Chengdu China 3 Day Itinerary

Chengdu, China: 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at Xuan Paper Dishes, a local favorite for Sichuan cuisine.
  • Visit the Tianfu Square, the city’s symbolic center, and take photos with the giant Mao Zedong statue.
  • Explore the nearby People’s Park and enjoy some leisure time in the park.

• Afternoon:

  • Head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a must-see attraction where you can get up close with giant pandas.
  • For lunch, try the famous Chengdu Jinli Snack Street for various Sichuan snacks and dishes.

• Evening:

  • Spend the evening in the Qingyang Palace, a Taoist temple with a long history and beautiful architecture.
  • Enjoy a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner at Laodon Kung Fu Hot Pot.

Day 2: Discover Jinli Ancient Town and Wenshu Monastery

• Morning:

  • Continue your exploration of Jinli Ancient Town, experiencing more of its rich culture and history. Don’t miss the Sichuan Opera performance!
  • For lunch, try Xiao Er Guo Jia, a popular local chain serving delicious spicy Sichuan dishes.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the tranquil Wenshu Monastery and the adjacent Huaxi Village (Flower and Fragrant Market), where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Sichuan snacks.
  • Take a stroll in the beautiful Donghu Park and enjoy the scenic views of the city.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Lao Zhong Restaurant for a variety of Sichuan dishes, including the famous Fish-Fragrant Pork Slices.
  • Experience Chengdu’s vibrant nightlife in the Kuanzhai Alley, a pedestrian street filled with bars, clubs, and cafes.

Day 3: Journey to Leshan Giant Buddha

• Morning:

  • Depart early in the morning for a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha. You can take a bus or book a tour from Chengdu.
  • Climb the steep staircases on the cliffside to get a closer view of the giant Buddha statue and explore the surrounding Lingyun Temple.

• Afternoon:

  • For lunch, have a packed meal or try local snacks available at the Leshan Giant Buddha site.
  • Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and take some time to relax after your day trip.

• Evening:

  • Have dinner at Chengdu Shufeng Yuchun, a famous tea house with a rich history dating back over 160 years. Try their signature dish, Fish-Flavored Braised Pork.
  • Spend your last evening in Chengdu at leisure, perhaps visiting any attractions you may have missed or revisiting favorite spots from the previous days.

Things to Know:

1. Chengdu has a subtropical monsoon climate with hot summers and mild winters. Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
2. English is not widely spoken in Chengdu, so it’s helpful to have some basic Chinese phrases or use translation apps.
3. Chengdu has an extensive Metro system that can help you get around the city easily and affordably. Taxis are also readily available.
4. Always carry cash as some smaller restaurants and shops may not accept credit cards.
5. Be prepared for spicy food, as Sichuan cuisine is famous for its strong flavors. If you’re sensitive to spice, ask for “hu la” (less spicy) options.
6. Respect local customs and traditions during your visit.