Chengdu for first-timers: pandas, old lanes, teahouses and Sichuan hotpot

Who Chengdu suits and how many days to stay

Chengdu (成都) is the capital of Sichuan province, home to the best-known giant panda breeding base, and it moves at a slower pace than Beijing or Shanghai. It suits travellers who like food, teahouses and unhurried walking.

• 2 days: panda base, old lanes and hotpot cover the essentials.
• 3 days: add Wenshu Monastery, a teahouse afternoon and a slower pace.
• 4 to 5 days: add Leshan or Mount Emei, or both if you are not in a hurry.

Tianfu vs Shuangliu airports and the metro

Chengdu has two main airports: Tianfu (天府), which is farther from the centre, and Shuangliu (双流), which is closer in. Check which one your ticket uses before booking a hotel.

The Chengdu metro is clean and has English signage. Expect a bag check at the station entrance. You can ride with a QR code in Alipay or WeChat, or buy a ticket at the machine. App payment setup is covered in a separate guide.

For first-timers, a hotel near a metro station around Tianfu Square (天府广场) or Chunxi Road (春熙路) is convenient: several lines meet there, food is within walking distance and returning late is easy. Hotels will scan your passport at check-in, which is a normal step.

The panda base, Kuanzhai, Jinli and Wenshu Monastery

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地) is on the northern edge of the city. Go in the early morning, when the pandas are active around feeding and the crowds have not built up. Book tickets and check opening hours through the official channel.

Tips for the panda base: wear comfortable shoes, carry water and allow at least half a day to walk between several zones. Do not feed the animals or make loud noise near them, and follow the signs and staff.

• Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子): three old lanes of restaurants and souvenir shops, pleasant in the late afternoon.
• Jinli (锦里): a Three Kingdoms-style street beside the Wuhou Shrine, lit by lanterns at dusk but crowded.
• Wenshu Monastery (文殊院): a working Buddhist temple, calmer than the tourist lanes, with a teahouse and vegetarian food.

Teahouses in People's Park

Teahouse culture is part of Chengdu's charm. People's Park (人民公园) has teahouses by the lake and under the trees where locals play cards, read and chat for an entire afternoon. If you are offered extra services such as ear cleaning, confirm what is included and the price before agreeing.

Sichuan hotpot and choosing a spice level

Sichuan hotpot uses chilli and Sichuan peppercorn (花椒), which numbs the lips. If unsure, start with a split pot (鸳鸯锅) that has a mild clear broth on one side.

Day trips: Leshan and Mount Emei

The Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) is a huge statue carved into a cliff beside the river, and Mount Emei (峨眉山) is a sacred Buddhist mountain. Both can be done as day trips by high-speed train plus a bus or taxi. Book via the 12306 app and carry the same passport you booked with.

• Leshan: half a day to a full day. Go early to avoid the queue on the cliffside steps.
• Mount Emei: a large mountain. Decide which section to visit and check the weather first.

A 3-day Chengdu plan

1. 1Day 1: pandas and old lanesPanda base in the morning, a rest or Wenshu Monastery in the afternoon, Kuanzhai or Jinli at dusk.
2. 2Day 2: tea and hotpotA morning walk in People's Park and a teahouse stop, then hotpot for dinner.
3. 3Day 3: Leshan or EmeiPick one, leave early and return to Chengdu in the evening.

Staying connected and what to confirm

Foreign services such as Google, LINE, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, WhatsApp and Gmail are usually not reachable on mainland Chinese networks or hotel Wi-Fi. A travel eSIM from a non-Chinese provider usually routes data through a gateway outside the mainland, like roaming, which is why those apps usually open on it. Nobody can guarantee every app on every network, so test before relying on it, and keep your Thai SIM on for SMS and bank OTPs.

See the guides on China apps and connection options for more, and continue by high-speed rail to Chongqing, covered in the next guide.

中国eSIMのプランを見る