Chengdu, China 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Travel Itinerary for Chengdu, China

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Places to Go:

  1. People’s Park (Renmin Gongyuan): A popular urban park where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, watch tai chi practitioners, or feed fish in the pond.
  2. Jinli Ancient Street: Experience the rich Sichuan culture by exploring this pedestrian street filled with traditional shops, restaurants, and performances.
  3. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Spend the afternoon visiting this world-renowned sanctuary to learn about and observe giant pandas.

Where to Eat:

  1. Sichuan Snacks Street (Chuan snack street): Try local delicacies like hot pot, mapo tofu, and spicy Sichuan chicken.
  2. Xiao Er Guo Ji (肖尔果橄榄): Known for its flavorful Sichuan dishes, especially the famous Fish-Fragrant Yellow Croaker.

Where to Stay:

  • Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre: Centrally located with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • The Temple House: A boutique hotel housed in a restored traditional courtyard, offering luxury and unique experiences.

Things to Know:

  • Chengdu’s weather can be quite hot in summer, so pack light clothing and sunscreen.
  • Sichuan food is known for its spiciness, but most restaurants offer less-spicy versions for tourists.

Day 2: Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei

Places to Go:

  1. Leshan Giant Buddha: Take a day trip to visit the largest stone-carved Buddha statue in the world, located at the confluence of three rivers.
  2. Mount Emei (Emei Shan): Famous for its temples, breathtaking scenery, and the highest Buddhist sanctuary in China.

Tips:

  • Book a guided tour to visit Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei as they are quite far from Chengdu city center.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on steep paths at Mount Emei.

Day 3: Chengdu Museum & Qingyang Palace

Places to Go:

  1. Chengdu Museum: Explore the rich history of Sichuan province with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to modern day.
  2. Qingyang Palace (Qingyang Gong): This Taoist temple is a tranquil oasis in the city, featuring beautiful architecture and gardens.

Where to Eat:

  1. Chengdu Cheng Xiang Tang Tang: Enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine with traditional tea service in a cozy atmosphere.
  2. Zhongxing Gongfu Tea House (中兴宫府茶馆): Experience the local tea culture by sampling various types of teas and enjoying a peaceful tea ceremony.

Day 4: Relax & Departure

Places to Go:

  1. Wuhou Shrine (Wuhou Ci): Dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous historical figure from the Three Kingdoms period, this museum complex showcases Sichuan’s rich history.
  2. Tianfu Square: Visit this iconic square in the heart of Chengdu, where you can see the monumental statue of Chairman Mao and enjoy a leisurely walk.

Departure:

  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Take a taxi or public bus to the airport for your departure flight.