in Chengdu

Tap your contactless Visa or Mastercard at metro gates and on buses, since July 2025. The Alipay code works too. Step by step

What to eat in Chengdu

火锅huǒguōSichuan hot potA bubbling spicy broth at the table where you cook meat and vegetables.Very spicyOrder a yuanyang pot (鸳鸯锅), half spicy, half mild.

麻婆豆腐mápó dòufuMapo tofuSilky tofu in a red sauce with minced meat and Sichuan pepper.Very spicy

宫保鸡丁gōngbǎo jīdīngKung pao chickenDiced chicken stir-fried with peanuts and dried chilies, sweet and spicy.SpicyContains peanuts, careful with allergies.

担担面dàndàn miànDan dan noodlesNoodles with minced pork, chili oil and tingling Sichuan pepper.Very spicy

冰粉bīngfěnBingfen ice jellyCold plant-based jelly with brown sugar syrup. Cools the spice, kids love it.Not spicyVegetarianKid friendly

Allergies or vegetarian? You have cards in Chinese to show at restaurants in the My trip kit.

Questions about Chengdu

How many days do I need in Chengdu, and where should I stay?

Three days covers the pandas, the centre and a day trip such as the Leshan Giant Buddha. Stay near Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, with the metro and everything close by, or near Wenshu Temple for a quieter feel.

What time should I go to see the pandas?

First thing. The base opens at 7.30 and pandas are active until mid-morning, while they eat. By midday they sleep, and arriving then is the classic mistake. Tickets are sold online only, with your passport. It is 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from the centre.

When is the best time to visit Chengdu?

March to June and September to November are mild. Summer is hot and humid, and skies are often grey for much of the year, so do not count on many blue days.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

Most international flights land at Tianfu (TFU), about 50 km out. The line 18 express reaches South Railway Station in about 35 minutes, then change metro lines. A taxi takes 60 to 90 minutes. If you land at Shuangliu (CTU), you are much closer.

Is Chengdu good with kids?

It is the best city for kids. Besides the pandas, they love the face changing at the Sichuan opera and an afternoon in a tea house in People's Park. Ask for their food "bù là", not spicy.

What should I eat in Chengdu? Is there vegetarian food?

Hotpot, mapo tofu and dandan noodles. Sichuan pepper numbs your mouth, so ask for "wēi là" if you want it mild. Mapo tofu usually has minced meat, so ask for it without if you are vegetarian. Wenshu Temple has a vegetarian restaurant.

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