2 Different Detailed Chengdu Itineraries

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in China, is known for its rich history, delicious food, and unique culture. Here are two different themed three-day itineraries for your visit to Chengdu:

Itinerary 1: Sichuan Culinary Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Chengdu’s Food Scene

• Morning:
  • Start your day with a traditional Sichuan breakfast at a local teahouse, enjoying dishes like douhua (tofu pudding) and youtiao (fried dough sticks) with soy milk.
  • Visit Jinli Ancient Street, known for its bustling food stalls and traditional snacks. Try Sichuan specialties like spicy hotpot, Sichuan-style wontons, and stinky tofu.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to Wuhou Shrine and Jinsha Site Museum to explore Chengdu’s historical and cultural heritage.
  • Lunch at a local Sichuan restaurant to savor mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and fish-flavored shredded pork.
• Evening:
  • Experience a Sichuan opera face-changing performance at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse.
  • Enjoy a late-night meal at a popular local Sichuan hotpot restaurant like Huangcheng Laoma or Baijiaoyuan, where you can customize your spice level and ingredients.

Day 2: Panda Encounter

• Morning:
  • Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see giant pandas and red pandas in a natural habitat.
  • Learn about panda conservation efforts and research at the base’s informative exhibits.
• Afternoon:
  • Have lunch at a nearby restaurant specializing in Sichuan-style dishes.
  • Explore the Sichuan Opera Museum, which showcases traditional Sichuan art forms like Sichuan opera and puppetry.
• Evening:
  • Stroll along the wide and lively Tianfu Square, and admire the beautifully lit fountains and modern architecture.
  • Enjoy a Sichuan-style barbecue dinner at a local restaurant like Fuqi Feipian.

Day 3: Sichuan Nature and Tea Culture

• Morning:
  • Take a day trip to Qingcheng Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and hike through the lush greenery and Taoist temples.
  • Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at one of the mountain’s teahouses.
• Afternoon:
  • Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse to learn about Sichuan’s tea culture and taste different varieties of tea.
• Evening:
  • Conclude your culinary adventure with a farewell dinner at a high-end Sichuan restaurant like Yu’s Family Kitchen, known for its authentic flavors and innovative dishes.

Itinerary 2: Cultural Exploration of Chengdu

Day 1: Historical Chengdu

• Morning:
  • Start your day at Kuanzhai Alley, a well-preserved ancient street with Qing Dynasty architecture. Explore the shops, teahouses, and cultural exhibits.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street for a deeper dive into Chengdu’s history and culture.
  • Enjoy a traditional Sichuan lunch at a restaurant in Jinli Ancient Street.
• Evening:
  • Attend a Sichuan opera performance at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse, where you can witness face-changing, puppetry, and other traditional arts.

Day 2: Art and Museums

• Morning:
  • Explore the Sichuan Art Museum, which houses a collection of contemporary and traditional Chinese art.
  • Visit Sichuan University’s Wangjiang Campus, known for its beautiful scenery and traditional architecture.
• Afternoon:
  • Have lunch at a local Sichuan restaurant.
  • Explore the Chengdu Contemporary Image Museum, showcasing contemporary art and photography.
• Evening:
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Jin River and enjoy the illuminated Anshun Bridge and the city’s skyline.

Day 3: Religious and Spiritual Exploration

• Morning:
  • Start your day at Wenshu Monastery, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Chengdu. Explore the temple complex, enjoy a cup of tea at the teahouse, and visit the vegetarian restaurant.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Daci Temple, another historic Buddhist temple in Chengdu, known for its architecture and cultural significance.
  • Have lunch at a local restaurant specializing in vegetarian or Buddhist cuisine.
• Evening:
  • Explore the People’s Park, where you can observe locals practicing Tai Chi and engage in conversation with friendly Chengdu residents.
  • Wrap up your cultural exploration with a Sichuan-style hotpot dinner at a restaurant like Chen Mapo Tofu to experience Chengdu’s famous cuisine.

These itineraries offer a mix of Chengdu’s cultural, culinary, and natural attractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in this vibrant and dynamic city.

Sichuan itineraries