One-Day Chengdu Itinerary Guide

Morning: Chengdu Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street

Start your day by visiting the Wuhou Shrine, one of Chengdu's most important historical sites. This shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. The Wuhou Shrine is located in the Wuhouci area, and you can reach it easily by taking Metro Line 3 and getting off at Wuhouci Station. The shrine is surrounded by tranquil gardens, with beautiful pavilions, historical monuments, and statues that transport you back to ancient times.

After exploring the shrine, walk over to Jinli Ancient Street, which is just a short stroll away. This pedestrian street is filled with traditional Sichuan architecture, local crafts, and vibrant market stalls. Jinli is the perfect place to try some delicious Sichuan street food, such as chuan chuan, dumplings, and sichuan snacks. You can also buy local souvenirs or watch traditional performances that often take place here.

Lunch: Hotpot or Sichuan Cuisine

For lunch, indulge in chengdu hotpot, a must-try dish for any visitor to the city. Chengdu is famous for its spicy, flavorful hotpot, where you can cook various meats, vegetables, and tofu in a bubbling pot of spicy broth. A popular spot for hotpot is Shu Jiu Xian, which serves delicious and authentic Chengdu-style hotpot. Alternatively, you can opt for other traditional Sichuan dishes like Kung Pao chicken, Mapo tofu, or Dan Dan noodles, all of which are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Afternoon: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

After lunch, head to The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a world-renowned conservation center for the endangered giant panda. To get there, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Didi, which will take approximately 30-40 minutes from the city center. The panda base is home to over 100 giant pandas, as well as red pandas and other endangered species.

Spend the afternoon walking through the beautiful, natural habitats, observing these adorable creatures up close. The pandas are most active in the morning and during feeding time, so be sure to check the schedule before you go. The base also has informative exhibits on panda conservation and the efforts being made to protect them.

Late Afternoon: Sichuan Museum and Kuan Zhai Alley

After spending time with the pandas, head back into the city and visit the Sichuan Museum, located about 20 minutes from the panda base by taxi. This museum is one of China’s largest and is an excellent place to learn about Sichuan’s rich cultural history. The museum features exhibits on ancient pottery, calligraphy, and historical artifacts that showcase the region’s past.

Next, take a short trip to Kuan Zhai Alley, a beautifully restored historical area filled with traditional courtyard houses, teahouses, and shops. The area is a great spot for a relaxing stroll, enjoying the architecture and the laid-back atmosphere of Chengdu.

Evening: Sichuan Opera and Chengdu’s Night Markets

In the evening, experience the cultural charm of Sichuan opera. Book tickets for the face-changing performance, a traditional art form where performers change their masks in the blink of an eye. The Shufeng Yayun Theatre in the Wuhouci area is a popular venue for this spectacular show. Watching the face-changing performance is an unforgettable cultural experience that gives you insight into Sichuan's traditional arts.

After the opera, head to Chunxi Road or Wuhouci to explore Chengdu’s bustling night markets. Here, you can shop for local handicrafts, enjoy more street food, and watch street performers. Chunxi Road is one of Chengdu’s busiest shopping streets, so it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Dinner: Traditional Sichuan Hotpot or Sichuan Cuisine

For dinner, consider another hotpot meal or try some classic Sichuan dishes. Chengdu's Hotpot restaurants are famous for their spicy broths and selection of ingredients. Alternatively, you can sample other traditional dishes such as Twice-Cooked Pork, Fish-Flavored Eggplant, or Sichuan-style Dumplings. Popular dining spots like Yipin Chuan Chuan or Chengdu’s Chunxi Road restaurants offer authentic dishes that showcase the region's signature flavors.

Night: Huanglongxi Ancient Town or Relax at a Teahouse

To conclude your day, head to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, which is about an hour's drive from downtown Chengdu. It’s a beautiful, old town known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and tranquil atmosphere. You can take a leisurely walk around the town, visit old temples, and enjoy the peace of the area.

If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, relax at one of Chengdu’s famous teahouses. Chengdu is known for its tea culture, and there are plenty of cozy, traditional teahouses where you can sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and reflect on the day’s adventures. Renmin Park or Wuhouci both have great teahouses offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

If you want to know more about Chengdu and itineraries, please contact us. Popular Tour Packages in Chengdu:

1-Day Chengdu Panda Tour

2-Day Chengdu Sanxingdui Discover Tour