Chengdu Itineraries: Explore Top Attractions & Surrounding Areas

Chengdu Itineraries

  • Fun Evening Activities
  • Half-Day Itinerary 1: Downtown Walking Tour – Dufu’s Cottage – Meal at Long Chao Shou
  • Half-Day Itinerary 2: Wuhouci and Jinli Street
  • Full Day Itinerary 1: Wenshu Temple – Panda Breeding Base – Sanxingdui Museum
  • Full Day Itinerary 2: Qingcheng Mountain & Dujiangyan
  • Sichuan Province Beyond Chengdu

Fun Evening Activities to Add to Chengdu Daily Itineraries

Kuanzhai Alleys in Chengdu.
Daderot/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.5

When making Chengdu your travel base, you may seek to incorporate evening activities into your itinerary rather than concluding your day at 7 PM. Here are several options to enhance your evening experience:

  • Kuanzhai Alley: Stroll through the beautifully renovated ancient alleys filled with shops and restaurants that remain open late, offering a perfect atmosphere for evening exploration.
  • Renmin Park: A popular spot for tea-drinkers and people-watchers, often featuring a captivating light show at night.
  • Shunxing Ancient Tea House: A charming venue where you can relish a delightful Sichuan meal followed by an entertaining dance show.
  • Jinli Street: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic street in the evening, perfect for leisurely walks and dining.

Half-Day Itinerary 1: Downtown Walking Tour & Dufu’s Cottage

Dufu's Cottage in Chengdu.
GFDL/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0

Begin your day early for an enjoyable downtown walking tour. This journey from Shangri-La will take approximately 2 hours without much delay and offers the following experiences:

  • Dufu’s Cottage: Visit the humble abode of the famous poet from the Tang Dynasty, surrounded by serene gardens. For a more extended stay, consider exploring the nearby Huan Hua Xi Park.
  • Meal at Long Chao Shou: Sample local Sichuan delicacies at this renowned restaurant close to Dufu’s Cottage for a quick yet satisfying bite.

Half-Day Itinerary 2: Wuhouci and Jinli Street

Wuhouci shrine
Sara Naumann

This half-day itinerary introduces you to the historical and cultural significance of Wuhouci:

  • Wuhouci: An enchanting shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, featuring beautiful grounds that invite leisurely strolls.
  • Jinli Street: Adjacent to Wuhouci, this lively area offers delightful shopping and dining experiences enriched by its ancient architectural charm.

Full Day Itinerary 1: Wenshu Temple – Panda Breeding Base – Sanxingdui Museum

A giant panda munching away on a bamboo breakfast
Sara Naumann

Dedicate a full day to explore significant Chengdu attractions:

  • Wenshu Temple: A vibrant Buddhist complex housing stunning statues and a teahouse to enjoy authentic refreshments.
  • The Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base: Witness giant pandas in their natural habitat, ideally during morning feeding hours.
  • Sanxingdui Museum: Explore a collection of ancient artifacts that spotlight the region’s rich archaeological history.

Full Day Itinerary 2: Qingcheng Mountain & Dujiangyan

Qingcheng Mountain outside of Chengdu
Christian Kober/Getty Images

This itinerary offers an exhilarating day trip to nature and history:

  • Qingcheng Mountain: Take in the breathtaking scenery and Daoist shrines while engaging in light to moderate trekking.
  • Lunch (or Dinner) Stop at Shou Zhang Ji: Relish a local Sichuan meal in the vicinity of Dujiangyan.
  • Dujiangyan: Experience this impressive ancient irrigation system, a testament to human ingenuity.

Sichuan Province Beyond Chengdu

Chongsheng temple in Sichuan province.
Jakkree Thampitakkull / Getty Images

Explore beyond Chengdu for a richer experience of Sichuan Province’s treasures. Noteworthy activities include:

  • Overnight trips to Mt. Emei, culminating in a visit to the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha.
  • A visit to Jiuzhaigou, a stunning nature park, easily accessible from Chengdu, ideal for an immersive experience in Tibetan culture.
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