4-day travel itinerary in Chengdu, China

A 4-Day Chengdu Itinerary for History, Culture, and Food Lovers: A Must-Visit for Chengdu Travelers
Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu – Experience the Old City
Breakfast
- Arrive at Shuangliu International Airport
- Transfer to your hotel (~1 hour) and check in
- Start at the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the Confucianist Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms period
- Stroll along Jinli Ancient Street to admire traditional architecture, local snacks, teahouses, and handicrafts
- Lunch
- Try authentic Sichuan cuisine, such as hot pot, Mapo Tofu, and Dandan Noodles
Chengdu's Famous Hot Pot Restaurants
Hot pot is a symbol of Sichuan cuisine, and Chengdu has many famous restaurants that are a must-try for both locals and tourists. The specialty is the fragrant, spicy, and numbing broth from the Mala peppers. Choose from two types of hot pot. (Spicy/Non-Spicy) Suitable for those who don't eat spicy food. Popular dishes include sliced beef, offal, fresh vegetables, potato noodles, and dumplings. Recommended restaurants include:
Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot (蜀九香火锅) – Rich and flavorful mala soup
Haidilao Hotpot (海底捞火锅) – Legendary service with live noodle-making demonstration
Shu DaXia Hotpot (蜀大侠火锅) – Fun and full of ancient warrior atmosphere
Eating hotpot in Chengdu is more than just a meal; it's a Sichuan cultural experience that everyone should try at least once.
Afternoon
- Visit the Chengdu Museum or Sichuan Museum to learn about history and artifacts.
Dinner:
- Have dinner at a local restaurant.
- Stroll around Anshun Bridge Night Market to admire the canal lanterns and sample local snacks. -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Two: Giant Pandas & Ancient Culture
Morning:
- Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center (~1 hour from the city)
***Best time: 8:00–10:00 AM. The pandas are awake and playful.
Lunch:
Try delicious Sichuan hotpot or other cuisine near the panda center (Hei LongTan Da YuTou Hotpot (黑龙潭大鱼头火锅)).
Afternoon:
- Visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, home of a famous Tang Dynasty poet.
- Explore Wenshu Monastery, a Qing Dynasty temple known for its classical architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Evening:
- Watch a Sichuan Opera mask-changing show.
- Have dinner at Kuanzhai Alley, admiring the ancient courtyard and the ambiance of the night. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Three: Day Trip to Qingcheng Mountain
Qingcheng Mountain & Dujiangyuan Irrigation System (~1 hour from Chengdu)
- Morning: Visit Qingcheng Mountain, Taoist temples, hiking trails, and bamboo forests
- Afternoon: Visit the Dujiangyuan Irrigation System, a 2,000-year-old World Heritage Site
- Evening: Return to Chengdu
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Day Four: Local Culture & Departure
Morning:
Stroll through People's Park, sample traditional tea, watch locals dance, play chess or cards, or participate in a Sichuan-style tea ceremony.
Lunch:
Try local street food or Sichuan noodles.
Afternoon:
- Shop on Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li for souvenirs, silk, and handicrafts.
- Enjoy a cup of tea at a teahouse before departure.
- Evening:
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- Transfer to the airport. Chengdu Travel Tips
- Getting There: The city's subway, taxis, or Didi are convenient. For a day trip to Leshan or Qingcheng Mountain, consider renting a car or taking a tour.
- Food: Sichuanese food is very spicy. You can request a less spicy level.
- Best Time: Mornings are ideal for pandas and temples to avoid crowds.
- Hidden gems: Qingyang Temple, teahouses in narrow alleys, and hiking trails near Qingcheng Mountain.
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